Vancouver Canucks Assign Center Braeden Cootes to AHL Abbotsford

The Vancouver Canucks assigned 19-year-old center Braeden Cootes to AHL Abbotsford following a solid preseason where he recorded one goal and two assists in three games. Despite competing for a roster spot, Vancouver opted to prioritize Cootes' long-term development over a limited fourth-line NHL role. Cootes, who posted 63 points in 45 WHL games last season, will now compete for top-six minutes and special-teams responsibilities in the AHL.