The Vancouver Canucks are staring down a series of tough decisions as the March 6 trade deadline looms, and perhaps none is more layered than what to do with Brock Boeser.
Boeser’s situation is complicated - not just because of his contract or production, but because of what he still represents to this team and potentially to others around the league. The former first-round pick entered the season with expectations of being a consistent 30-goal scorer, especially after signing a seven-year extension carrying a $7.25 million AAV. But through 50 games, he’s managed just 12 goals and 25 points - a pace that would mark the lowest output of his NHL career.
That’s not exactly the kind of stat line that makes general managers line up with trade offers. And with Boeser signed through 2032, any team acquiring him would be taking on a long-term commitment. So, the question becomes: Is this just a down year, or is this the beginning of a decline?
There’s a real argument to be made that Boeser’s value isn’t as diminished as the raw numbers suggest. Around the league, cap space is opening up, and proven goal-scorers are still a hot commodity - especially when the market gets thin.
Boeser’s career scoring rate and his playoff pedigree still carry weight. If a team believes this season is an outlier, he could be a smart buy-low candidate, especially compared to what some free agents might command this summer.
So where does that leave Vancouver?
If the front office believes Boeser’s current slump is temporary, the smart play might be to wait. A rebound next season - or even a strong finish to this one - could re-establish his trade value and open the door for a move in the offseason when more teams have flexibility and fewer deadline pressures. He could also become a fallback option for clubs that miss out on their primary targets as the deadline approaches.
But there’s another layer here that can’t be ignored: Boeser holds a full no-movement clause, not just for this season, but for the next three. That means any trade would require his approval - and right now, there’s little reason to believe he’s looking to leave.
He recently got engaged, and by all accounts, he and his fiancée are settled in Vancouver. That kind of personal stability can be a powerful factor, especially for a player who’s been through a lot off the ice.
So yes, the Canucks could explore a trade. But unless Boeser wants to move - and unless a team is willing to bet on a bounce-back - it’s just as likely he stays put. That might not be the dramatic deadline move fans are hoping for, but it could be the smartest play in the long run.