The Vancouver Canucks have been reassigned 18-year-old forward Braeden Cootes to the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL after a short but encouraging NHL stint to start the season.
One of Vancouver’s best players, Cootes made the roster on opening night and played in three games, earning praise for his maturity and hockey IQ despite limited ice time. “I’m very proud of what he’s done,” head coach Adam Foote told Sportsnet 650. “It’s not his game at all. He’s a smart hockey player. We just think this is good for his development.”
The move, which coincides with Max Sasson joining the Canucks for their upcoming five-game road trip, gives Cootes the opportunity to return to a starring role in the juniors and continue to build his game.
Cootes’ journey has already become a feel-good story this season – from being coached by Jake DeBrusk in youth hockey to briefly becoming his NHL teammate. The Alberta-born forward will bring valuable experience from his first NHL games to Seattle, where the Canucks hope he continues to develop into an important part of their future.
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