The Vancouver Canucks are facing a potential setback as their 2025 first-round draft pick, Braeden Cootes, may miss the start of training camp. The promising forward, selected 15th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, left a prospects game against the Seattle Kraken in Everett on Saturday night due to precautionary reasons and did not return to play for the third period.
Following the game, prospects coach Manny Malhotra confirmed that Cootes was removed from the ice as a “precautionary” measure. Malhotra added that the team plans to “reevaluate him and see how he feels tomorrow,” indicating the team`s cautious approach to his condition.
Cootes, a native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, previously signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Canucks on July 3. He has spent three seasons developing with the WHL`s Seattle Thunderbirds, where he distinguished himself by serving as captain in his most recent year. During the 2024-25 season, Cootes impressively recorded 63 points, including 26 goals and 37 assists, across 60 regular-season games. He further contributed eight points in six playoff matches, showcasing his offensive capabilities.