'Way older' Boeser explains how he plans to mentor young Canucks players
It feels like just yesterday that Brock Boeser scored his first NHL goal in his Vancouver Canucks debut. Instead, it was nearly a decade ago.
Now, the 29-year-old winger is surrounded by younger players looking to him to set the tone.
“I definitely feel like a way older guy this year compared to last year,” said Boeser ahead of the 2026 Jake Milford golf tournament in Surrey. “[I want to be] a guy that the younger guys can lean on, really try to set an example, and whether I’m having guys over for dinner or whatever it is, I’m just trying to be a veteran now.”
While he’s looking to be a leader, Boeser didn’t seem to think naming a captain for the 2026-27 season would be necessary for the Canucks, one of nine NHL teams currently without a captain after his former teammate, Bo Horvat, was named captain of the New York Islanders.
“No, it doesn’t matter,” said Boeser. “I think our leadership group is definitely in a better position with bringing in some of these older guys, and I think that’s all that matters, just that we stick together and continue to be role models for these younger guys.”
Brock Boeser on Luke Schenn becoming his #Canucks teammate for a third time:
"He just loves Vancouver, eh? Can't stay away."
Boeser has been here so long that he says "eh" now 🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/EVwPbhdybi
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) September 14, 2026
Boeser is now the longest-tenured Canuck on the roster, having played his first game near the end of the 2016-17 season.
“It’s been a long time,” he said. “I mean, going into year 10 now, it’s kind of crazy. I’m still here, still standing in front of you guys. It’s been a roller coaster, but I’ve enjoyed it.”
That amount of time in the league gives Boeser plenty of experience to draw from, as he’s been through almost everything the NHL has to offer, from the highs of scoring 40 goals to the lows of finishing last in the NHL.
It also gives him a connection to the Canucks’ leadership of the past, which he’s looking to pass down to the next generation.
“Bo [Horvat] learned from the Sedins, and it’s just a trickle effect,” said Boeser. “I’d see Bo come into the rink every day working hard, and all these guys. Those guys were so great to me when I was a rookie, and they’re super nice, and they helped lead.”
Anne-Marie Sorvin/USA TODAY Sports
Boeser got to play two full seasons with Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and watching them on a day-to-day basis made a lasting impact.
“Coming in the rink every day, never complained, wanted to get better each and every day,” recalled Boeser. “They took care of their bodies, even when they knew they were retiring and we didn’t; they still were on the bikes after games and taking care of their bodies.
“They’re just such great professionals — that’s why everyone loves them, and that’s why I have faith and trust in them right now.”
Of course, it wasn’t quite the same for Boeser when he joined an older Canucks team as it is for the new young core.
“I think I was the youngest guy, just me by myself, but it’s a little different these days with a lot of young guys,” said Boeser.
The Canucks’ new group of young players includes the likes of 20-year-old Zeev Buium, 21-year-old Tom Willander, and 22-year-old Liam Ă–hgren. When Boeser made his Canucks debut, Buium was just 12.
Boeser appreciates the energy the youth have brought to the team.
“Those young guys work hard,” he said. “They come to the rink every day wanting to get better, and they’ve shown it. We’ve had some team-bonding stuff already and gotten together, so I think we’re a pretty tight group.”