As the Vancouver Canucks head into a pivotal offseason, one glaring need stands out: scoring depth up front. Both president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford and general manager Patrik Allvin have made it clear the team must add proven offensive contributors this summer. Which makes their approach to Brock Boeser’s future all the more puzzling.
Boeser, who has consistently provided offensive punch during his time in Vancouver, is set to test free agency. The team’s public stance? That he has “earned the right” to explore his options. It’s a diplomatic, respectful statement—but one that raises eyebrows, given Vancouver’s stated desire for more scoring.
Former head coach Travis Green used to emphasize just how difficult it is to score in today’s NHL. Players who can find the back of the net consistently are not easy to replace, and Boeser, for all his perceived flaws, remains one of the better goal scorers in the league when healthy and utilized correctly.
So why the ambiguity from management?
Speaking to season ticket holders recently, Patrik Allvin said he remains “hopeful” the Canucks can bring Boeser back, but also noted, “The player has to want to come back.” It’s a telling comment—one that suggests the ball is now largely in Boeser’s court.
That sentiment reflects the complex relationship between Boeser and the organization. Negotiations in past years have been lengthy and sometimes tense, and at times it has felt like both sides were ready to move on. Yet Boeser has never truly underperformed. He may not be a complete, two-way winger, but he does what few others on the roster can do consistently: score.
Letting him walk without a clear replacement lined up would be a risky move for a team trying to stay competitive in a tough Pacific Division.
So yes, the door appears to remain open—at least a crack. But whether Boeser walks back through it or chooses a fresh start elsewhere remains to be seen. And if he does leave, the Canucks will face the tall task of finding someone who can replicate his offensive output, likely at a higher cost and with no guarantee of chemistry.
In the end, both sides must weigh their options carefully. For Boeser, it’s a chance to see how other teams value him. For the Canucks, it’s a reminder that goal scorers don’t grow on trees—and sometimes the best solution is the one you already have.
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