NHL Trade Rumors: Insider hints Canucks could be eyeing winger as Brock Boeser replacement

By Mike Whitaker

Modified Dec 19, 2024 05:40 GMT

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One of the more interesting storylines for the Vancouver Canucks is the status of forward Brock Boeser, who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The three-year contract extension that he signed expires during the summer, and thanks to the elevated goal-scoring abilities he demonstrated, he'll be in line for a massive extension.

But what if the Canucks aren't willing to meet his salary demands and fail to agree on an extension?

According to Canucks insider Rick Dhaliwal on Wednesday, the Canucks could attempt to trade for another forward in case they can't agree on a new deal with Boeser.

"Are they looking for a winger in case things don’t work out with Brock Boeser? You also have to protect yourselves here in case you have to move Boeser if you can’t extend him."

While the Canucks are looking for another winger, Dhaliwal did note that Boeser and the team are currently working on an extension.

Brock Boeser has emerged as one of Vancouver's leading goal-scorers

Boeser was taken with the 23rd overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Canucks, and he's spent his entire career with the franchise.

He reached career-highs in both goals and points in 2023-24, scoring 40 goals with 73 total points.

Unfortunately, his season ended at the most inopportune time possible - right before the deciding Game 7 of the second round against the Edmonton Oilers this past May.

He experienced a blood-clotting issue in his leg, forcing him from the lineup; the Canucks were defeated in the decisive seventh game by the Oilers, who went on to come within a game of winning the Stanley Cup.

Before the 2024-25 season began, he indicated that he was looking forward to putting the past behind him.

"Just let it play out," Boeser said per NHL.com. "Obviously coming off a blood clot, I think I've got a lot to prove, just kind of dealing with that little setback. So, I'm just focused on having a great camp again like I did last year, and trying to have a fast start to this season again."

So far this season, Boeser has scored eight goals (tied for fourth on the team) with 11 assists for the defending Pacific Division champion Canucks.