The Vancouver Canucks have signed Braeden Cootes to a three-year, entry-level contract. The Seattle Thunderbirds center was drafted by Vancouver 15th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Cootes is the third WHLer from this year's draft to sign his ELC, joining Ben Kindel and Lynden Lakovic. 

During the 2024-25 season, Cootes set a new career high with 63 points in 60 games. He was the youngest captain in the WHL, and wore the "C" for Canada at the 2025 U18s. Cootes also participated in the 2024 CHL/USA Prospects Challenge and was on Canada's 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup team. 

Unless Cootes makes the Canucks NHL roster, he will return to the WHL next season. The Thunderbirds will not have to worry about their captain potentially leaving for the league, as signing an ELC makes Cootes ineligible for the NCAA. If Cootes has a strong start to the season, he could be a name to watch for Canada's 2026 World Juniors team.  

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