Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks has found himself in the spotlight as the 2024-25 NHL season comes to a critical juncture. Once celebrated for his offensive prowess, Boeser's year has been marred by underperformance, prompting questions about his future with the team and earning potential as he approaches unrestricted free agency.
This season, the 28-year-old forward has only managed to rack up 20 goals and 41 points over 61 games, a noticeable decline compared to his career highs last year. Jannik Hansen, a former Canucks player and now commentator, didn't mince words when discussing Boeser’s play: “He’s invisible, and that’s the problem. He doesn’t create things himself, so unless somebody does it for him, nothing happens. It almost dies on his stick,” he remarked during a segment on The People's Show on Sportsnet 650.
Boeser's performance troubles raised eyebrows further when he turned down a significant contract extension before the NHL trade deadline—a five-year deal reportedly valued at an average annual value (AAV) of $8 million. This move led to speculation that he would be traded as the Canucks find themselves precariously positioned in the playoff race. However, the team’s decision to keep him indicates a dual strategy: focusing on a potential playoff push while evaluating Boeser's place within the franchise.
In a turn of fortunes, Boeser showcased his talent in a vital 6-2 victory against the Winnipeg Jets on March 18, 2025, where he scored two goals and assisted on another, bringing his season total to 20 goals. This performance also marked his sixth career season scoring 20 or more goals, reinforcing why the Canucks have hesitated to part ways with him.
After the game, Boeser made history by surpassing Thomas Gradin to sit alone in ninth place on the Canucks' all-time goals list with 199 goals, now only two away from tying Bo Horvat for eighth place. As Sportsnet highlighted, “After a two-goal performance against the Jets, Brock Boeser has moved into sole possession of ninth on the Canucks all-time leading goal-scorers list.”
Despite the glimmer of hope following this game, Boeser's contract situation looms large. He currently commands an AAV of $6.65 million on his bridge deal, but with recent performances and market trends, negotiations for an extension may see his ask reach $8 million or higher.
Reflecting on Boeser’s contractual outlook, Canucks GM Patrik Allvin stated, “If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser, I think I would have to run out of here,” indicating both the demand for his talent and perhaps the frustration around not landing a suitable deal by the trade deadline.
Should the Canucks not find middle ground with Boeser, he is poised to become an attractive free-agent target. There are already whispers that the Minnesota Wild are ready to pursue Boeser if he enters free agency this summer. With over $14 million in dead cap coming off their books, the Wild could be looking to strengthen their roster and might be willing to overpay to land a scoring threat like Boeser.
As both the Canucks and Boeser navigate this complex landscape, future discussions will be vital. Free agency opens on July 1, 2025, and every performance during the remaining 14 games of the regular season could impact not only the Canucks’ playoff prospects but also Boeser’s personal and professional trajectory.
The pressure mounts, not only for Boeser but for the team as well. If Vanocuver can keep this momentum and clinch a playoff berth, Boeser’s role will be crucial, indicated as part of a strategy alongside other key players. However, if the season does not culminate in postseason success, the decision-making surrounding his extensions may become more magnified, with both sides faced with weighing their options in what has already proven to be a trying year for the franchise.
