The Vancouver Canucks have reassigned forward Braeden Cootes to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The decision, announced Tuesday by Canucks Head Coach Adam Foote, comes after Cootes made the opening night roster and played in the team's first three games of the 2025-26 season.
Cootes, drafted 15th overall by the Canucks in the 2025 NHL Draft, signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the team in July. The Sherwood Park, Alberta native impressed during training camp, earning a spot on the Canucks' opening night roster – a feat not achieved by an 18-year-old in Vancouver since Petr Nedved in 1990.
In his first stint with the Canucks, Cootes averaged 10:47 of ice time. While he didn't register any points or shots on goal, he contributed three hits. He also had a Corsi Against of 41 and a Corsi For Percentage of 33.9%. Cootes was a minus-1 in two of the three games he played. His NHL debut came on October 9, 2025, in a 5-1 victory over the Calgary Flames.
Prior to joining the Canucks, Cootes had a successful season with the Seattle Thunderbirds, where he served as captain. In 60 games, he scored 26 goals and 37 assists for 63 points, all career highs. He added another eight points in the T-Birds' first-round series against the Everett Silvertips. Over three seasons in the WHL, Cootes has accumulated 46 goals and 65 assists for 107 points in 137 games.
The Canucks can keep Cootes in the NHL for up to nine games without triggering the first year of his entry-level contract. By reassigning him before he reached that mark, the Canucks ensure that his development continues in the WHL without burning a year of his ELC. This move allows Cootes to further refine his skills and gain more experience before potentially returning to the Canucks in the future.
Cootes also has a history of success on the international stage. He captained Team Canada to a gold medal at the U18 World Championship in 2025, where he scored six goals and 12 points in seven games. He also won gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Vancouver's decision to reassign Cootes suggests a long-term development plan for the young forward. By allowing him to return to a leadership role with the Seattle Thunderbirds, the Canucks hope to see Cootes continue to grow and mature as a player. This move reflects the Canucks' commitment to nurturing their top prospects and ensuring they are well-prepared for the rigors of the NHL.
In a corresponding move, the Canucks are recalling forward Max Sasson from the Abbotsford Canucks of the AHL. The Canucks, currently with a 1-2-0 record, are preparing for a five-game road trip, starting with a game against the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.
