Why Using Brock Boeser As A Rental Will Negatively Impact The Canucks In The Future
Feb 4, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser (6) handles the puck against the Colorado Avalanche in the third period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Frid-Imagn ImagesWith the 2025 trade deadline less than two weeks, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Vancouver Canucks is whether they will trade or keep Brock Boeser. The 28-year-old has spent his entire career with the Canucks, but is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. While having Boeser on the roster will help Vancouver's quest to qualify for the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, keeping him as a rental would have a negative impact on the organization in the future.
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According to multiple reports, there is still a significant gap between Boeser's camp and the Canucks on a potential extension. GM Patrik Allvin has also said numerous times that the club continues to evaluate Boeser, which is odd as he has been with the organization since 2015. Regardless, it is clear that there is a disconnect between the two parties, which could mean these are the final few months of Boeser in a Vancouver uniform.
As for Boeser, he recently opened up in an interview with Sportsnet Iain MacIntyre. In the article, Boeser was quoted as saying, "We all know the three options that could happen (before the deadline): trade, re-sign or neither. If nothing happens and July 1 comes around, I still think I'm in a good spot (as a UFA). But I've talked to you and definitely been open about, you know, how much I love it in Vancouver. So, yeah, it's actually frustrating that nothing's got done."
While nothing is preventing the Canucks from holding onto Boeser and using him as a rental, it would be an opportunity lost to help build for the future. Yes, as mentioned, keeping Boeser would help with the playoff push, but it would also prevent Vancouver from acquiring assets that will help the team in the future. It is also not a great look for the organization from a fan perspective if they keep Boeser and do not re-sign him, especially considering everything he has gone through and done for the Canucks since making his debut in 2017.
Regardless of whether he signs with Vancouver or not, Boeser's next contract is going to be massive due to the rising salary cap. AFP Analytics currently projects his next deal at seven years with an AAV of just above $9 million. For reference, that would carry a cap percentage of 9.47%, which is just under the cap percentage that both Tim Stützle and Owen Power carry this season.
In the end, keeping Boeser and not re-signing him would be a mistake for the organization. Instead of getting draft picks, prospects and potentially even roster players, the Canucks would be left with a massive hole in their lineup heading into free agency. At this point, the smart thing to do would be either to re-sign Boeser or trade him before the March 7 deadline.
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