Braeden Cootes, the Vancouver Canucks' first-round pick from the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, has turned heads during training camp and preseason. His hockey sense, smarts, and confidence are apparent, highlighted by his first preseason goal against the Seattle Kraken. While some believe he's ready for the NHL, keeping him on the Canucks' roster permanently right away could be a mistake for both the player and the organization.

Cootes possesses the potential to become a great NHL player, possibly a second-line player within a couple of seasons. However, now might not be the right time for him to be in the NHL.

If Cootes makes the Canucks' roster immediately, he would likely be a third-line center, given the presence of Elias Pettersson and Filip Chytil. While not a bad spot, returning to the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League (WHL) could be more beneficial. In the WHL, Cootes can further refine his skills among his peers, potentially returning to Canucks camp next season even more prepared. Keeping him on the NHL roster as a third-line center might limit his development and prevent him from showcasing his full potential, which led to him being drafted 15th overall. Sending him back to the Thunderbirds would allow him to dominate the WHL and potentially shine at the World Juniors, enabling him to demonstrate his progress at the next training camp.

Several factors will determine if Cootes earns a spot on the opening night roster, including whether he gives the Canucks the best chance to start the 2025-26 season strong and if he is better than other players competing for a roster spot. Although it might be tempting to keep Cootes in the NHL all season, he will likely be assigned to the Seattle Thunderbirds after playing nine games with the Canucks.

There are examples of rookies who have played well enough in training camp to earn a spot on an NHL roster. Fraser Minten played four games for the Toronto Maple Leafs at the beginning of the 2023-24 season before being assigned to the Kamloops Blazers. Last year, Jett Luchanko also played four games. Playing Cootes in the NHL could be a form of positive reinforcement, rewarding him for his performance during training camp and the preseason.

Cootes is focused on improving every day and not dwelling on roster decisions. He aims to play his game comfortably, just as he did in Seattle, which led to his drafting by the Canucks.

With Nils Hoglander's ankle sprain potentially sidelining him for a few weeks, a roster spot might open up for Cootes. He has impressed with his stick work and decision-making. Veteran Evander Kane noted Cootes' determination to make the team. Coach Adam Foote praised Cootes' smarts. If Cootes makes the team straight out of training camp, he would be the first Canuck draftee to do so since Petr Nedved in 1990.