The Real Reason Braeden Cootes Was Sent Down By the Vancouver Canucks Comes to the Surface
Photo credit: Bob Frid-Imagn Images
The Vancouver Canucks took a risk this preseason, by selecting Braeden Cootes an 18 year old first round draft pick, to make the roster for the first time in 30 years, but after only a week he was demoted back to the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds.
“Even though he was active and played solid minutes, at his age the NHL is just out of his comfort zone and the Vancouver Canucks decided it is best to continuous development back in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds.”-Mitchell
Braeden Cootes demotion due to lack of playing time with Vancouver Canucks.
Daniel Wagner of vancouverisawesome.com reported on the reasoning behind Cootes’ demotion, and why it’ll benefit him and the Canucks in the future. It is a matter of being in the best position to succeed and with him only getting 10 minutes a night in the NHL, it wasn’t working.
“Through three games in the NHL, Cootes was averaging 10:47 in ice time per game. In the WHL with the Thunderbirds, Cootes will play on the first line and in all situations, getting major minutes that will be key to improving as a player.
He’ll also be looking to take a step forward from the 63 points in 60 games he scored in his draft year and become one of the top scorers in the WHL. Improving his offensive game will be the next big step for Cootes.”-Wagner
Cootes making the team out of training camp was an incredible feat on its own, and it shows he’ll be a force in the NHL when he is actually fully ready for it. Cootes played a mature game in the preseason, not making an glaring mistakes and keeping up with the top guys. He’ll just need time to develop his body a bit more and his offensive game.
“When Cootes has been on the ice at 5-on-5, the Canucks have been outshot 20-to-7 and out-attempted 43-to-16. It was particularly telling on Monday night against the St. Louis Blues, as his line was repeatedly hemmed in the defensive zone.”-Wagner
Cootes’ demotion is not a negative and not a knock on the prospect. It wasn’t expected for him to make the roster in the first place. He’ll now get first line minutes, powerplay time and almost definitely a spot on the World Junior roster, where he can shine on the big stage. Cootes will be a good player in the NHL for a long time, when he’s ready.
Previously on Canucks Daily
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The Real Reason Braeden Cootes Was Sent Down By the Vancouver Canucks Comes to the Surface
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