VANCOUVER, BC – The ink is officially dry. The Vancouver Canucks have taken a significant step in securing their future by signing forward Braeden Cootes, their 15th overall selection in the recent NHL Entry Draft, to a standard three-year, entry-level contract.
At just 18 years old, Cootes represents the blend of immediate potential and long-term investment that teams covet from their top draft picks. His signing follows a productive three-season tenure with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League (WHL), culminating in an impressive 2024-25 campaign.
Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin offered insight into the decision, highlighting Cootes` performance beyond the draft floor. “Braeden showed really well at our development camp, and we are happy to get him under contract,” Allvin stated. Development camps, while often seen as a first taste of the pro environment, are crucial evaluation periods, and it appears Cootes made the most of his opportunity. Allvin specifically noted the young forward`s “compete level and desire to be one of the best players on the ice at UBC was apparent from the very first day.”
This emphasis on intangible qualities continued, with Allvin adding, “We liked his hard work and attention to detail, and we look forward to helping him improve as a hockey player.” It`s the kind of praise that suggests Cootes possesses not just talent, but the necessary mindset to navigate the challenging path from prospect to professional.
Cootes` final season in Seattle painted a clear picture of his offensive growth and leadership. He led the Thunderbirds with 37 assists and 63 points over 60 games, while also tying for second on the team with 26 goals. His +5 rating indicated responsible defensive play, and a modest 18 penalty minutes suggested a disciplined approach to the game.
Across his 131-game WHL career, all spent with Seattle, Cootes accumulated 40 goals and 59 assists for 99 total points. His importance to the Thunderbirds organization grew significantly, culminating in his being named co-captain in November 2024 before taking on the full captaincy role in January 2025 – a testament to his leadership qualities on and off the ice.
Beyond his major junior accomplishments, the Sherwood Park, Alberta native has a decorated international resume. He`s represented Canada multiple times, including participation in the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Notably, he was a gold medalist at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and, perhaps most impressively, captained Canada to a gold medal at the 2025 U18 World Championships. Leading your country to victory is a significant feather in any young player`s cap.
Signing an entry-level contract is a formal welcome to the professional ranks, signifying that a player is now officially part of the NHL club`s system and development plan. While it doesn`t guarantee immediate NHL playing time – Cootes will likely require further seasoning, perhaps back in junior or with the AHL`s Abbotsford Canucks – it secures his rights and opens the door for the organization to guide his progress directly. For Cootes, it`s the next critical step in his journey towards potentially donning the Canucks jersey in the National Hockey League.