If you follow the Vancouver Canucks closely, you likely already know the name Braeden Cootes.
The 18-year-old centre became the first teenager to crack the Canucks opening lineup roster in 35 years and was one of the biggest stories coming out of training camp.
After playing three NHL games, Cootes was sent back to his WHL team, the Seattle Thunderbirds.
His return was not a surprise given that the Canucks felt it was simply too early for him to stay in the NHL. He averaged just over ten minutes of ice time per game and is expected to continue developing in junior before making a full jump to the big leagues.
Even so, his short stint in Vancouver had fans buzzing. Anyone who wants a closer look at the 2025 first round pick will get that chance soon.
Seattle and the Victoria Royals will face each other in Washington this Friday and then meet again at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Friday November 28th. That game will mark Cootes’ first appearance in Victoria since his time with the Canucks.
The Thunderbirds captain signed and entry level contract 12 days after being drafted. That deal locked him into the NHL system and removed the NCAA option that new WHL players are now allowed to pursue if they remain unsigned.
So far this year, Cootes has appeared in 10 games with Seattle and has put up five goals and 10 assists. The Thunderbirds currently sit 10th in the Western Conference with 18 points but they hold three games in hand over Victoria. The Royals sit in eighth with 21 points.
Victoria heads into this matchup on a five game losing streak. Injuries have hit the team hard and they have been without captain Reggie Newman for several games. Newman made his return to the lineup in a Tuesday night loss against the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
The club is hoping to turn the tide as they open their season series against Seattle this weekend. Puck drop is at 7:05 p.m. at the Accesso ShoWare Center.
Canucks fans looking to get a live look at Cootes may want to secure tickets for next week’s rematch in Victoria. His brief time in Vancouver has left everyone curious about what comes next and whether he will be a long term piece of the Canucks future.
Victoria will play a pair of road games in Washington State this weekend. Fans can stream the road swing live for free on Victory+.
Victoria Royals vs Seattle Thunderbirds
- Where: Save-on-Foods Memorial Centre, 1925 Blanshard Street
- When: Friday November 28th, puck drop at 7:05 p.m.
