Cootes is a hardworking, competitive center whose consistent effort level and impact make him a projectable middle-six NHL center — and someone some observers believe will wear a letter in the league. He may not have the high-end skill of many on this list, but he’s well-liked.
Some of the 2026 NHL draft eligible players:
Stenberg RW #2
Keaton Verhoeff RHD #3 tie with Porter Martone(Flyers prospect).
Mckenna LW #5
Alberts Smits LHD #6
Chase Reid RHD #7
Carson Carels LHD #9
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6893799/2025/12/22/top-nhl-prospect-2026-world-juniors-iihf/
14 comments
Solid ranking for Cootes, dude’s got that captain material written all over him. Really curious to see how McKenna performs at #5 – kid’s been tearing it up lately
Canucks get zero respect.
I hope he fucking destroys this tournament.
21st is so disrespectful for his level of talent.
Cootes seems like he might be a Kesler, hopefully minus the off ice crap
When the Canucks bring him up for real he will surprise many
Seems low. Would’ve thought top 15.
Cootes has “heart on sleeve” written all over him. Also seems like the loyal type. He immediately ditched his Oilers fandom the moment he was drafted.
If stenberg is 2 and McKenna is 5(wtf) then who’s number 1
His upside is probably 2C, so the ranking feels fair.
looking forward to mgmt trading him halfway through the first year he paces for 40 goals 👍
Really excited to watch this Stenburg kid play apparently he is electric
Michael Misa is #1. He’s a C drafted 2nd in 25.
San J has another potential elite player to play with Celebrini and Will Smith. This is why we need to tank for two years at least.
Crazy how we’re going to quinn hughes this poor kid
liiki7t2yew
I’m just happy a canucks prospect is on the team, so even better!