Welcome to The Hockey News Vancouver Canucks site’s 2026–27 player preview article series. This series will outline the expectations for every player projected to play for Vancouver during the 2026–27 season. Today’s player is Canucks forward Braeden Cootes.
Cootes’ 2025-2026 Season
After a strong training camp and pre-season, Cootes was named to Vancouver’s opening night roster. The 2025 first-round pick played in three games before being assigned back to the WHL. Cootes was not only noticeable on the ice, but his maturity left a mark with both the fan base and his teammates.
Advertisement
As for the WHL, Cootes split the year between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Prince Albert Raiders. During the regular season, he scored 28 goals while recording 64 points in 45 games. Cootes was also named the WHL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player and played on Team Canada’s 2026 World Juniors team.
After the regular season was complete, Cootes was virtually unstoppable during the playoffs. He recorded 23 points in 20 games and helped the Raiders qualify for the WHL Final. During the post-season, Cootes also won 52.3% of his 277 faceoffs while ranking tied for the league lead with 11 power play points.
Cootes’ 2025-26 Letter Grade
For his efforts in the 2025–26 season, The Hockey News’ Canucks site gave Cootes an A- grade. He not only impressed in the WHL but also stood out during his short time with the NHL team. Cootes’ experience last year should help him adjust to becoming a full-time pro in 2026-27.
Advertisement
Cootes’ 2026-27 Predictions
How Vancouver manages Cootes this season will be intriguing. While he can return to the WHL, the most likely option is that he spends the campaign being shuttled between the AHL and the NHL. There is even a chance that Cootes could be called up just to practice for a few days if the Abbotsford Canucks schedule allows it.
Overall, Cootes should get some NHL games this year. He could even earn a full-time spot late in the season if the Canucks make some moves and have open spots after the trade deadline. At this stage of his development, Cootes needs regular minutes against tougher competition to show that he is ready for the jump to the NHL.
Bold Prediction: Cootes finishes the year with a faceoff win percentage over 50% at the NHL level.
Oct 9, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Braeden Cootes (80) skates against the Calgary Flames in the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
Canucks 2026–27 Player Previews:
Linus Karlsson
Advertisement
Nikita Tolopilo
Victor Mancini
Kevin Lankinen
Filip Chytil
Thatcher Demko
Jonathan Lekkerimäki
Elias Pettersson (D)
Marco Rossi
Max Sasson
Jamie Oleksiak
Drew O’Connor
Luke Schenn
Paul Cotter
Brendan Gallagher
Liam Öhgren
Tom Willander
Jake DeBrusk
Zeev Buium
Brock Boeser
Filip Hronek
Elias Pettersson
Make sure you bookmark THN’s Vancouver Canucks site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, don’t forget to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
Advertisement
Latest From THN’s Vancouver Canucks Site:
The Hockey News’ Latest Yearbook & Fantasy Guide Provides Insight Into The 2026-27 Vancouver Canucks
Vancouver Canucks 2026–27 Player Preview: Linus Karlsson
Former Vancouver Canucks Around The World: AHL Western Conference
For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
Read the full article here