NHL News: Canucks Make Big Decision With Braeden Cootes

The Vancouver Canucks have made a big decision with top prospect Braeden Cootes, as the Pacific Division club has reassigned him to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL).

General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that F Braeden Cootes has been assigned to the Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL).
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 14, 2025

Cootes made the Canucks' opening night roster after impressing during the preseason. The Sherwood Park, Alberta native then played in three games with the Canucks this season after making their opening night roster, where he recorded zero points, one block, three hits, and a minus-2 rating.

Now, after being sent back to the WHL, Cootes will now get the opportunity to develop his game in a significant role with the Thunderbirds. While the youngster would certainly have loved to stay put on the Canucks' roster, there is no harm in him getting more experience at the WHL level.

The Canucks selected Cootes with the 15th overall pick of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, and he is now one of their best prospects. The potential for the 5-foot-11 forward to become a big part of the Canucks' roster later down the road is certainly there.

In 60 games this past season with the Thunderbirds, Cootes recorded 26 goals, 37 assists, 63 points, and a plus-5 rating. He also posted two goals and eight points in six playoff games last spring for the Thunderbirds. Now, it will be intriguing to see what kind of year Cootes put together for the Thunderbirds in 2025-26 from here.