Braeden Cootes arrived at Vancouver Canucks Development Camp another year older and another year wiser.

One of the “veterans” at camp in Abbotsford, the 19-year-old was quick to clarify that he’s “still a younger guy”, a laugh for both him and the local media. But it’s clear he has the mentality of a much more experienced player, and has already grown a lot since the Canucks drafted him 15th overall in 2025.

“Being a second year, you’re a lot more comfortable here and knowing everyone, and obviously getting to know all the staff and stuff,” Cootes told the media. “It’s a lot easier this year than coming straight from the draft, and a million things are going through your head.”

The Sherwood Park, Alberta native feels like he’s improved over the past season, especially thanks to his limited but valuable experience with the Canucks at the beginning of last season. Cootes made the opening night roster out of camp, playing in three games before returning to the WHL. But that time in the NHL was vital for his progression.

“I think just in all areas, just more mature in my game, a little faster, a little stronger,” Cootes said before talking about his time with the Canucks. “Getting that experience with the guys last year playing those three games, [it] might just be three games, but it’s more the mental side of things that you gain from it.”

Cootes’ consistency shone through in 2025-26, matching his 63 points from the previous year despite splitting his year between two teams and playing 15 fewer games. With the Seattle Thunderbirds well out of the playoff conversation, Cootes was dealt to the contending Prince Albert Raiders, where he posted 23 postseason points as the Raiders fell to the Everett Silvertips in the WHL Championship.

“It was good. Obviously not what we wanted, but you know, it was a good run, still awesome,” Cootes said of his time in Prince Albert. “Also special to be a part of that team, and get to go there. Had awesome billets, great coaches, that fan base is awesome, such a cool small hockey town.”

Despite the ending, Cootes loved the experience of playing well into the spring. “That’s the best time to be playing hockey, Cootes said. “I think everybody would say that it’s just fun when you get to play in those high-intensity games, sold-out crowd, you know, everything’s on the line. I mean, that’s what you want to play for. … [I] got a lot of confidence.”

As for this season, Cootes has his mind firmly set on making the NHL roster for good. “Obviously you want to make the team same as I did last year, and hopefully the goal is to stay,” Cootes said. “But I mean, same thing as last year, just gonna take it day-by-day, not worry too much.” That mature, worry-free approach to the offseason – and training camp a few months away – could make all the difference when Cootes suits up for the Canucks next.