Well, that didn’t take long.

After just three on-ice sessions and a single preliminary game, Team Canada has made the bulk of its roster cuts ahead of the 2026 World Junior Championship.

On Thursday, Hockey Canada announced the release of three players from its camp:

All three players dressed in Canada’s opening tune-up game against Sweden on Wednesday, using the limited opportunity to make their final case before decisions were made.

According to The Athletic’s Scott Wheeler, Canada is still expected to release one goaltender before its final roster is officially announced.

For Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes, the early cuts indicate that his spot on the roster is unofficially safe. With multiple forwards removed from contention and no indication that Cootes is among the remaining bubble players, he has likely secured a spot on Team Canada.

One variable still worth monitoring is Berkly Catton, another Seattle Kraken prospect, who has been working his way back from injury. There remains a scenario in which Catton could be loaned to Team Canada ahead of the tournament’s roster deadline. Even in that case, however, insiders attending the tournament do not view Cootes as part of the group at risk.

If officially named, Cootes would become the second Vancouver Canucks prospect in as many years to represent Canada at the World Juniors and the first Canucks forward to do so since Jake Virtanen in 2015–16. Last season, Abbotsford Canucks defenceman Sawyer Mynio appeared in three games for Canada, recording one assist and two penalty minutes.

Canada opened its preliminary slate on Wednesday with a 2–1 victory over Sweden in Kitchener, Ontario. Top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Gavin McKenna led the way offensively, collecting two primary assists in the win.

Cootes skated on Canada’s second line alongside Cole Reschny (Calgary Flames) and Carter Bear (Detroit Red Wings). While he didn’t register a point, he was trusted in all situations, seeing time on the top power play unit and featuring on the penalty kill. His versatility and ability to play in all situations directly align with his strengths for this Canadian team.

The Sherwood Park native captained Canada’s U18 team earlier this year, leading the team in scoring with 12 points (six goals, six assists) en route to a gold medal finish.

Canada and Sweden will meet again on Saturday before Canada wraps up its exhibition schedule against Denmark. The World Junior Championship officially begins on Boxing Day (December 26) in Minnesota, with Canada opening the tournament against Czechia at 5:30 pm PT.