With the 15th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the Vancouver Canucks have selected center Braeden Cootes from the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The draft is being held at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, California.
Cootes, an 18-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alberta, led the Thunderbirds in scoring with 26 goals and 37 assists for 63 points in 60 games during the 2024-25 season. He also captained Team Canada at the U-18 World Championship, where he led the team with 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 7 games, helping them win a gold medal.
Scouting Report
Cootes is known as a versatile, two-way center with a high motor and strong work ethic. He is a responsible player in all three zones, with a pest-like forecheck that wears down opponents. He is also a strong skater with good-enough skill and an aggressive style of play. Cootes' leadership qualities are evident, as he captained both the Thunderbirds and Team Canada.
Several scouting reports highlight Cootes' key attributes:
While Cootes may not have elite offensive upside, he is projected to be a reliable NHL player with the potential to contribute 15-20 goals and 40-50 points annually. Some scouts believe his offensive skills are underrated, noting his ability to create offense in tight spaces and his deceptive wrist shot.
Comparisons
Some have drawn comparisons between Cootes and former Canucks forward Bo Horvat, suggesting that Cootes' aggressive two-way play and high-character will quickly endear him to fans. Others have compared him to Brayden Schenn, noting his competitiveness, high hockey IQ, and ability to play in all situations. Some scouting reports compare Cootes to Brendan Gallagher and Zach Hyman.
Canucks' Needs
The Canucks' selection of Cootes addresses their need for help at center, as Aatu Räty is currently their only U23 center prospect. Cootes' two-way ability and leadership qualities also align with what the Canucks' management group values in a prospect.
Draft Day
The first round of the NHL Draft saw Matthew Schaefer go to the New York Islanders with the first overall pick. Michael Misa was selected second by the San Jose Sharks, and Anton Frondell went third to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Canucks entered the draft with six picks across seven rounds, having traded away their fourth-round pick to acquire Evander Kane. Other Canucks' draft picks include: 2nd Round, 47th Overall; 3rd Round, 65th Overall (acquired from San Jose); 5th round, 144th overall; 6th Round, 175th Overall; 7th Round, 207th Overall.
