BRAEDEN COOTES

2025-07-30

Scout: Craig Wise

Skating:

Average skater, good on edges and shows he can keep up on the backcheck. He's not the type to burn defenders wide though.

Passing/Handling:

Average. Cootes is always thinking one step ahead, the puck is usually on and off his stick with one touch passes.

Shooting:

Average, he was able to pick a few corners in the games I watched, however these games were the U18's and the amount of time he had wont be there at the higher levels. That being said he was able to shoot the puck with pace and when given the opportunity can finish.

IQ (Vision, Anticipation, Panic/Poise):

Above average. Plays the game a step ahead of everyone else on the ice, very little panic. He knows his next move/pass before the defender gets to him.

Forechecking:

Above average, isnt afraid to get into the corners and throw his body around. The hits should come in slightly above average.

Defense:

Above average, his game reminds me a lot of Minten. Not going to create a ton offensively, but will control the play and limit opposing chances.

Best Asset:

His two way game, this will be his ticket to the NHL. Although limits him to a middle 6 role.

Biggest Concern:

No real concerns other than for fantasy, the points will never be pouring in.

Top Tier/Role Potential:

Tier 2, Middle 6 with good perfs.

Justification for Top Tier Assessment:

60 point upside with good BASH if he can translate and get good ice time.

50th Percentile Tier/Role:

Lower end tier 2 with average BASH

Justification for 50th Percentile Tier Assessment:

Will likely find himself in a 3rd line role with limited upside and limited icetime.

Stylistic Comparable:

Adam Lowry

Scouts Final Thoughts and Additional Stats/Info:

Was tough ti scout Cootes with only a few U18 games available to watch.

Games Scouted:

Czech 04/30 U18 and Norway 04/28 U18, WHL vids unavailable.