Canucks assign Braeden Cootes to AHL Abbotsford after final preseason cuts

# What happened

# Why this matters

# How Cootes performed in preseason

• Preseason debut vs. Seattle Kraken: Cootes centred the top line between Arshdeep Bains and Jonathan Lekkerimäki. He scored the Canucks' first goal of the game with a wrist shot to the top-left corner and later set up a power-play one-timer for Bains.
• Game vs. Calgary Flames: Started with new linemates Adam Novotný and Trey Fix-Wolansky, then was reunited with Bains in the third period. Cootes created a scoring chance by driving the boards, beating a defender, and finding Bains for a goal. By that point he had been involved in all three preseason goals.
• Canucks' home preseason game: With most NHL regulars playing, Cootes centred the fourth line with Paul Cotter and Brendan Gallagher. He posted 11:14 time on ice, one shot, one hit, one block, a minus-one rating and a 38% faceoff percentage.

Those shifts show Cootes can produce chances and execute on special teams, but his role shrank when the regular roster skated, signaling the club preferred to start him in the AHL for more consistent minutes.

# What assignment to Abbotsford means Cootes the opportunity to take on a top-line and top-role workload that the NHL club couldn't provide at opening night. For a 19-year-old centre, that usually means more faceoffs, special-teams minutes, and situational responsibility—elements that support development and faster in-game learning.

Stienburg's move: Matthew Stienburg was also assigned to Abbotsford after clearing waivers. The organization announced both moves together as part of final preseason trimming ahead of the regular season opener.

# Immediate context and roster picture The cuts were part of a broader roster reduction as the Canucks approach their season opener in four days. Cootes' preseason contributions made him an intriguing option for emergency recall or a mid-season look, but opening the year in the AHL gives him a clearer path to regular minutes and development.

# Bottom line Cootes showed playmaking and goal-scoring ability in preseason but will start 2026–27 in Abbotsford to receive a bigger role and consistent ice time. Stienburg will join him after clearing waivers. The assignments are standard roster-management moves with development and lineup fit as the deciding factors.