Report: Boeser to sign with Canucks, may begin playing immediately

An interesting report surfaced out of North Dakota on Friday evening, as it appears the Vancouver Canucks will soon sign 2015 first round draft pick Brock Boeser to an entry-level contract.

*UPDATE: He signed and he’ll play.

Boeser’s college season ended on Friday, as the University of North Dakota lost a heartbreaker in overtime to Boston University. Given that the winger is not expected to return for another season of NCAA hockey next year, signing a pro contract is no surprise.

What is a surprise is how soon we may see Boeser in a Canucks uniform. Brad Schlossman from the Grand Forks Herald is reporting that Boeser may suit up for the Canucks as early as Saturday afternoon in Minnesota (11 am PT).

The Canucks have just nine games remaining in their season, so there’s reason to rush Boeser into the lineup right away to maximize NHL experience for the youngster.

If he does indeed play Saturday, it would be a remarkable turnaround to go from college heartbreak to NHL debut in less than 24 hours. Mentally, that would be quite a lot for the 20-year-old to process, although it’s certainly not difficult logistically. UND played in Fargo on Friday, which is less than a four-hour drive to St. Paul, Minnesota, where the Canucks will be playing the Wild.

It would be a terrific story if Boeser does indeed suit up to play in St. Paul, given that he grew up in nearby Burnsville. Getting to make your NHL debut in front of family in friends would likely be a dream come true for the Minnesota kid.

If the Canucks want to give Boeser a day to process everything, expect to see him play the next night in nearby Winnipeg for Sunday’s game against the Jets.

Either way, it looks like Canucks fans will get an early look at a player that promises to be a dynamic scorer in the NHL one day.

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