Vancouver Canucks

Braeden Cootes’ Junior Trade Pays Off Big for the Canucks

Can a junior trade shape an NHL prospect? See how Braeden Cootes is thriving with Prince Albert after leaving Seattle midseason.

by
Old Prof
January 8, 2026

When you hear “trade,” you usually think NHL-level moves that include big names, big contracts, and playoff implications. But sometimes, a trade in junior hockey can do just as much for a player’s growth. That’s exactly what Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes is experiencing right now.

From Seattle to Prince Albert

Cootes led the Thunderbirds through the first half of the season, scoring 63 points and keeping the team moving. Seattle struggled, and he didn’t always get the high-pressure situations that truly test a player and help him grow.

Then came the move to Prince Albert. From a struggling team to a top contender, Cootes is now in a system that wins and playing alongside guys who push him every shift. It’s a chance to play in meaningful games week after week — something that can’t always be replicated at the NHL level for an 18-year-old.

Braeden Cootes Canucks — Braeden Cootes is a solid Vancouver Canucks prospect.

Cootes Is Gaining Confidence and Learning on the Fly

The timing of the trade couldn’t have been better. Cootes came back from World Juniors with a bronze medal and a confidence boost, ready to take on a team that expects big things from him. It’s a different kind of lesson than just practicing or playing alongside older NHLers. Cootes is learning to win consistently, fit into a stacked lineup, and stay sharp. Those lessons stick — and they stick fast.

For the Canucks, the trade isn’t just a minor roster move in the WHL — it’s about watching a top prospect develop in real-time. How Cootes adapts, grows into his role, and navigates the jump from a struggling team to a contender could say a lot about his readiness for the NHL.

Cootes Has Learned that Growth Toward the NHL Can Come in Different Ways

Sometimes growth isn’t about stats or draft position. It’s about environment, opportunity, and timing. And for Braeden Cootes, this junior trade might be a great move. It gives Vancouver the kind of player they hope will make an impact for years to come.