Overview

• Vancouver signed 18-year-old centre Braeden Cootes, its 15th overall pick in June’s draft, to a standard three-year entry-level contract.
• Age rules allow his deal to slide up to two years, preserving salary-cap space until he meets the NHL-game or age thresholds.
• General manager Patrik Allvin lauded Cootes’s compete level and attention to detail following a standout performance at the Canucks’ recent development camp.
• Cootes captained the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds this season and has led Canada to gold at multiple international tournaments.
• Although the swift signing underscores the organization’s confidence, Cootes is expected to continue his development before vying for an NHL roster spot next season.