Vancouver Canucks Top Prospect Braeden Cootes Reportedly in the Mix For Major International Opportunity

The Vancouver Canucks hit a home run in the first round of the 2025 National Hockey League Entry Draft when Patrik Allvin used the team's 15th overall selection to take centerman Braeden Cootes from the Western Hockey League's Seattle Thunderbirds.

Cootes impressed Vancouver Canucks management throughout rookie camp and their main training camp, ultimately landing a spot on their opening night roster in early October.

The 18-year-old would go on to suit up in three games for the Canucks, going point-less, before Patrik Allvin & co. decided to send him back to the Seattle Thunderbirds for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, setting him up for an major opportunity on the international stage.

According to Steve Ewen of The Province, Alan Millar, who is serving as General Manager for Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, was recently scouting Vancouver Canucks top prospect Braeden Cootes, signalling that he's a possibility for their camp roster ahead of next month's tournament.

Cootes, a native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, has represented his nation twice, most recently at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship where he captained Canada to a gold medal and registering 12 points in seven games.

The Canucks first rounder is off to a hot start back in the Western Hockey League, with 15 points in just nine games and thanks to that, Hockey Canada is keeping a close eye on him ahead of their selection camp roster announcement, which is expected to come at some point in early December.

Canada, who is coming off back-to-back quarterfinal exits at the World Juniors, will open up this year's tournament on Boxing Day against Czechia at 5:30 p.m. PT on TSN.

Source: The Province/Steve Ewen.
Canucks prospects: Braeden Cootes getting a long look from Team Canada