Brock Boeser’s future with the Vancouver Canucks has been a topic of much debate and speculation throughout this season. The 28-year-old right-winger, who has been a key player for the team, is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1, and his situation with the Canucks could be reaching its final chapter.
Boeser’s Comments on His Future
This week could potentially be Boeser’s last in a Canucks’ jersey. In an interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre last week, Boeser revealed that he thought a contract extension with the Canucks was “unlikely.” He explained that his season had been filled with ups and downs, saying, “It sucks, it’s unfortunate. It’s been a lot of different things.” Boeser also made it clear that he wouldn’t discuss his contract situation with his agent until the season ends.
Management’s Reluctance and Trade Speculation
Patrick Johnston from The Province suggests that some of the “different things” Boeser referred to may include management’s reluctance to fully commit to him. After the trade deadline, Canucks’ GM Patrik Allvin shared that the team had received underwhelming trade offers for Boeser, who once scored 40 goals in a season. Boeser didn’t seem to take kindly to these remarks, as they reportedly did not sit well with him.
Contract Negotiations and Boeser’s Security
As Boeser prepares for the free agency market, the contract term has emerged as the key point of negotiation. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the term length of the contract was a significant sticking point in talks. Luke Fox from Sportsnet even doubted that the Canucks would make a better offer than the five-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) of $8 million that they had reportedly previously pitched.
Carol Schram of The Hockey News pointed out that Boeser has been seeking stability. His last three contracts were all for three years, and he had accepted a modest raise when he was arbitration-eligible, which could have allowed him to reach UFA status earlier.
Canucks Still Have a Shot at Re-signing Boeser
Though Boeser’s departure seems increasingly likely, Patrick Johnston doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of the Canucks making another offer before July 1. However, it is widely believed that Boeser will attract plenty of interest from other teams if he decides to test the open market.
Boeser Among Top UFA Candidates
Boeser is not the only scoring forward available in this summer’s free-agent market. Along with Boeser, Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nikolaj Ehlers of the Winnipeg Jets are among the top scoring forwards still in their twenties. While Marner is expected to draw the most attention, Fox believes that Boeser and Ehlers will also attract considerable interest once Marner signs.
With the salary cap on the rise and many teams in need of scoring depth, Boeser’s value has never been higher. Fox lists several teams with the necessary cap space to make a competitive offer, including the Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Utah Hockey Club. These teams could be strong contenders for Boeser’s signature, making for an exciting summer ahead.
As the July 1 deadline draws closer, it seems more and more likely that Brock Boeser will test free agency after a rocky season with the Vancouver Canucks. While there is still a chance the team could try to re-sign him before he hits the market, his future in Vancouver appears uncertain. Regardless, Boeser will have plenty of suitors in the upcoming free-agent market, and his next move could shape the future of several NHL franchises.
