Braeden Cootes: A Rising Star in the NHL
Braeden Cootes, the Vancouver Canucks’ 15th overall pick in the recent 2025 NHL Draft, is distinguished by his exceptional hockey abilities, particularly on the ice where he leads the Seattle Thunderbirds as captain. Many regard him not only for his prowess but also for his leadership capabilities. In fact, comparisons to former Canucks captain Bo Horvat highlight his character and versatility in two-way play, qualities that are deemed crucial for any player aspiring to excel in the NHL.
Passion for Improvement
During a recent development camp, Cootes expressed his passion for honing his shooting skills.
“I love to shoot pucks,”
he remarked, emphasizing the joy he finds in practicing this aspect of his game. He has access to a top-notch shooting facility in his home gym in Edmonton, which facilitates his dedication to this essential skill.
Inspiration and Training
Cootes draws significant inspiration from Brayden Point of the Tampa Bay Lightning, a player who has consistently achieved impressive scoring feats, notably netting over 40 goals in three consecutive seasons, including an outstanding 51-goal performance during the 2022–23 season. However, Cootes doesn’t limit his inspirations to a single player; he trains alongside a number of other emerging NHL talents, such as Olen Zellweger of the Anaheim Ducks, Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens, and Colton Dach and Kaiden Guhle, also from Montreal.
Part of Cootes’ development strategy involves observing these players closely. He noted,
“There’s a lot of good players that I can learn from and watch them.”
His efforts paid off during the previous season, where he had a breakout performance, amassing 26 goals and 37 assists in 60 games, showcasing his offensive capabilities.
Skills Development and Strategy
During the Canucks’ development camp, Cootes demonstrated his skills by scoring during a scrimmage, further increasing excitement among fans about his potential impact. He acknowledged that developing a diverse skill set is crucial as he gears up for the next level, stating,
“I’m trying to learn different things, new things, to score more.”
He mentioned that video analysis and understanding shooting deception are critical strategies in his training.
Cootes also pays attention to situational trends in goaltending—such as the challenges of shooting high against larger goalies like Connor Hellebuyck, who stands at six-foot-four. He explained that successful scoring often involves deceiving goalies and adapting to current shooting trends, such as targeting the low glove side or far side of the net, strategies that he is keen to master as he continues his journey toward NHL play.
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