Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes is set to join a new WHL team following his participation in the World Junior Championships. The Canucks selected Cootes 15th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft. He previously played 17 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds before heading to Minnesota.
Braeden Cootes Traded to Prince Albert Raiders
Upon his return from representing Canada at the World Juniors, Cootes will be traded to the Prince Albert Raiders. This news was reported by Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK on January 5, 2026. The Raiders hold an impressive record of 27 wins, 5 losses, and 4 overtime losses, positioning them second in the Eastern Conference and third overall in the WHL.
Cootes’ Struggles with Seattle
The trade comes at an ideal time for Cootes, as the Thunderbirds are currently at the bottom of the Western Conference. They have won only 14 out of 35 games, culminating in a record of 14-17-4. This season, Cootes has managed to score 10 goals and tally 23 points, showcasing his talent despite the team’s overall challenges.
World Junior Championships Performance
Cootes has made appearances in six games for Canada during the World Juniors, contributing one goal. However, ice time has been limited, as he has been relegated to a bottom-six role without power-play opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Canucks fans remain optimistic about Cootes’ potential. At just 18 years old and standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, he is seen as a valuable prospect for the future. There is hope that he may receive a more prominent role in the upcoming match against Finland as Canada competes for the bronze medal.
- Previous Team: Seattle Thunderbirds
- New Team: Prince Albert Raiders
- Draft Year: 2025
- Current Age: 18
- Height: 5’11”
- Current WHL Stats: 10 goals, 23 points in 35 games
- World Juniors Stats: 1 goal in 6 games
- Raiders’ Record: 27-5-4
- Thunderbirds’ Record: 14-17-4
As Braeden Cootes transitions to the Prince Albert Raiders, he hopes to elevate his game and contribute significantly to a team with championship potential.
