Earlier this evening, it was reported that Brock Boeser would be a healthy scratch for the Vancouver Canucks when they host the Arizona Coyotes this evening. However, after taking warmups with the team, Boeser was placed into the lineup for tonights game, says Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Later this evening, on tonight’s 32 Thoughts segment Friedman added a bit more fuel to the fire if you will, discussing what might be happening off the ice. Friedman reports that the Canucks have given permission to Boeser’s representatives to talk to other teams about a potential move, though he cautions that neither the team nor Boeser’s agents have specifically confirmed this.
From afar, Vancouver deciding now is the time to trade Boeser might seem a bit confusing. For one, after struggling out of the gate this season, the team has rebounded nicely to put themselves in the playoff discussion at this point in the season, even if on the fringes. On top of that, Boeser has recorded 14 points in 18 games this season, good for 0.77 points-per-game, which is almost perfectly in-line with his career average of 0.79 points-per-game prior to this season.
However, known as a sharpshooter, Boeser’s 8.1% shooting-percentage is down from his career 13.2% he had prior to this season, not to mention he’s been shooting the puck less altogether, averaging 2.83 shots-per-game before this season, down to 2.05 in 2022-23. That’s resulted in just three of his 14 points coming on goals this season. Adding on to the problem, Boeser’s previous six games haven’t been his best, combining for just three points to go with a -6 rating and seven shots total.
What’s next for Boeser and Vancouver isn’t completely clear, but Friedman’s report does raise some eyebrows. For one, despite his struggles, Boeser is undoubtedly a dynamic offensive player that any number of teams would want to add into their lineup. When teams give permission for a player to speak with other teams, generally the reason for doing so is to see if they can work out an extension ahead of time, hopefully giving them a bigger return in a trade, however Boeser is still signed for another two seasons, bringing with him a $6.65MM cap hit.
Another fairly common reason a player may have permission to speak with other teams is to see who’s plans he might fit into with regards to playing time and role, perhaps if that player has been squeezed out in his current situation. Despite his struggles, it’s hard to imagine many teams wouldn’t view Boeser as anything but a valuable addition. Still, given Boeser’s rather large cap hit compared to his production, these conversations may be had to assure an acquiring team knows exactly what to expect in the case they have to absorb Boeser’s entire cap hit or pay Vancouver to retain some of it.
Rangers, provided there’s salary the Rangers can/could drop going the other way. Rangers have the kids to move, and RW is a desperate need for the top line. With Kravstov on the second line and Kakko on the third, they need someone at the top. Miller would be a good asset along with a draft pick, which would certainly help Vancouver out.
Makes some sense.
Kakko for Boeser
Miller instead?
Miller is going to be a free agent. He’s going to be a bit steep on cost and not sure if placing solid cap dollars on him is going to be worth it. Need Kakko since he and Goodrow are the only RWs that are playing consistently. Kravstov seems to get hurt often and need someone for the top line. Alternative is no trade and bring up Othmann.
Kakko … for BOESER? You’re joking, right?
Let’s review: Boeser is a star signed for two more seasons on a pretty team-friendly contract for a guy who’s been consistently scoring four points per five games for his whole career. Kakko is a draft bust who at his best produces just-barely third-line production and isn’t enough of a grinder to want on your fourth line. I won’t argue against the premise that he’s playing “consistently,” but that level of consistency is on track for a 25-pt season and well into minus.
Miller and a pick … hm. Better be a 1st rounder, and that much only if the Canucks are sure that Miller will develop further.
Miller has been a solid stay at home dman who can skate and play offense if given the opportunity – he was a former wing and pretty good skater with a shot.
Kakko is 21 and like many, hit their stride after a few years in. Unfortunately for him 13-14 minutes a game doesn’t help.
As for Boeser, I’d pump the breaks in him being a star. Has the potential, has certainly proved he can play, but his value is going to be short due to the situation. Healthy scratch questions locker room presence
Boeser for Kakko and a first, second. Throw Kravtsov in there if you want. Canucks retain. Im down. Give Miller away for whatever you can get and retain. Sick of his fake tough guy schtick and non existent defence. Point per game player with a -8 and a crap attitude. Trade Kuzmenko because they won’t be able to afford him, he can get a second and a prospect. Dump Horvat for a nice pick and prospect package. I am not into the idea of half competing this year. Demko is out for 2 months. Allvin and JR need to blow it up fully, none of this tweener garbage.
@padam Miller signed a 7 year extension lol, he is not a free agent. Horvat is the free agent. They very poorly chose to pay Miller over Horvat.
I’m pretty sure they don’t talk about JT Miller here.
Correct lol my bad.
@slimmy – Miller on the Rangers. Plays D.
K’andre, I know haha. My blind Canucks rage took over
Preds seem to be in perpetual need of scoring help, so maybe that’s an option.
Revive his gig with the Wild.