Paul Cotter has spent his entire NHL career trying to prove himself, and it was his undying perseverance that allowed him to make a grand introduction to Vancouver Canucks fans. The 2018 fourth-round draft pick out of Western Michigan helped his new team survive a thrilling Western Conference matchup versus the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
Cotter quickly displayed his tenacity, putting the Canucks on the scoreboard via a shorthanded goal about midway through the first period. He then left everything on the ice during overtime, fighting relentlessly to wrestle possession of the puck away from the Oilers. He got it back, and after some nifty stick work, the 26-year-old forward lifted Vancouver to a 6-5 road victory.
What a debut. Cotter becomes only the second player to ever score shorthanded and overtime goals in a season opener, per Sportsnet Stats. Hall of Famer and former Toronto Maple Leafs executive Brendan Shanahan first achieved this impressive feat while playing for the Detroit Red Wings in 2001.
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Joins Brendan Shanahan (Red Wings: 2001) as the only players in NHL history to score a shorthanded goal & OT goal in a season opener pic.twitter.com/00OQrFnvbo
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) September 30, 2026
Cotter's skills and tenacity allowed the Canucks to withstand a mammoth game by Evan Bouchard. Edmonton worked hard to overcome multiple two-goal deficits, but the visiting squad was intent on starting the Manny Malhotra era with a bang.
Although Vancouver does not want to get into the habit of blowing third-period leads, this triumphant effort sends a powerful message to the fans. The Canucks are here to fight. Paul Cotter certainly was. Following stints with the Vegas Golden Knights and New Jersey Devils, he is hoping to break out in the Great White North.
Cotter is currently playing on a one-year, $2.15 million contract, but if he can bring the intensity he displayed in Rogers Place, the Canucks may want to talk. The Michigan native will get to showcase his skills against the Oilers once more on Thursday, this time in Rogers Arena.
The home crowd should be feeling mighty hospitable after this performance.