Brock Boeser’s Seven-Year Deal With Canucks Raises Eyebrows Despite Recent Success
Just weeks ago, it looked almost certain that forward Brock Boeser was on his way out of Vancouver. The 27-year-old winger had hinted during the latter stages of the 2024–25 NHL season that his time with the Canucks might be coming to an end. Fans were bracing themselves for his departure, assuming the team would have to find a replacement in free agency or via trade. But in a stunning turn of events, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin made a bold move—signing Boeser to a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension.
The deal, which carries a $7.25 million annual cap hit, keeps Boeser in Vancouver through the prime of his career. The sudden about-face left some puzzled, particularly because there had been no strong indication from either side that such a long-term agreement was even on the table.
ESPN’s NHL insider Greg Wyshynski was among those taken aback by the Canucks’ decision. In his recent breakdown of major free agency developments, Wyshynski didn’t mince words, calling the situation “bizarre.” According to him, there were better ways to handle the process, and he questioned the overall logic behind the team’s approach.
“Why not iron out the details before July 1?” Wyshynski asked. “Had the Canucks wrapped this up ahead of free agency, Boeser could have signed an eight-year deal—giving him more term and allowing the team to lower the cap hit. Instead, they let him reach the market, which added unnecessary risk.”
Wyshynski’s criticism focused less on the player and more on the process. The timing and structure of the deal, he argued, suggested a lack of foresight on Vancouver’s part. In his view, the team invited uncertainty when it could have secured a smoother, more financially flexible path forward.
Still, despite his confusion over the negotiation timeline, Wyshynski admitted that the end result might actually be a good thing for the franchise. “The fit makes sense,” he acknowledged. “Boeser has moved past his injury woes and established himself as a reliable goal scorer. He’s exactly the type of player Vancouver needs to keep if they’re serious about contending.”
Indeed, Boeser’s on-ice production is tough to ignore. A native of Burnsville, Minnesota, he’s been a member of the Canucks organization ever since they selected him 23rd overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. In that time, he has played 554 regular season games, amassing 204 goals and 230 assists. In the playoffs, he’s added another 11 goals and 12 assists across 29 games.
Boeser’s 2023–24 campaign was the finest of his career. He notched a career-best 40 goals during the regular season, helping the Canucks finish atop the Pacific Division. He continued to deliver in the playoffs as well, scoring seven goals in 12 postseason games as Vancouver reached Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals before falling to the Edmonton Oilers.
That breakthrough season likely played a large role in convincing Canucks management to bring him back on a long-term deal. For years, Boeser’s career had been hindered by injuries and inconsistency. But last season marked a turning point. He remained healthy, elevated his scoring, and became a vital piece of Vancouver’s offense. The franchise clearly believes that version of Boeser is here to stay.
Off the ice, Boeser is also viewed as a stabilizing presence. While the Canucks have dealt with various internal issues and cultural questions in recent years, Boeser has largely been seen as a team-first, low-drama figure in the locker room. That reputation likely helped his case during negotiations, especially in a time when leadership and character are increasingly valued by NHL front offices.
Despite those positives, the deal still doesn’t sit well with everyone. Critics wonder whether a seven-year term is too much for a player whose production, though solid, has fluctuated throughout his career. There’s also the question of financial flexibility—committing over $7 million annually to Boeser could limit the Canucks’ ability to make other key roster upgrades in the years to come, particularly if other young stars demand raises or new contracts.
There’s also a bit of confusion surrounding Boeser’s own intentions. After expressing doubt about returning to Vancouver and seemingly preparing for a fresh start elsewhere, his sudden commitment to a long-term deal raised questions about what changed. Was it a change of heart? A better financial offer? Or was Boeser simply trying to gain leverage by hinting at a departure during the season?
Whatever the case, the Canucks now have Boeser locked in through his early 30s. It’s a gamble, but one with potential upside if Boeser continues to build on his recent success. For a franchise that has struggled to retain talent and build consistency in recent years, keeping a homegrown scorer might be a critical step in maintaining relevance in a competitive Western Conference.
As for Boeser, the deal offers long-term security and a clear signal that he’s valued in Vancouver. If he can stay healthy and keep up his scoring pace, he could become one of the cornerstones of the Canucks’ next playoff push.
For now, though, the debate continues. Was this a smart move based on a career-best season—or an emotional overpay driven by fear of losing a fan favorite? The coming years will determine whether Vancouver’s bet on Boeser pays off, or if the critics were right to be skeptical.
Either way, one thing is certain: the Brock Boeser saga has taken another dramatic turn—and this chapter is far from over.
