The recent contract extension for Travis Konecny has significant implications for the Vancouver Canucks as they prepare to negotiate Brock Boeser’s next deal. Despite being in the Eastern Conference with the Philadelphia Flyers, Konecny has long been associated with the Canucks, primarily through his connection to Bo Horvat, his cousin. The Canucks have also considered Konecny a potential trade target due to their ongoing need for homegrown offensive talent. However, with Konecny now locked into a substantial extension with the Flyers, his deal offers a clear benchmark for Boeser’s impending contract renewal.
Konecny’s new contract with the Flyers is a substantial commitment, spanning eight years with an average annual value (AAV) of $8.75 million. For Philadelphia, where Konecny has been a key player, this deal makes sense as they continue to build around him until the emergence of prospect Matvei Michkov. For the Canucks, this extension sets a challenging precedent as they look to negotiate Boeser’s new contract.
The similarities between Konecny and Boeser are striking. Both were born in 1997, Konecny in March and Boeser in February, and both were drafted in the 2015 NHL Draft—Boeser 23rd overall and Konecny 24th. Their careers have followed a similar trajectory, with both debuting in the NHL during the 2016-17 season, albeit with different starting points. Konecny’s career stats stand at 174 goals, 226 assists, and 400 points in 564 games, while Boeser has 179 goals, 205 assists, and 384 points in 479 games. Despite Konecny’s slightly better points-per-game rate, Boeser has benefited from playing with top-line teammates, which balances their offensive output.
Both players experienced standout seasons in the final year of their contracts before their new deals—Konecny setting highs with 33 goals and 68 points, and Boeser surpassing him with 40 goals and 73 points. This parallel makes Konecny’s extension a significant reference point for Boeser’s negotiations. However, while the Flyers could comfortably afford Konecny’s contract due to his role as a central figure in their lineup, Boeser’s situation is different. He is not the central player for the Canucks, who have other key figures like Elias Pettersson, JT Miller, Quinn Hughes, and Thatcher Demko. Thus, signing Boeser to a deal comparable to Konecny’s may be challenging for the Canucks’ salary structure.
Moreover, Konecny has had limited playoff success, with just 22 playoff games and modest production. In contrast, Boeser has been more impactful in the playoffs, with 23 points in 29 games, including a notable performance last year. This playoff performance gives Boeser an edge in terms of clutch performance.
Another consideration is the players’ defensive contributions and durability. Konecny is known for his strong defensive play and penalty-killing abilities, while Boeser has shown improvement in his defensive game but is less robust overall. Konecny’s durability and role as a primary offensive force in Philadelphia give him leverage in negotiations.
Sources say Flyers forward Travis Konecny isn’t going anywhere, as the 27-year-old is closing in on an extension to stay in Philly.
My source: ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/uNLS382vjy
— Travis Sanheim (@sanheim17) July 25, 2024
Given these factors, the Canucks might aim to offer Boeser a contract slightly below Konecny’s AAV due to his secondary role and injury history. While Konecny’s deal sets a high bar, Boeser’s extension is likely to be in the range of $7.25 million to $8 million per year. The exact figure will depend on Boeser’s performance and the timing of the contract. Thus, while Konecny’s extension provides a clear benchmark, the Canucks will need to navigate Boeser’s deal carefully to balance their budget and team needs.
