Scout's Analysis: Cootes, Martin make strong case for nine-game NHL audition

With the NHL pre-season heading towards the second weekend of exhibition games, some of the most recently drafted rookies are pushing hard to earn roster spots at the start of the regular season. It’s obviously not easy to earn a job in the top league in the world as a teenager, but some prospects are more ready than others based on their “all-round” game.

Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes (15th overall) and Nashville Predators rookie Brady Martin (fifth) are both having outstanding training camps with their respective clubs. The journey isn’t complete quite yet, and the games will get harder towards the start of the pre-season, but the two forwards appear well-positioned to potentially make their NHL debuts in early October.

What stands out about Cootes and Martin, compared to other prospects, is the way they approach the game overall. They both play with infectious energy and enthusiasm.

When I’m scouting a prospect, they have to present core values within their game:

1. Skating: Does the prospect skate well enough to keep up with the pace of the NHL game?

2. Hockey IQ: Is the player aware of his responsibilities on and off the puck in all three zones?

3. Compete: The NHL is a hard league. Is the prospect willing to consistently outwork his opponent?

One of my favourite clips from last year, out of any prospect I scouted, is the following one from Cootes:

The sequence speaks for itself. Cootes was engaged defensively, tracked down a loose puck in the neutral zone, and fearlessly took the play to the net. And I love his reaction after being driven through the net by his opponent.

Not to be outdone, here’s an example of what Nashville surely loves about Martin’s approach:

Martin was the hardest hitting forward in the 2025 draft class. He doesn’t shy away from anyone in any zone. It’s a bonus to know that a prospect, when they aren’t producing offence, is still programmed to make life miserable on their opponents with a physical approach.

Pre-draft reports

It’s always interesting to look back on prospect reports to determine whether or not they are trending in the direction that I forecasted. Did they arrive at their first NHL camp physically prepared? Are they playing the same style in a pro environment?

Here’s a look at my end-of-season, pre-draft reports from last spring on Cootes and Martin:

Cootes: “Ended his draft year on a high note, captaining Team Canada’s U18 team to a gold medal at the World Championship in Texas. He’s a relentless competitor who leads by example. His detail in all three zones speaks to his hockey sense. When he isn’t producing offence he’s always on the right side of the puck and willing to do whatever it takes to contribute to positive team results. Cootes is a sturdy/strong centre who is best described as equal parts shooter and distributor. He produced 6G-6A in seven games at the worlds and was a plus-7. He has top six NHL upside and the skill set to be deployed in all situations.”

Martin: "A fearless competitor and the hardest hitting forward in the 2025 draft class. He never backs down from contact or battling for pucks in the hard areas (net front, along the boards, and pressuring opponents up ice). Martin has a quick release. He’s exceptionally dangerous between the hash marks in the offensive zone. Martin is another prospect in this class who plays the game with reliable detail and effort in all three zones. He can be deployed in all situations. He’s a trustworthy prospect who leads by example. At the U18 World Championship he contributed 3G-8A, hit everything in sight, was whistled for 29 penalty minutes and finished the tournament plus-15 in only seven games played.”

Making an NHL case in the pre-season

It comes as no surprise that both Martin and Cootes are having impactful training camps. The youngsters only had a couple of months to train and prepare for their first NHL experience, but they are playing to their identities and are clearly positioning themselves to push for roster spots in October.

In Cootes' first and only pre-season game so far he logged 14:56 of ice time, won 57 per cent of the draws he took, and recorded this primary assist on Victor Mancini's goal. Cootes makes a nice little pass at the blue line to make sure the Canucks control the play in the offensive zone, then dishes again to Mancini who strikes.

Martin had a big game Tuesday night for the Predators, scoring the first two goals in a game that ended in a 3-2 Nashville loss. In this highlight, Martin forechecks down low to support his teammate Brady Skjei, gets the puck to the net front, then finds quiet ice for himself, pounces on the puck when an opportunity was presented, and buried the goal.

Martin registered 14:19 of ice time in the game, two hits, two blocks and three shots. Aside from the two goals he scored, his other shot on goal was another glorious look.

Takeaway

I speak often about players at the NHL level presenting an “A” game but needing to back it up with a “B” game. On the days a scorer isn’t putting the puck in the net or making plays setting up teammates it’s important that they compete in the other areas of the game. Their off-the-puck detail, physical push back, success rate in the face-off circle and willingness to block shots are very important in-game scenarios that could lead to team results.

Both Martin and Cootes have “A” and “B” games that will translate to the NHL sooner than later. They are mature beyond their years with their overall approach and always willing to do whatever it takes to earn positive results for their team.

There is still about a week of pre-season hockey for them to leave it all on the ice, and soon we'll see if their NHL teams decide to give them a look in the regular season. If either or both crack the roster out of camp, the first important marker will be at 10 games. These two players can play up to nine NHL games before the first year of their entry-level contract is burned.

The more important marker comes later on. If either player is on the NHL roster for 40 games, it will count as an accrued season and not only burn a year off their ELC, but also move them one year closer to free agency. At that point, however, it's more likely they're in the NHL for good anyway.

If Cootes and Martin don't stick with their NHL teams, they'll head back to major junior for another season.