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Vancouver Canucks' teenaged rookie Cootes drawing big praise from teammates

Trevor Beggs
Trevor Beggs
|
Sep 27 2025, 5:50 am
Vancouver Canucks' teenaged rookie Cootes drawing big praise from teammates
Bob Frid/Imagn Images

It’s not often that 18-year-old kids make an NHL team, especially when they’re drafted outside of the top 10.

Braeden Cootes is aiming to be the exception.

The 15th overall pick of the 2025 NHL Draft has been a standout for the Canucks since the puck dropped in training camp.

He picked up an assist during his first preseason game Sunday in Seattle. Then, on Friday night, he picked up his first NHL preseason goal at Rogers Arena.

It wasn’t the prettiest goal, but Cootes battled hard in front before the puck ricocheted off his leg and in.

“In this league, that’s where a lot of goals are scored,” Cootes told the media post-game. “It’s such a tough league to score goals, and the goalies are so good.”

“When I was like, ‘Oh, that’s pretty lucky goal,’ [Brock Boeser] was telling me, ‘that’s where you score goals.'”

Boeser would know a thing or two about that after scoring 17 of his 25 goals last season from high danger, net front areas on the ice. Heck, Jake DeBrusk’s game-winning goal during the Canucks’ 4-2 preseason win over the Seattle Kraken occurred right in the blue paint.

Aside from the goal, it was another strong night from Cootes. Playing on a line with Evander Kane and Jonathan Lekkerimäki, the youngster showcased some two-way skills with a couple of nice outlet passes.

Cootes finished the night third on the team with an expected goals-for of 82.7 per cent, trailing only Teddy Blueger and Kiefer Sherwood.

“I mean, 18… the kid is a stud,” Sherwood said following the win.

“He’s already composed, playing the right way, and he’s got some grit to his game. It’s gonna be exciting to see him continue to put in the work.”

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin tempered expectations earlier this week when he said that the Canucks would be evaluating the young players, like Cootes, day by day.

No team would be wise to force-feed an 18-year-old time in the NHL if they didn’t deserve it, but Cootes has proven that he’s worthy of consideration for a roster spot.

“His brain, it’s there,” head coach Adam Foote said post-game.

“We’re going to take it day by day with him. He had another good game, so he’ll probably play another one.”

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