Who is considered the MVP frontrunner in the WHL?

Tij Iginla and J.P. Hurlbert are the top two vote-getters for the WHL MVP award, with Braeden Cootes finishing third.

What are Braeden Cootes' stats this season?

Braeden Cootes has 10 goals and 23 points in 17 games for the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Which Vancouver Canucks prospects are performing well in the WHL?

Braeden Cootes is a top MVP candidate, and J.P. Hurlbert is also a highly-rated prospect for the upcoming draft.

Home / Sports / Canucks Prospect Cootes a Surprise MVP Candidate

Canucks Prospect Cootes a Surprise MVP Candidate

25 Dec

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Summary

Braeden Cootes, a Canucks prospect, ranked third in WHL MVP voting.
Cootes has 10 goals and 23 points in 17 games for Seattle.
J.P. Hurlbert is another Canucks-relevant prospect, projected for late first-round draft.

Canucks Prospect Cootes a Surprise MVP Candidate

The Western Hockey League has released its midseason player pool, revealing league-wide opinions on everything from the toughest arenas to post-game meals. Notably, Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes has been recognized for his outstanding performance, securing third place in the voting for the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's MVP. He garnered 15% of the votes.

Cootes has been a standout player for the Seattle Thunderbirds since his return to the WHL, amassing an impressive 10 goals and 23 points in only 17 games. Currently, he is away from his team as he represents Canada in the 2026 World Junior Championship. Vancouver's other prospect, Parker Alcos, plays for the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Another player on the Canucks' radar is J.P. Hurlbert, a 17-year-old eligible for this year's draft. Hurlbert has accumulated 55 points in 33 games and is projected to be a late first-round selection, potentially available to Vancouver using a pick acquired from the Minnesota Wild. Cootes was drafted 15th overall in 2025.