NHL insider David Pagnotta says Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser is almost certain to leave this offseason, either via trade or free agency.
Boeser, 28, has spent his entire NHL career in Vancouver after being drafted No. 23 overall in 2015. But his future with the team now looks uncertain.
Why Brock Boeser Is Likely to Leave Vancouver
The Canucks’ decision not to offer Boeser a new contract during the final year of his deal raised eyebrows around the league.
“The focus in Vancouver seems to be centred around adding more offence up front and replacing Brock Boeser, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer,” Pagnotta wrote on Friday, May 30.
“Boeser, 28, is a ‘longshot’ to re-sign with the Canucks, one team source confirmed to me this week. He is prepared to move on to the next chapter of his career and will attract significant interest this summer, especially given the limited market.”
ICYMI, from yesterday, lots of nuggets from across the league ⬇️⬇️ https://t.co/hmgtwvd91e
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) May 31, 2025
Hockey reporters are still puzzled as to why the Canucks didn’t move Boeser before the trade deadline in March. Sources said Vancouver kept him around for a playoff push that never materialized. Now, with a shallow free agent class, Boeser is expected to draw strong interest from contenders across the league this summer.
Boeser scored 25 goals and totaled 50 points in 75 games this season — a step back from the career-high 40 goals and 73 points he posted last year.
Over nine seasons with the Canucks, he’s recorded 434 points (204 goals, 230 assists) in 554 regular-season games and added 23 points in 29 playoff games. He’s in the final year of a three-year, $19.95 million contract and, back in April, all but confirmed he wouldn’t be back.
“Honestly, it’s unlikely at this point,” Boeser said via NHL.com when asked about re-signing. He added, “It [stinks]. It’s unfortunate. I’m just trying to play good hockey, and then I’ll worry about everything after that. We all know it’s been a roller coaster of a year. There’s been a lot of different things.”
Vancouver’s 2024–25 season was full of ups and downs. After a promising start, the team was hit by key injuries, including to captain Quinn Hughes, center Elias Pettersson, and goalie Thatcher Demko, along with a concussion that kept Boeser out for seven games. The Canucks finished 38-30-14 and missed the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.
Pagnotta also reported that the team is listening to offers for Pettersson, whose no-movement clause kicks in July 1. Demko is reportedly open to a trade, too. Meanwhile, former head coach Rick Tocchet’s refusal to sign a new contract raised even more questions about the direction of the franchise.
