The Los Angeles Kings are picking in the back half of the first round and that means there are plenty of possibilities. Some of these players could go as high as the Top 10 or fall to the Kings when they are on the clock and Braeden Cootes is one of those players. Let's take a look at what he has done to this point of his career and why he might be a fit for the Kings.
Braeden Cootes Stats
Cootes has played the last two seasons in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds and was even captain this past season. In 131 games, he has 40 goals and 59 assists with a +/- of -13. He also appeared in six playoff games and had two goals and six assists.
Recently, he participated in the IIHF U18 World Championship with Team Canada and helped them earn a gold medal. He also was captain for that team and in seven games had six goals and six assists with a +/- of +7
Braeden Cootes Scouting Report
The scouting report for Braeden Cootes in the EliteProspects 2025 NHL Draft Guide had this to say about the center:
"A one-man forecheck, Cootes’ motor and energy are undeniably elite. In a single shift, he can amass multiple retrievals, guiding opponents into a big hit, spinning off a check and passing, winning another race by winning inside position metres before the boards, and repeating over and over until the puck finds twine. Primarily a playmaker, he escapes with quick passes inside and occasionally deceives opponents to find a backdoor option. After passing, he dashes to the net to create traffic and collect loose pucks."
Braeden Cootes Highlights
Why the Los Angeles Kings would draft Braeden Cootes in the 2025 NHL Draft
Shortly after being named general manager, Ken Holland talked about what he is hoping to improve on the LA Kings roster. He highlighted the importance of getting to the blue paint and getting those ugly goals, where there is a scramble in front of the net.
A player like Braeden Cootes could certainly help with that in a few years with the way he plays hockey. He has a high motor and does an excellent job putting pressure on the opposing team with the forecheck.
After Liam Greentree, the Kings' don't have many top tier forward prospects and Cootes could quickly become the second-best behind Greentree if the Los Angeles Kings were to draft him.