Articles / Who's the better Canucks prospect right now — Braeden Cootes or Jonathan Lekkerimäki?

Who's the better Canucks prospect right now — Braeden Cootes or Jonathan Lekkerimäki?

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The Province Hockey
Nov 19, 2025 5:26 PM

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The ongoing debate over which Vancouver Canucks prospect is more promising, Braeden Coots or Jonathan Lekkerimäki, has captured the attention of hockey fans and analysts alike. Both players have shown remarkable talent, but their paths to the NHL are markedly different, making the comparison all the more intriguing.

Braeden Coots, playing in the WHL, has demonstrated a well-rounded game with strong offensive skills and physical play. His ability to read the game and make intelligent plays has garnered him praise and a solid following among Canucks fans. Meanwhile, Jonathan Lekkerimäki, who is currently playing in Sweden, is celebrated for his elite skating and scoring prowess. His offensive instincts are top-notch, and his experience in European leagues could give him a unique advantage as he transitions to the NHL.

As they both continue to develop, it remains to be seen which player will emerge as the better prospect for the Canucks. The combination of Coots' physicality and Lekkerimäki's finesse presents a compelling choice for the team's future. With the Canucks focused on building a strong foundation for their lineup, the evaluation of these two prospects will be crucial in determining the direction of the franchise.

Ultimately, whether Coots or Lekkerimäki becomes the standout player depends on their development over the next few seasons, but one thing is for certain: both players have the potential to become stars in the NHL, and the Canucks' future looks bright with such talent in the pipeline.