After talk of Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser being scratched for Saturday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes, he’s set to play after all.
Boeser took to the ice for warmup while Dakota Joshua was unexpectedly absent due to what appears to be a minor injury.
Boeser, who has three goals and 11 assists this season, has zero points over his last three games. His plus/minus of minus-14 is also the fourth-worst in the NHL.
Bruce Boudreau’s decision to scratch the 25-year-old has led to speculation that Vancouver may be looking to part ways with Boeser via trade.
As reported by Elliotte Friedman during Saturday’s 32 Thoughts segment on Hockey Night in Canada, Boeser has reportedly been granted permission to talk to other teams about a move.
After Saturday’s morning skate, when asked about scratching Boeser the head coach replied: “Tough love is tough love.”
“I know he’s capable of being much better,” Boudreau said. “We want to win and we need him, I think, over the long haul to win but, I mean, we have to be better. It could have been one of a few guys but sometimes this is just something you have to do.”
The Canucks enter Saturday’s game coming off back-to-back 5-1 losses at home to the Washington Capitals and Florida Panthers, sitting sixth in the Pacific Division with a 9-12-3 record.
Watch the Canucks host the Coyotes starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet ONE or SN NOW.
