Canucks first-rounder Cootes gets new contract after impressing management in Vancouver
The Vancouver Canucks have wasted no time putting pen to paper with their first-round draft pick.
Braeden Cootes, who the Canucks drafted 15th overall last month, has signed a three-year entry-level contract, the team announced on Wednesday. It appears the youngster impressed Canucks management at development camp last week.
“Braeden showed really well at our development camp, and we are happy to get him under contract,” said Canucks GM 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.”
It would be a major surprise if Cootes cracked the Canucks’ lineup next season, even though they’re desperate for the type of centre he’s projected to become. The 18-year-old native of Sherwood Park, Alta. is expected to return to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL next season.
We should see Cootes in Canucks colours for training camp, which is set for Penticton Sept. 18 to 21. There’s also a good chance he’ll appear in preseason games with Vancouver.
Cootes’ contract, which includes $500,000 in A-level bonuses per CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal, will kick in whenever Cootes turns pro. The maximum salary for an entry-level player is $975,000.
Named captain of his junior team at age 17, Cootes scored 63 points in 60 games last season. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound centre also added 12 points (6-6-12) in seven games with Team Canada at the U18 World Championship, where he also served as captain.
Canucks preseason schedule
- Sept. 21: Vancouver Canucks @ Seattle Kraken
- Sept. 24: Vancouver Canucks vs. Calgary Flames (played in Abbotsford)
- Sept. 26: Vancouver Canucks vs. Seattle Kraken
- Sept. 28: Vancouver Canucks @ Edmonton Oilers
- Oct. 1: Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames
- Oct. 3: Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers