It’s widely known that the Vancouver Canucks aim to strengthen their offensive presence at the center position this off-season. While their plans for free agency remain to be seen, they demonstrated this focus by selecting center Braeden Cootes 15th overall on Friday night.
Certainly, Cootes, who currently plays for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL (located just 230 km south of Vancouver), will need time to develop his skills before he`s ready to join the professional ranks. Nevertheless, his addition to the organization`s prospect pool is undeniably promising.
In a draft class rich with elite talent at the top, Cootes` offensive capabilities, while impressive (he led his team with 63 points in 60 games last season), only tell part of the story. His relentless energy, aggressive puck pursuit, and physical play across all facets of the game provide him with an elite edge. Furthermore, his leadership qualities make him an indispensable prospect for a team undergoing transition. These same attributes are precisely what will make Canucks fans excited to see him wear the Vancouver jersey in the future, perhaps even with a letter indicating leadership.
Here is what you need to know about the Canucks’ top selection in the 2025 Draft.
Duncan Priestley