Vancouver Canucks Rookie Braeden Cootes Tells GM Patrik Allvin Where Hs Deserves to Play This Season
Photo credit: Bob Frid - Imagn Images.
Vancouver Canucks rookie forward Braeden Cootes is wanting to remain in the National Hockey League as a decision on his future this season looms large.
After rumors of possibly trading their first round pick ahead of June's draft, General Manager Patrik Allvin opted to hold onto it and used it to select centerman Braeden Cootes of the Western Hockey League's Seattle Thunderbirds.
Cootes made a strong impression quickly on his coaching staff and management in Vancouver from the moment he hit the ice in Rookie Camp all the way through to the end of main camp, earning himself a spot on the team's opening night roster last week.
"He's such a mature kid off and on the ice here. I think he's level-headed. I think he doesn't get too far ahead. I believe that he's preparing himself for just the next day,. I think it's more load management, matchups, I think those are things that come into the coach's decision on how to play him there. In terms of skill set and how he fits in with the group, he's been impressive up to this point," Patrik Allvin said.
Braden Cootes wanting to stick around in the NHL with Vancouver Canucks this season
The Vancouver Canucks are going to have a very difficult decision to make in the coming weeks as they need to figure out what's best for Braeden Cootes' development - keeping him in the National Hockey League or sending him back to the Western Hockey League following a nine-game trial, which could open the door for a chance to play for Canada at the World Juniors.
After Saturday's loss to the Edmonton Oilers, Cootes spoke with NHL.com's Derek Van Diest where he shared that he's not trying to stress too much about being too "perfect" out there, as he wants to play his game and hopes that'll lead to him remaining with the big club for the remainder of the season.
"It's been good, it's been a crazy couple of weeks, but I'm just trying to take it all in. I'm just trying to play my game and not worry too much about making mistakes and just go out there and play." Cootes said.
He added, "I just wanted to play up to my standard [in training camp] and my standard was good enough in their eyes. I just need to keep doing that."
He added, "I just wanted to play up to my standard [in training camp] and my standard was good enough in their eyes. I just need to keep doing that."
Head Coach Adam Foote was asked about the team's plan for Braeden Cootes after two games, telling reporters that they're going to take it day-by-day and aren't looking too far ahead in terms of where the 18-year-old could be playing later in the year.
"We're going day by day, game by game. We're not going to look ahead at when the schedule gets tough or back to backs or anything like that. We're just looking at it one game a time. He's a smart hockey player." Foote said.
In all likelihood, the Sherwood Park, Alberta native will likely be heading back to the Seattle Thunderbirds later this month as playing top line minutes and in all situations in junior hockey would be the best move for his development at this time.
But, anything can happen. Cootes could go out there starting tonight and go on a goal scoring tear, making the decision even harder for Patrik Allvin & co., but for the sake of his long-term development, the WHL is the best place for him right now.
Source: NHL/Derek Van Diest
Cootes hoping to stay in NHL as 18-year-old, Canucks 'keeping door open'
Cootes hoping to stay in NHL as 18-year-old, Canucks 'keeping door open'
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