Braeden Cootes, a first-round pick by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2025 NHL Draft, is focused on making an impact this season with the Seattle Thunderbirds and potentially earning a spot on Team Canada for the World Junior Championships. Cootes, who was selected 15th overall, is known for his well-rounded game and leadership skills rather than just his point totals.

Last season, Cootes served as captain of the Thunderbirds and led the team with 26 goals and 63 points. He also captained Team Canada to a gold medal at the Under-18 World Championships in Texas in May. As he looks ahead to the upcoming season, Cootes aims to help Seattle improve from last year’s eighth-place finish in the WHL Western Conference, where they lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Everett Silvertips.

"I just want to take a big step from last year. I want to grow," Cootes, 18, said. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and leadership, stating, "I believe that team success leads to individual success."

Cootes was among 36 players invited to the World Junior summer camp in Minneapolis but did not participate in the exhibition games due to an undisclosed injury. Team Canada coach Dale Hunter noted that Cootes was sidelined with "light stuff, not heavy stuff." Cootes confirmed he was "banged up at world junior camp... nothing too bad" and plans to be ready for exhibition games with the Thunderbirds later this week.

Seattle is participating in a tournament this weekend, facing the Spokane Chiefs on Friday, followed by games against the Silvertips and the Portland Winterhawks. The Thunderbirds will kick off their regular season on September 20 against the Tri-City Americans.

Cootes opted to skip Seattle's training camp to rest after a busy summer. "I just wanted to take a bit of a break," he explained. "Seattle said that I could take it off, stay home and keep training. I can probably play a pre-season game this weekend, so I’m feeling pretty good."

The Canucks signed Cootes to a three-year entry-level contract shortly after drafting him, which he views as a significant motivation. "It shows the Canucks believe in me, and I want to do everything I can to make sure that they know it was a good idea," he said. However, signing the contract means he cannot play in the NCAA, a new option for WHL players this season.

Cootes had considered NCAA options but ultimately decided to remain with the Thunderbirds. "I love it here in Seattle, with our coaches and the set-up we have. Obviously, Vancouver wanting to sign me made it even an easier decision," he said.

The Thunderbirds had a successful run in the 2022-23 season, winning the WHL title and competing in the Memorial Cup. However, they struggled last season, finishing 10th in the Western Conference. Cootes reflected on the importance of playoff experience, stating, "Just getting that experience of playing playoff hockey — of how badly you want to be in that situation — was crucial for us for learning and experience."

Looking ahead, Cootes is focused on showcasing his complete game to secure a spot on Team Canada for the World Juniors, which will take place in Minnesota starting December 26. "You need to have a good start to the season," he said. "The tournament is in December, so you need to get going quickly."