Canucks Likely Without Brock Boeser Until After Olympic Break
The Vancouver Canucks are bracing for life without Brock Boeser-at least for the next stretch leading into the Olympic break. Head coach Adam Foote confirmed Friday that while Boeser will be traveling with the team on their upcoming road trip, fans shouldn’t expect to see him back in the lineup anytime soon. “I can’t see him play next week,” Foote said, offering a clear signal that the Canucks will be cautious with their top-six winger.
Boeser remains on injured reserve following a hit to the head he took last Sunday. The play, which drew immediate concern, led to a three-game suspension for Pittsburgh Penguins forward Bryan Rust. While Boeser is eligible to be activated from IR as early as Monday, the team appears to be prioritizing his long-term health over a quick return.
It’s a tough blow for a Canucks squad that’s leaned heavily on Boeser’s offensive production this season. His presence on the ice-whether he’s finishing plays with that quick-release shot or creating space for linemates-has been a key part of Vancouver’s forward depth. Losing him, even temporarily, forces some reshuffling in the lineup and puts added pressure on the rest of the top six to carry the scoring load.
Still, there’s a bit of optimism in the fact that Boeser is traveling with the team. That typically signals a player is progressing in recovery, even if he’s not quite game-ready. Being around the group, staying engaged with systems and meetings, and maintaining conditioning can all help smooth the transition once he’s cleared to return.
The Canucks’ upcoming two-game road trip will test their ability to adapt without one of their most consistent offensive weapons. But with the Olympic break looming, the team has a natural window to give Boeser more recovery time without rushing him back into action.
For now, Vancouver will need to find ways to generate offense without No. 6 in the lineup. And while that’s no small task, the Canucks have shown resilience all season. They’ll need to tap into that again as they navigate the next few games without one of their go-to scorers.