As I highlighted yesterday, the OHL has seen the movement of several top NHL prospects prior to today’s trade deadline. Likewise, the WHL has seen a blockbuster trade of this sort this week. On January 7, the Prince Albert Raiders acquired Vancouver prospect Braeden Cootes (1st round in 2025, 15th overall) from the Seattle Thunderbirds, together with a 4th and 6th round pick in 2026. Cootes played three games for the Canucks this season before returning to junior hockey.
In exchange for Cootes and the previously mentioned draft picks, Seattle received four players (forward Ethan Bibeau and prospects Knox Burton, Diego Gutierrez, and Tripp Fischer) and four draft picks. Its haul of draft picks entailed a 1st and 2nd rounder in 2026, a third-round pick in 2027, and another first-round pick in 2028.
A full list of WHL trades can be seen by clicking on the below link.