Inside Wheeler’s Shocking Summer 2025 NHL Prospect Rankings: Who’s the True Future Star?

Cootes is a well-liked, well-rounded center who played in all situations for Seattle last season, was named co-captain in the fall and led the low-scoring Thunderbirds in scoring at just above a point per game. He was also outstanding as Team Canada’s captain at U18 worlds, playing well in each game and impacting play when he was on the ice. He’s a strong skater who plays with energy and detail, earning the trust of coaches with his diligent, complete game. He’s a good athlete. He plays the game with determination. He’s a good penalty killer and five-on-five driver. He plays the bumper on the power play well because of his nose for the net and competitiveness to get to pucks. He gets open. He has a good wrister. He always seems to be lurking around the slot and involved in everything. He works and makes little plays, arriving on time in good spots. I’ve wondered about whether he has enough skill to become a top-six type, but he also confidently projects as a top-nine NHLer. His U18s sold me a little more on his skill and the lack of talent around him in Seattle last season as well. He has some secondary skill and can make plays, even if it’s not the focal point of his game, and he becomes more of an excellent complementary player for his linemates. I’m a little lower on him than where he was picked at No. 15, but his combination of pace, smarts, competitiveness and reliability is appealing and projectable.

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