What the Vancouver Canucks are getting in Braeden Cootes

But now an official member of the organization’s depth chart, we’re confident that you have one crucial question: what are we getting here?

If you’ve heard the term “Swiss-Army knife”, Cootes matches that description to a tee. While he may not deliver elite-level offensive talents, he brings it all to each shift and offers a game that fans can truly resonate with.

Tabbed as a tenacious two-way centre, he brings a relentless work ethic, leadership, and a versatile skill set that aligns well with many of the team’s desperate needs.

“We are so pleased to bring in a player of this quality and character into our organization,” said Patrik Allvin in the team’s press release. “Braeden is a strong competitor and has proven to be a good leader as well in the Western Hockey League. He profiles as a solid playmaker and has a good motor, and we really like the way Braeden leaves it all on the ice. Our group is really excited to see him continue to develop in the years to come.”

A gritty leader

He may not carry the most tantalizing and gaudy point totals, but that doesn’t tell the whole story with Cootes. What he brings to the game doesn’t grow on trees, and his impact on the ice is undeniable, extending to all three zones.

At 6-foot and 185 pounds, this right-shot centre combines a high-energy approach with a mature, team-first mentality. As the youngest captain in the WHL during the 2024-25 season, Cootes led a rebuilding Seattle Thunderbirds squad through a challenging campaign.

That leadership bled onto the International stage, where he donned the “C” for Team Canada at the most recent U18 World Championship. There, he led the team to a Gold Medal and finished tops with 12 points in seven games. That’s over fellow first-round draftees such as Brady Martin, Cole Reschny, Benjamin Kindel, and Jack Nesbitt. He also claimed the tournament’s top face-off percentage, winning 71.79% of his draws throughout the tournament.

Cootes is a prototypical “hate to play him, love to have him” type player. Defined by a never-stop motor, he treats every shift like it is his last and disrupts opponents with an incredible forecheck and continuous battle on the ice.

He hounds puck-carriers, disrupts breakouts, and wins battles in the corners, often emerging with possession through sheer determination. The way that he plays, you’d never imagine that he only compiled 34 penalty minutes through 124 WHL games over the last two seasons.

In 2024-25, he led Seattle with 63 points (26 goals, 37 assists) in 60 games, an impressive total on a struggling team. He added eight points in six playoff games.

While he’s not a particularly elite skill-driven player, he contributes on the scoresheet by outworking his opponents. Hounding puck carries, battling in the corners and on boards, digging for rebounds and getting into the paint.

That said, he brings a good playmaking game and finds opponents with quick reads after he wins the 50/50 puck battle from the dirty area. While he’s no sniper, he can find the back of the net as well.

His hands and zone entries aren’t bad, either.

His two-way game is where he’ll truly earn his paycheck, though.

He’s often the first man back, playing a responsible and effective centre game. Whether it’s a crucial defensive-end faceoff, penalty kill or last minute of the game, he feels like a prospect who will continuously step up to the plate.

Areas in need of work

Of course, we’re talking about a two-way, 15th overall pick. There’s still work to be done.

While his 6-foot frame is not small, per se, adding muscle to his frame would be a massive benefit to his game. While his physical game and strength against his peers stand out, the jump to the professional ranks can always put youngsters in their place.

While he shows flashes of skill, which show up in the form of highlight reel moments, his offensive game isn’t likely to be his go-to calling card once he hits the big leagues. His offensive contributions may cap in and around the 70-point plateau.

Finally, Cootes’ skating, although agile, is also a work in progress. While he moves with hustle and shows bursts of agility, his top-end speed and edgework need refinement to compete at the NHL level.

With ample time to grow, those are all small areas which the development staff will work with immediately.

A perfect fit for Vancouver’s system

The Canucks’ decision to draft Cootes hits several areas on the head.

Whether it’s his never-quit attitude, his two-way maturity, or the simple fact that he’s a right-shot centre, it’s a profile that the Canucks’ system was in desperate need.

Under new head coach Adam Foote, Vancouver will likely play an aggressive game that demands relentless forechecking and defensive responsibility, and Cootes brings those in spades.

If you’re looking for a comparable, a former Canucks captain comes to mind.

Like Bo Horvat, Cootes leaves everything on the ice and plays with a strong two-way passion. We could envision him following a similar path, starting as a third-line energy center with penalty kill duties and growing into a second-line role if his offensive game blossoms.

And like Horvat, there is a reasonable assumption that he could wear a letter one day.

The Road Ahead

Again, this is a 15th overall pick who is still likely two to three years out from being in NHL conversations.

His immediate focus will be on adding to his offensive ability while adding strength, which is crucial for translating his physical style to the professional level.

For Canucks fans, Cootes represents a safe yet exciting pick. He carries a very safe floor (third-line centre) and is likely guaranteed to play NHL games.