After suffering a disappointing 5-1 loss to the Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks president Jim Rutherford took center stage, addressing the future of forward Brock Boeser whose contract situation remains under intense scrutiny. Boeser, after achieving career-highs with 40 goals last season, has signaled his desire to stay with the Canucks, but the management is treading carefully, weighing the terms and finances surrounding his potential contract extension.
“Right now, we're evaluating his situation,” Rutherford stated, reflecting the club's cautious approach. “The key is going to be what the contract looks like, what the term looks like…It's like all contracts; the player is going to have a difference of opinion than what the team has, and we’ll continue to watch this really closely.”
Playing under the last year of his three-year, $19.95 million deal signed back in July 2022, Boeser carries a cap hit of $6.65 million per season. This year, he has amassed 19 points (8 goals, 11 assists) over 22 games, playing pivotal roles in key victories for his team like scoring against the Florida Panthers and contributing heavily to the win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. His scoring has been integral to the Canucks’ success; his performance often dictates the outcome of games.
The Canucks, currently sitting fourth in the Pacific Division, are competing for the wild-card playoff spot with inconsistent home performances being their Achilles' heel. Their record at Rogers Arena stands starkly below their road performance of 10-2-1, showcasing their struggles to find the same urgency playing at home. Despite holding onto a 15-9-5 overall record, the Canucks must improve their home game to maintain playoff hopes.
“We beat ourselves at home sometimes… We don't play with the same urgency at home,” Rutherford shared during his interview on CBC's presentation after the Bruins’ game. “On the road, we seem to be more comfortable, but we need to fix these problems quickly because you can't be a playoff team with a home record like we have.”
This inconsistency was exemplified by their recent performance: the Canucks won decisively at home one game with a 4-0 victory over the Florida Panthers, only to slip back with the heavy loss against the Bruins, where they struggled to find rhythm and effort.
The loss demonstrated how reliant the Canucks are on Boeser's contributions and highlighted another key player, J.T. Miller, who recently returned from personal leave. Rutherford cited Miller as one of the club’s offensive linchpins, having led the Canucks with significant points before his departure. Miller's recent return has seen him assist three times over two games, spotlighting his necessity as Vancouver inches toward playoff aspirations.
“He’s extremely important to our plans as the season wears on,” Rutherford elaborated. “When he produces, we often win. We need those kinds of performances moving forward.”
Rutherford also addressed the pressing matter of roster improvements as the March 7 trade deadline looms. Amid uncertainties, he confidently asserted, “We need to add a couple of players to really give ourselves a chance to contend.” With the need for improvement palatable, he did acknowledge the challenge of operating within salary cap constraints when eyeing additional talent.
Defensive inadequacies have been consistent topics of concern throughout the season, amplified by the glaring inconsistencies displayed in their home games. Rutherford noted the necessity to bolster defensive capabilities, eyeing perhaps more than just one addition before the trade deadline. This roster reevaluation aligns with the Canucks’ aim to reposition themselves firmly within playoff contention.
Rutherford has been transparent not only about the need for adjustments but also his confidence in Coach Rick Tocchet, respecting the challenges faced with the team's current dynamics. His backing is clear as he affirmed, “(Rick Tocchet) does a terrific job. He’s had more hurdles this season, but I believe he'll figure this out.”
With the next home game against the Colorado Avalanche approaching, the Canucks need to transform their strategies, particularly focusing on maintaining competitive edge at home, reflecting on their track record and battle for playoff survival.
“We have adjustments to make, and they’re fixable,” Rutherford reiterated, instilling some hope with clarity on the urgency of fixing their home record. “We’d best get on it quickly because playoff teams don’t get by with our current level of home performance.” With numerous decisions to be made and the spotlight on players like Boeser, the coming weeks will be decisive for the direction of the Vancouver Canucks this season.
