Overview

• GM Patrik Allvin said Cootes earned his place and indicated it is looking like he will play in Thursday’s opener against the Flames at Rogers Arena.
• Cootes practiced between Evander Kane and Jonathan Lekkerimäki on Tuesday after posting four points in four preseason games.
• The team will evaluate his usage game by game with the option to return him to the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds.
• Vancouver can deploy him for up to nine NHL games without burning the first year of his entry-level contract under slide rules.
• The 15th overall pick becomes the first 18-year-old to play for the Canucks since 1990 and is one of five 2025 draftees to make opening-night rosters.