Vancouver Canucks Make Major Decision on Where First-Round Pick Braeden Cootes Will Play Next Season
Photo credit: WHL
A National Hockey League insider confirmed on Friday evening where Vancouver Canucks first round pick Braeden Cootes will play for the 2025-26 season.
When the 15th selection rolled around on Friday night, the Vancouver Canucks opted to keep the pick rather than moving it for help next season, which came as a bit of a surprise following weeks of rumors.
With their first round pick, the Vancouver Canucks selected Braeden Cootes, a centerman from the Western Hockey League's Seattle Thunderbirds, who is a solid addition to the team's prospect pool and someone who could have an impact on the NHL roster in the next three years.
"Welcome to the Vancouver #Canucks, BRAEDEN COOTES!" the Canucks said on X.
Insider confirms where Braeden Cootes will play for the 2025-26 season
Braeden Cootes, like many other players across the Canadian Hockey League, will have offers to go play college hockey in the United States, thanks to a new deal with the NCAA which creates an intriguing opportunity for them that includes possible NIL money.
While there's no question there were NCAA schools that were targeting Braeden Cootes this summer with the hope he could suit up south of the border this fall, it looks like the Canucks prospect will be remaining in the Western Hockey League.
According to Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali, Braeden Cootes will be staying with the Western Hockey League's Seattle Thunderbirds for the 2025-26 campaign.
"Cootes will play in Seattle next year, will not be heading to the NCAA." Dhaliwal said on X.
Cootes, a native of Sherwood Park, British Columbia, appeared in 60 games this past season with the Thunderbirds where he put up 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists), 18 penalty minutes and was a plus-five.
Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin was very happy that Braeden Cootes was still on the board when it came time to announce the 15th overall pick last night.
"Very excited to have you here in Vancouver. We followed you here the whole year, your character, your ability to drive plays, compete, and your consistency and playing as a right-shot center. We believe there is a lot of upside with you here." Allvin said."
Next up for Braeden Cootes will be the Vancouver Canucks' Development Camp, which is set for next week, with dates and the entire roster still to be announced.
Previously on CanucksDaily
| POLL | ||
JUIN 28 | 1636 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Make Major Decision on Where First-Round Pick Braeden Cootes Will Play Next Season Do you think the WHL is the best spot for Braeden Cootes next season? | ||
| Yes | 1318 | 80.6 % |
| No, should've chosen the NCAA | 318 | 19.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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