Day two of Vancouver Canucks training camp didn’t disappoint—young Braeden Cootes and Filip Chytil are standing out, and if the early signs are anything to go by, both could make a big impact this season. In this episode of Locked On Canucks, we break down what we saw from them, how they might fit, and why the stakes are rising.

🔍 What We’re Seeing From Cootes & Chytil

Braeden Cootes, Vancouver’s 2025 first-round pick (15th overall), looked sharp and engaged. Despite some chatter about him being held out of certain games for precautionary reasons, the word from camp is he’s expected to be ready and healthy.

Cootes has shown good stickwork, awareness, and a maturity beyond his years when it comes to reading plays during drills. Many at camp are already asking: Can he make the opening night lineup?

Filip Chytil is also getting noticed—not just for his skill with the puck but his offseason work, conditioning, and how he’s tracking every drill with intensity. He’s being viewed as more than just a middle-6 forward; there’s a belief he could push toward top-6 contributions if everything clicks.

Twitter reactions are echoing it: some analysts have highlighted Chytil’s importance because Vancouver is riding a thin margin at center depth, and Chytil being healthy and productive could make a difference.

⚡ Why This Matters & What To Watch

Depth & flexibility: If Cootes earns trust early, he might force the coaches to make some tough decisions, maybe opening the door for lineup surprises. Chytil being ready adds insurance in case of injury or slumps up the middle.

Momentum & confidence: Strong showings in early camp matter—coaches notice who shows up ready and who still looks rusty. That can affect ice time, which leads to role.

Chemistry building: Chytil has opportunity beside established forwards; Cootes is learning how to handle the pace and physicality. If they find chemistry with veterans, that’ll look good on roster sheets.

Expectation management: With Cootes, there was concern with precautionary rest; now that’s been put to bed, expectations rise. Chytil’s consistency matters even more now.

Bottom Line:

Day two suggests Cootes might not just be a “prospect project”—he could be a real contributor sooner than later. Chytil’s showing that he isn’t going to just settle; he wants a role, and he’s earning it. For Vancouver, that could mean more internal competition, more offense, more reliability.

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