Braeden Cootes (C, R, 5’11”, 185, Seattle Thunderbirds, 02/09/2007)
Braeden Cootes is a dynamic, high-energy center with a relentless motor and an aggressive style of play. His ability to combine speed, puck skills, and strong hockey IQ makes him an effective offensive and defensive contributor. Cootes plays a 200-foot game, excels at generating scoring chances, and thrives under pressure. While his size is slightly below average for an NHL center, his work ethic, versatility, and willingness to compete make him a player with considerable upside. Continued improvement in puck management, consistency, and physical strength will determine his long-term potential as an NHL player.
Strengths
Relentless Compete Level:
Cootes plays with a high motor, giving second and third efforts to win puck battles and regain possession.
He is fearless in high-traffic areas and shows determination when battling larger opponents along the boards or in front of the net.
Speed and Agility:
Displays excellent straight-line speed and quickness, making him a consistent threat in transition and a threat to force turnovers on the forecheck.
Uses his edges effectively to cut into open space and shows high end balance while handling the puck under pressure.
Offensive Instincts and Skill:
Cootes has a quick release and a heavy, accurate shot, making him a scoring threat from outside of the house and below the face-off dots.
A creative playmaker, he finds teammates with well-timed, high-percentage passes which lead to grade “A” scoring opportunities.
Consistently drives the net and uses his agility and puck protection skills to generate scoring chances for himself and his linemates.
Defensive Awareness:
Shows strong situational awareness and quick game processing, actively communicating with teammates and supporting defensemen in the defensive zone.
His backchecking and ability to disrupt opponents with his speed and stick placement are assets in defensive transitions.
Versatility:
Cootes can impact a game from anywhere in the line-up.
His ability to match up against high-end offensive opponents while still contributing secondary offense makes him a valuable middle-six forward prospect.
Areas for Improvement
Puck Management:
Cootes can force plays through layers of defenders leading to unnecessary turnovers.
Faceoffs:
With a 50% success rate in the faceoff circle, Cootes needs to gain strength and improve his technique to become a more reliable option at center that can be used in all situations.
Physical Strength:
While he battles hard against all opponents, adding muscle mass and power to his 185-pound frame will help him win puck battles and box out professionals.
Increased strength will also allow him to better absorb hits and maintain possession when attacking the crease.
Defensive Positioning:
While his defensive awareness is strong, he sometimes ends up on the wrong side of the puck, particularly when defending the net-front.
Key Development Goals
Faceoff Skills: Improve consistency in the faceoff circle to become a more reliable option at center.
Strength Development: Add muscle to his frame to enhance physical battles and puck protection.
Defensive Consistency: Maintain body positioning during checks and improve net-front coverage.
Shift-to-Shift Engagement: Ensure consistent effort and intensity throughout every game.
Projection
Braeden Cootes projects as a versatile middle-six NHL forward who can contribute in all situations. His blend of speed, skill, and work ethic makes him an ideal complementary player capable of playing up and down the lineup. With development in his physicality, puck management, and consistency, Cootes has the potential to become a reliable two-way center with secondary scoring upside.
Draft Outlook
We currently have Cootes as a mid-first round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft. His versatility and high compete level make him a safe and attractive pick for teams seeking a forward that can play multiple positions and make a positive impact up and down the line-up.
Player Comparison
Mikael Backlund – A defensively responsible center who drives play through effort and intelligence, with the ability to contribute offensively in key moments.
Final Assessment
Braeden Cootes is a high-motor, two-way center with the versatility and hockey IQ to excel in multiple roles at the NHL level. His offensive instincts and speed make him a consistent scoring threat, while his defensive engagement and willingness to compete add value in all three zones. With targeted improvements in his game, Cootes has the potential to become an impactful NHL player and a fan favorite for his relentless style of play.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images