With the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks selected Braeden Cootes, a center from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The selection of Cootes has been met with considerable excitement, with many believing he was the perfect choice for the Canucks at that spot.
Cootes, an 18-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alberta, is known for his strong two-way game, relentless work ethic, and leadership qualities. He captained the Thunderbirds and also served as captain for Team Canada at the U18 World Championships. Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin emphasized the importance of Cootes's leadership skills. Allvin noted that Cootes leads by example both on and off the ice. His leadership was evident during a tough season for the Thunderbirds, where he helped lead them to a playoff appearance.
In 60 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Cootes tallied 26 goals and 37 assists for 63 points. He also added 8 points in 6 playoff games. At the U18 World Championships, Cootes led Canada with 6 goals and 12 points in 7 games, helping them win a gold medal. He was also named one of Canada's Top Three Players at the tournament.
Scouts describe Cootes as a versatile player with a high hockey IQ. He is responsible in all three zones and brings a relentless forecheck that wears down opponents. While not the biggest player at 6'0" and 185 pounds, Cootes plays with an edge and is not afraid to go to the dirty areas around the net. He is also a solid playmaker, able to find teammates in open space.
Cootes's playing style has drawn comparisons to Brayden Point, a star center for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Like Point, Cootes is a smart, skilled player who excels in all areas of the ice. He is also a winner, having captained his teams to success at both the junior and international levels.
While Cootes may not possess elite offensive skills, his competitiveness and two-way ability make him a valuable prospect. He is the type of player who can contribute in all situations and is always willing to put in the work. Although his offensive ceiling might be around 70 points in the NHL, his all-around game and character make him a safe pick for the Canucks.
The Canucks have been high on Cootes for some time, with reports indicating they took him out for dinner at the NHL Combine in Buffalo. His selection at 15th overall reflects the team's belief in his potential to become a key player in their organization.
General Manager Patrik Allvin said, “We are so pleased to bring in a player of this quality and character into our organization. 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."
Cootes himself is excited to join the Canucks organization, noting that he spent a year living in Vancouver in the past and hopes to call it home for a long time.
Besides Cootes, the Canucks also drafted five other players: Aleksei Medvedev (47th overall), Kieren Dervin (65th overall), Wilson Björck (143rd overall), Gabriel Chiarot (175th overall), and Matthew Lansing (207th overall).
