Young prospects shine at Canucks development camp

Braeden Cootes and Adam Novotny stood out during the Vancouver Canucks development camp scrimmages held at Rogers Forum in Abbotsford. Cootes, the club's 2025 first-round selection, was the best player on the ice, scoring once in all four games he participated in.

Canucks development coach Mikael Samuelsson praised Cootes, noting his high pace, skill, and desire to be a difference maker. Novotny, selected 24th overall in the recent draft, also excelled, scoring twice and assisting teammate Aiden Celebrini.

Samuelsson highlighted Novotny's strong skating ability and enjoyment of the game. The scrimmages attracted around 1,500 fans and concluded with a shootout, followed by players tossing pucks to the audience.

Caleb Malhotra, the third overall pick, also made an impression, scoring twice during the games. Andrei Medvedev, last year’s second-round selection, was recognized as the best goaltender on the ice. The camp wrapped up with exit meetings and a team barbeque on Thursday evening, with players set to return home for the summer the following day.