Last April, the Vancouver Canucks reached the playoffs for the first time since 2020. They did it on the strength of a 109-point record that was third-best in franchise history, signalling their apparent breakout as a potential Stanley Cup contender.
A year later, the Canucks are poised to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. A season of turmoil, injuries to core players, and inconsistent play derailed their season, raising questions about the club's off-season plans.
Among those questions is the fate of Brock Boeser. The 28-year-old right winger had a career-high 40 goals in 2023-24 but managed 25 goals this season. He's completing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $6.65 million and is eligible for UFA status on July 1.
Boeser surfaced in trade rumors leading to last month's trade deadline, but management found the offers underwhelming. Patrick Johnston of The Province reported Boeser admitted the distracting speculation affected his play. His production improved once the deadline passed.
Despite claiming he's not thinking about his UFA status, Boeser could be playing his final games with the Canucks.
Johnston wondered how this difficult season might affect coach Rick Tocchet's plans. His contract expires at the end of this season, but the Canucks could pick up his option year. The two sides reportedly intend to start contract extension talks following this season.
The Hockey News’ Jim Parsons wrote that the team’s long-term direction could be a factor, including what the Canucks decide to do with Boeser and center Elias Pettersson and whether captain Quinn Hughes signs a long-term deal when his current contract expires in 2027.
Tocchet won the Jack Adams Award last season and won't lack suitors if he and the Canucks part ways. He's been mentioned as a possible candidate for the Philadelphia Flyers' coaching position. Parsons added that if the Pittsburgh Penguins part with coach Mike Sullivan, Tocchet would be a candidate there as well.
Pettersson's future was another area of concern for Johnston. Trading him would further weaken the Canucks' depth at center. To move him, Johnston believes they'd have to retain part of his $11.6-million average annual value to move him. They'll have to find a suitable second-line center if they retain Pettersson.
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