There seems to be one major stumbling block in Boeser negotiations with Vancouver Canucks
There continues to be little noise surrounding the Vancouver Canucks and pending free agent Brock Boeser.
The 28-year-old, who celebrates his birthday today, is set to hit the open market on July 1. He’s been eligible for an extension since July 1 of last year, but the Canucks have opted for a patient approach. In January, GM Patrik Allvin said the team was still “evaluating” Boeser.
The Canucks wanted to see him repeat last year’s 40-goal outburst and stay healthy. So far this year, he hasn’t quite reached that same lofty level but has still been one of the team’s best offensive weapons, scoring 18 goals and 35 points in 50 games.
With the trade deadline fast approaching on March 7, the Canucks are being forced to make a decision. Do they deal Boeser and recoup some assets or keep him and risk letting him walk for nothing in the summer?
All options are still on the table per those close to the situation.
“Contract talks have not been close the last few weeks, but I was told this morning, ‘don’t rule anything out, including trading Boeser at the deadline; that’s when deals get done.’ I don’t know if the Canucks made Boeser a new and improved contract [offer] lately, but more than one person has told me not to rule out Boeser re-signing in Vancouver,” explained CHEK’s Rick Dhaliwal onĀ Donnie & DhaliĀ yesterday.
Boeser’s current cap hit is $6.65 million. With the salary cap expected to jump significantly, he’s in line for a major pay increase. Hockey consulting company AFP Analytics projects a seven-year deal with a cap hit of $9.05 million per season.
That’s a big contract that the Canucks may not feel comfortable signing. While the dollar amount will quickly look more reasonable in a rising cap world, the term of the contract is reportedly where the disagreement between the two sides resides.
Boeser is nearly 30 years old and has never been the fastest player. As his speed and quickness fall off in his older years, will he be able to remain the same calibre of player?
“Term has always been the issue; it’s the number one concern from the Canucks side with Boeser,” continued Dhaliwal.
“I think term is the big issue here,” said Sportsnet’s Satiar Shah onĀ Canucks Central. “If they’re willing to go six, seven years, I think he could stay, but that’s the interesting part with Vancouver; it doesn’t seem like so far they’re willing.”
Boeser has five 20-goal seasons under his belt. He’s a consistent goal-scorer who has rounded out his game in recent seasons. There are certainly many NHL teams who will be interested in his services. If the Canucks don’t want to give him seven years and that’s his biggest desire, he can find another club on July 1 that will be willing.
The Canucks-Boeser negotiations have been dragged out across this entire season. The trade deadline may finally provide some clarity over what will happen, although for now, all options seem available.