The future looks bright down the middle for the Vancouver Canucks.
On Friday, June 27, the franchise selected centre Braeden Cootes with its first round selection in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft (15th overall).
The 18-year-old is coming off a breakthrough season with the WHL's Seattle Thunderbirds in which he scored 26 goals and added 37 assists in 60 games.
“We are so pleased to bring in a player of this quality and character into our organization,” said Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin in a press release. “Braeden is a strong competitor and has proven to be a good leader as well in the Western Hockey League. He profiles as a solid playmaker and has a good motor, and we really like the way Braeden leaves it all on the ice. Our group is really excited to see him continue to develop in the years to come.”
Cootes is also coming off captaining Canada to a gold medal at the 2025 Under 18 World Championships.
The NHL Entry Draft continues on Saturday with the Canucks picking 47th, 65th, 143rd, 175th, and 207th.
