We continue on with our 2026 mid-season Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings here at CanucksArmy.

Braeden Cootes claims our top spot in the 2026 mid-season Vancouver Canucks prospect rankings, and it isn’t a particularly shocking revelation. If you’re looking for a refresher on our ranking criteria, be sure to check out our Honourable Mentions installment before diving in.

The 15th overall selection in the 2025 NHL Draft has navigated one of the more unusual draft-plus-one seasons you will see from a first-round pick, appearing for four different teams across three different levels of play. And yet, he continues to produce and impact games regardless of the crest on his jersey and in whatever system he’s playing.

His year began immediately following his draft selection at Vancouver’s summer Development Camp before transitioning to the Canucks’ training camp schedule. Between the prospect showcase weekend, training camp and preseason, he quickly became one of the most talked-about young players in the system.

At just 18, Cootes wasn’t simply blending in and running through the motions among NHL competition; he was forcing difficult decisions. His pace, detail, and competitiveness earned him an NHL roster spot out of training camp. It’s an accomplishment that does happen, but not typically from a mid-first round pick. Although his stay lasted just three games, the message sent made it abundantly clear that he made quite the impression on his new club.

After returning to junior, Cootes resumed his role as captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds and immediately re-established himself as the focal point of their lineup. In 17 games, he recorded 10 goals and 23 points while continuing to shoulder heavy minutes in all situations. On a team in a clear rebuilding state, Cootes remained the primary driver of play, a role that relied heavily on his energy and leadership.

His next stop was the World Junior Championship, where he represented Canada as an 18-year-old depth forward on a veteran-heavy roster. While some may have hoped for a more flashy role, his usage was consistent with a young player who wasn’t named Gavin McKenna. He contributed two goals and brought his usual detail-oriented game en route to a bronze medal finish. He wasn’t used much, but his work rate was evident with each shift. Assuming he’s loaned out, many project him to make the team in the 2027 tournament, but with a much different role.

Following the tournament, Cootes’ WHL rights were moved to the Prince Albert Raiders, a Memorial Cup hopeful looking to bolster its centre depth. Adjusting to a fourth team in a single season is not insignificant, but it didn’t take long for him to find his footing. Since joining Prince Albert, he has led the Raiders in scoring with 25 points and has been one of the most productive players in the WHL over that stretch.

His deployment in Prince Albert has shifted slightly compared to his role in Seattle. On paper, he centres the third line, but his usage suggests that he’s seeing top-six minutes. He averages over 17 minutes per game (roughly 22 in Seattle), ranks third among Raider forwards in ice time, operates on the top power play unit along the half wall, and continues to serve as a penalty-killing option.

As a whole, he’s now contributed a combined 48 points (19 goals, 29 assists) in 36 games and sports a plus-18 rating. He has taken over 570 faceoffs this season and is winning more than 58 percent of them.

Sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings, Prince Albert is projected to enjoy a deep run and should press hard for a spot at this year’s Memorial Cup. It’s a dream scenario for a top-ranked prospect taking part in his (likely) final season in Junior.

What separates Cootes from many prospects with similar statistical profiles is not merely his point production, but the consistency of his impact. We often talk about a “B game,” and this kid brings that in spades. He is relentless on the forecheck, constantly pressuring puck carriers and forcing turnovers that don’t always translate directly to the scoresheet, but do frequently tilt the possession balance.

His ability to recover pucks in contested areas stands out even among high-end junior forwards. There are repeated instances in which opposing players appear poised to exit their zone cleanly, only for Cootes to close the gap from behind, establish body position, and regain control. He’s an opponent’s nightmare.

His skating is a foundational strength. He generates speed through efficient strides and strong edge work, allowing him to track back defensively and attack off the rush with equal effectiveness. Offensively, he does not rely on a single scoring method and can beat goaltenders from distance with a quick, compact release, shot off the rush, or finish plays in tight around the crease.

While he may not project as a pure high-end offensive centre at the NHL level, his toolkit is broad. He processes the game well, understands defensive responsibilities, wins draws, kills penalties, and contributes on the power play. His combination of pace, competitiveness, and versatility significantly reduces the projection risk often associated with junior scoring profiles.

Simply put: Coaches love him. Opponents hate him.

Ceiling: Cootes’ upside remains a top-six NHL centre capable of playing in all situations. His two-way reliability, strong faceoff ability, and offensive touch give him legitimate second-line upside.

Floor: Given his motor, defensive detail, and adaptability, it is difficult to envision a scenario where he does not become an NHL regular. At minimum, he profiles as a dependable matchup centre or high-end third-line option who contributes on special teams.

ETA: Cootes has little left to prove at the junior level. With the new allowance for one 19-year-old to play in the AHL, he is expected to turn professional next season. Whether he challenges for an NHL roster spot out of training camp remains to be seen, but he should be firmly in the call-up conversation during the 2026–27 season and pushing for a full-time NHL role by 2027.

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