Braeden COOTES

Center
6’0/183
Right
Seattle Thunderbirds/WHL

Related: Cole RESCHNY

Braeden Cootes is a promising prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft, currently playing as a center for the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL. He stands out for his relentless work ethic, high hockey IQ, and versatility on the ice. Cootes led his team with 63 points in 60 games during the 2024-25 season, including 26 goals. While not a flashy playmaker, his quick reactions and sharp wrist shot make him a reliable scorer. He is also known for his strong 200-foot game, trusted in all situations, including penalty kills and power plays. His defensive awareness and ability to recover from mistakes are notable. As the youngest captain in Thunderbirds’ history, Cootes inspires his teammates with his determination and example. His skating, particularly his acceleration, could use refinement. While his top speed is competitive, his heavier stride can leave him a step behind in initial bursts. Cootes is projected to be a middle-six NHL forward with a strong two-way game and leadership qualities. With the year Cootes had this season and the improvement he has shown, he has shot up the draft board and could very well be a lottery pick, in a very weak forward draft.

Size/Strength Average
Skating Good
Shot/Scoring Good
Puckhandling Great
Physical Play Good
Offensive Play Great
Defensive Below Great
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Excellent

Strengths

1. His sharp hockey sense allows him to anticipate the flow of the game and make smart decisions both offensively and defensively.
2. As the youngest captain in Seattle Thunderbirds’ history, his leadership qualities are already well-developed. He leads by example, inspiring those around him.
3. He’s a reliable two-way forward with a strong 200-foot game. Coaches trust him in all situations due to his defensive positioning and ability to read plays.

Areas for Improvement

1. His acceleration and first-step quickness need improvement. His heavier stride can make him slower on the initial burst compared to other high-level prospects.
2. His offensive contributions are effective but not elite. He might be better suited as a middle-six forward in the NHL rather than a top-line scorer.
3. While solid in moving the puck, he’s not highly creative in generating offensive plays, relying more on effort and positioning than finesse.

Scouting Report

You’d be hard pressed to find a harder worker than Braeden Cootes. Whenever the Seattle Thunderbirds centre was on the ice, he made something happen, making him one of the most fun players to watch in the WHL this season. He’s more than just a highly competitive player, and his combination of a strong work ethic, high intelligence, and solid tools has made him a highly coveted prospect ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. Cootes’ work ethic is infectious. He has an unrelenting motor and no matter the score, he never stops pursuing the puck and pushing the play. Few teams in the league have a counter to him simply because he’ll just outwork whoever he’s up against. For that reason, he’s often the first player into the corner or the front of the net and fearlessly challenges bigger players for positioning. Some more strength could help him win more of these battles, but already, he doesn’t lose many because he keeps coming back when he’s pushed away. Only six Thunderbirds who played at least 30 games had fewer penalties than him. That’s because Cootes is a highly intelligent player who knows where to put himself to gain a clean advantage. He doesn’t get caught because he’s aware of all players on the ice, allowing him to put himself in the right place at the right time. Cootes finished this season with a team-leading 63 points in 60 games, and his 26 goals tied for second on the Thunderbirds. But, despite his point total, he’s not a naturally gifted offensive player. He doesn’t have enough power in his shot to be a big-time sniper, and his puck movement lacks the creativity and deception of strong playmakers, Cootes is just as effective on defence, playing a strong, 200-foot game that has earned him the trust of his coaches, which has led to him being deployed in nearly every situation. He knows exactly how to apply pressure to best help his team, and while he sometimes doesn’t quite get where he needs to be, he will always fight to fix any mistake. It’s no wonder he was named the youngest captain in Thunderbirds’ history this season and was one of the youngest to be voted team MVP at the end of the season. He leads by example and asks everyone on his team to work as hard as he does. Even if he doesn’t live up to his offensive potential, he has a place in the NHL because of his two-way game, leadership qualities, and work ethic. Braeden Cootes has drawn comparisons to players like Ryan O’Reilly due to his strong two-way game, leadership qualities, and work ethic. Like O’Reilly, Cootes is a reliable 200-foot player who excels defensively and can contribute offensively, even if he’s not the flashiest scorer. Cootes plays a game that will easily translate to the NHL, and even though he doesn’t have the highest potential, he’ll be highly coveted on draft day; it wouldn’t surprise me if he gets drafted in the lottery.

Skill: Reliable Two-Way Center, who plays an All-Around game

NHL Comparable: Ryan O’Reilly

NHL Potential: Middle Six Center

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2023-24	Seattle Thunderbirds	WHL	64	14	35
	Canada Red U17	WHC-17	7	2	4
2024-25	Canada U18	Hlinka Gretzky Cup	3	0	1
	Seattle Thunderbirds	WHL	66	28	69
	Canada U18	WJC-18	3	3	7