Brock Boeser should be a lock to make the Canucks this season
It shouldn’t even be a question.
When the Vancouver Canucks take to the ice for the first regular season game of 2017-18, Brock Boeser needs to be in the lineup.
If Brock Boeser isn't in the #Canucks starting lineup and playing in Top 6 come opening night, Management should be sent packing same day.
— JAY JANOWER (@DOUBLEJGLOBALBC) September 21, 2017
If there was any debate on whether NHL or AHL would be best for his development this season, Brock has put it to rest this preseason with goals like this one.
3️⃣ pre-season games
4️⃣ goals scored by @BBoeser16
1️⃣ 2️⃣ 3️⃣, 4️⃣ 5️⃣ 6️⃣, 7️⃣ 8️⃣ 9️⃣ smiling #Canucks fans pic.twitter.com/EfLpDIJ8nq— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 21, 2017
He’s too good for the AHL.
The 20-year-old winger leads the entire NHL in preseason scoring with six points (four goals) in three games.
Yes, it’s preseason hockey, but Boeser has shown he can perform in regular season games too, scoring four goals in nine games to end last season.
Plus, these are the kinds of goals you see on a regular basis during the NHL season.
Check out his first preseason goal against the LA Kings, where he cuts to the middle to use the defender as a screen, before snapping one over the arm of Darcy Kuemper.
What a release. @BBoeser16 🔥 pic.twitter.com/zkpQy4NyV9
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 16, 2017
On a team loaded with veterans, many wondered if starting with the Utica Comets would be the best course for Boeser. He would be guaranteed loads of playing time, and could get used to the rigours of the pro game before making the jump.
But as the preseason has gone on, Boeser has proven he’s not only one of the best young players in the organization, he might already be the best goal scorer too.
When did we ever see Canucks players go bar down like this last season?
#Canucks down 4-2 after 20 minutes. Boeser and Subban with the goals for the good guys. pic.twitter.com/GE62mTEZP3
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 17, 2017
For a team that says they want to get younger but remain competitive, it behooves the Canucks to keep Boeser around.
He not only belongs on the team, he belongs on a scoring line. He belongs on the power play.
If a veteran has to go on waivers and gets claimed to open a spot for Boeser, so be it. If a more established veteran player like Brandon Sutter, Sam Gagner, or Thomas Vanek gets bumped to the fourth line to make it happen, that’s life.
The 2015 first rounder deserves it, and he’s an important piece to this franchise both now and in the future.
Got this text from an NHL agent "Boeser is going to make a lot of money in this league." Not Boeser's agent.
— Rick Dhaliwal (@DhaliwalSports) September 21, 2017
Heck, in what might be a down year for rookies, he has a legitimate shot at winning the Calder trophy. If he pulled off that feat, he’d join Pavel Bure as the only other player in Canucks history to win it.
For a fanbase that is itching for something new and exciting to get behind, Boeser is that something.
Brock Boeser with his second goal of the game to cut the lead to 8-4#Canucks pic.twitter.com/ZLRu6LVHWG
— Ryan Biech (@ryanbiech) September 17, 2017
Boeser is the guy who can draw Canucks fans to Rogers Arena. He’s the guy who can light the lamp and get butts out of the seats.
Now he just has to make the team.
He has another chance to make his case for a roster spot tonight, as the Canucks are in Edmonton taking on the Oilers. Puck drops at 6 pm.
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