The Canucks’ longest-serving player doesn’t appear long for Vancouver.
The team was officially eliminated from playoff contention with the Minnesota Wild’s 8-7 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday. But it didn’t just signal the end of their post-season hopes, it also may have preluded the conclusion of Brock Boeser‘s tenure with the Canucks.
The impending free-agent forward spoke to reporters prior to puck drop against the Dallas Stars on Tuesday and made it known what progress, or lack thereof, has been made regarding a new deal.
“Honestly, it’s unlikely at this point,” Boeser said when asked about a return to Vancouver next season. ““It sucks, it’s unfortunate. I’m just trying to play good hockey, and then I’ll worry about everything after that. We all know it’s been a roller coaster of a year. There’s been a lot of different things.”
The 28-year-old forward has spent all nine years of his NHL career with the Canucks ever since they drafted him 23rd overall in 2015.
Boeser has posted 204 goals and 229 assists for 433 career points through 550 games with Vancouver.
Like the Canucks as a whole, the Burnsville, Minn. native had a bit of a down year. After posting career highs in games played (81), goals (40) and total points (73) in 2023-24, to earn his second all-star nod, Boeser’s production has dipped to 25 goals and 49 points through 71 appearances this season — his lowest point total since 2021-22. He’s also a team-worst minus-24.
While he made sure to take accountability, noting “there’s no excuses” for the Canucks disappointing season — one year removed from leading the Pacific division and losing after seven games in the second round to the eventual Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers — Boeser did also mention “we’ve had distractions and injuries throughout the lineup all year.”
Vancouver general manager Patrik Allvin listened to trade offers for Boeser at the NHL deadline in March, but said teams didn’t show much interest, according to Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre.
Boeser’s impending free agency has felt like enough of a distraction that he’s opted not to talk to his agent Ben Hankinson until the season is over.
“Yeah, I’m refusing to talk to Hank right now,” Boeser said. “I feel like I’m playing a lot better hockey recently, and I don’t want to get distracted. That’s one of the things I’ve learned: when there’s distractions, I don’t play my best hockey. The mental aspect of the game is so important. This year, there’s been a lot of distractions.”
Boeser’s early-season production was interrupted as he missed a seven-game stretch in November due to a concussion but he had found his form of late as the Canucks tried to stay in the playoff race. Through the team’s last 11 games, he put up seven goals and 11 points.
The Canucks visit the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday and then have just three games remaining before their season officially ends. Further clarity on Boeser’s future in Vancouver will only come after that.
