The Vancouver Canucks have officially signed forward Braeden Cootes to a standard three-year, entry-level contract.
Cootes, 18, was the Canucks` first-round selection (15th overall) in the recent NHL Entry Draft. He concluded his third season playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the Western Hockey League during the 2024-25 campaign.
“Braeden showed really well at our development camp, and we are happy to get him under contract,” said Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin. “His compete level and desire to be one of the best players on the ice at UBC was apparent from the very first day. We liked his hard work and attention to detail, and we look forward to helping him improve as a hockey player.”
In 60 games during the past season, Cootes recorded 26 goals and 37 assists for a total of 63 points. He also registered 18 penalty minutes and a +5 rating. He finished as the Thunderbirds` leader in both assists and points, and tied for second in goals during the regular season.
The 5-foot-11, 183-pound center has appeared in 131 career WHL games, all for Seattle. His major junior career totals include 40 goals and 59 assists.
Cootes served as Seattle`s co-captain beginning Nov. 22, 2024, before taking over the sole captaincy of the Thunderbirds on Jan. 4.
A native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Cootes has represented Canada internationally several times, participating in the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, winning gold at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and serving as captain while earning gold at the 2025 U18 world championships.
