How An Abbotsford Canucks Assignment Could Benefit Braeden Cootes’ Development

The Vancouver Canucks assigned the 19-year-old centre to Abbotsford on Friday after he recorded one goal and two assists in three preseason games. Cootes remained among the final roster candidates, but his development now shifts to the AHL .

The assignment was not the result of an ineffective preseason from Cootes. His pace, competitiveness and two-way awareness translated against older players, while his chemistry with Arshdeep Bains produced offence.

Cootes was quieter during Thursday's 2–1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers while centring Paul Cotter and Brendan Gallagher . The performance followed two productive games, while that line offered a preview of the role potentially awaiting him in Vancouver .