Welcome to this edition of the 2025 WHL Prospect Pools. Throughout the 2025 off-season, we will be taking a look at current or recently graduated WHLers who have either been drafted or signed by NHL clubs. Today's organization is the Vancouver Canucks, which has two WHLers in its prospect pool.
Braeden Cootes of the Seattle Thunderbirds (Photo Credit: Brian Liesse/Seattle Thunderbirds/WHL)For the fourth straight year, the Canucks selected a WHL player in the NHL Entry Draft. In 2024, they drafted Edmonton Oil Kings defenceman Parker Alcos, while in 2025, Vancouver selected Seattle Thunderbirds forward Braeden Cootes. Overall, the Canucks have some talented WHL alumni in their organization, including Sawyer Mynio, Ty Young and Tyler Myers.
Starting with Alcos, he played a significant role on Edmonton's blue line in 2024-25. The 19-year-old recorded 13 points in 57 games while also posting 42 penalty minutes. Listed at 6'3", 181 lbs, Alcos will be continuing his WHL career next year.
As for Cootes, he stepped up in a big way for the Thunderbirds this season. The 18-year-old recorded 63 points in 60 games and was the youngest captain in the WHL. Listed at 6'0", 185 lbs, Cootes was one of the first players from the 2025 draft class to sign his entry-level contract.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
The Hockey News