Boeser back at Canucks practice and could play soon
There’s some encouraging news for Vancouver Canucks fans today, as Brock Boeser hit the ice to practice with his teammates this afternoon.
Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre reports that Boeser was on the ice in Ottawa in a non-contact jersey. It marks the first time he’s skated with the Canucks’ main group since suffering a suspected concussion after taking a high hit from Tanner Jeannot just over two weeks ago. The LA Kings forward received a three-game suspension for the headshot.
While Boeser won’t play Saturday, this marks an important milestone for a potential return. The fact he is on the road trip is also a positive development.
“He had a non-contact practice today. That’s protocol,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet told reporters in Ottawa. “We’ll see how he is tomorrow, just to skate. He’s not going to play tomorrow. It’s day-to-day. I think he had a good day today, but once you have contact, then you gotta make those other decisions.”
The Canucks have struggled in Boeser’s absence, winning just two of a possible six games. Prior to the injury, the 27-year-old had six goals and 11 points through 12 outings.
While the Canucks are always a much-better team with Boeser in the lineup, their need for him has increased even further, with J.T. Miller recently taking a leave of absence earlier this week.
Having players out of the lineup is nothing new for the Canucks, as they’ve been without key players right from the get-go of the 2024-25 season. Dakota Joshua was only recently able to make his season debut, while starting goaltender Thatcher Demko has yet to make a start.
Put everything together, and you have a Canucks team, fresh off of winning a Pacific Division title, that has gotten off to a rather disappointing 9-6-3 start. It has them one point shy of the Edmonton Oilers for a playoff spot, albeit with three games in hand.
The Canucks are currently in the final day of a much-needed three-day break, before Saturday’s road game against the Ottawa Senators.
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