Former Viper Cleaves Has Game To Match Great Name:

One player who caught the eye at the Montreal Canadiens’

development camp was former Vernon Vipers defenceman Cooper Cleaves.

Source: https://montrealgazette.com/

Cowan: Canadiens prospect Cooper Cleaves has game to match great name - Montreal Gazette

Cleaves attended the Montreal Canadiens Development Camp in July. 

Cleaves spent the 2025-26 season at Dartmouth College. Cleaves & Dartmouth College won the ECAC Hockey Championship in March. In 30 games, Cleaves collected (4-goals-6-assists-10-points).

Cleaves was selected in the third round, 93rd overall by the Montreal Canadiens at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

Cleaves split the 2024-25 season with the Vernon Vipers and the United States Hockey League Green Bay Gamblers.

Cleaves played parts of two seasons with the 2023-24 Vernon Vipers and the 2024-25 Vernon Vipers. Cleaves started the 2023-24 season with the Vernon Vipers, played in 6 games before returning to his high school team for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. Cleaves committed to the Vernon Vipers January 17th 2024 for the 2024-25 season, left the team in December 2024 for the United States Hockey League Green Bay Gamblers. In 35 games with the Vipers, Cleaves collected (3-goals-13-assists-16-points).

Cooper Cleaves Player Profile:

Cooper Cleaves - Stats, Contract, Salary & More