Articles / Laba, Cootes among Opening Night roster surprises

Laba, Cootes among Opening Night roster surprises

N
NHL.com
Oct 7, 2025 5:58 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by NHL.com. Read the full original article here →

The NHL opening night brought with it several surprises, particularly for fans of the New York Rangers and Vancouver Canucks. Among the most talked-about decisions was the unexpected demotion of Noah Laba from the Rangers' roster. Laba, a promising talent who had shown flashes of brilliance during the preseason, was ultimately not included in the final lineup, raising eyebrows among analysts and fans alike. The Rangers have opted for a more veteran-heavy team to start the season, which may signal a strategic shift for the franchise.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks made headlines with the inclusion of Braeden Cootes in their opening-night roster. Cootes, known for his speed and offensive skills, provides a youthful energy to an already talented Canucks squad. Fans are excited to see how he will fit into their plans this season, especially after an impressive training camp where he proved he could compete at the NHL level.

Both teams are looking to make an impact early in the season, and these roster decisions reflect their distinct philosophies. The Rangers are banking on experience, while the Canucks are injecting fresh talent into their lineup. Each approach has its merits, and as the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how these young and veteran players alike contribute to their respective teams' success.