NHL Rumors: Brock Boeser Expected to Land Major Pay Raise in Free Agency

Even as the Vancouver Canucks fight for a playoff spot, Boeser's future hangs in the balance. The talented winger will be heading to free agency this summer following the expiration of his three-year contract worth $19.95 million. While his concentration is currently on a strong finish to the season, contract negotiations with the Canucks seem yet to be underway. The general consensus is that as ceilings go up in NHL salary structures, Boeser could receive a sizable pay rise on the open market. So, the next move could be critical for both parties.Even if Brock Boeser's offensive production has been down this season, he is lining himself up for a big contract in free agency. To quote Johnston, “With the salary cap due to take a significant jump this summer, Boeser would jump from a $6.65 million average annual value to a $7.65 million AAV just by securing the same percentage of cap (8.06 percent) as he got on his last RFA deal with Vancouver in 2022." Basically, two forces are acting on this, one being the rising salary cap and the other the low supply of impact goal-scorers on the market. Boeser scored a career-high 40 goals and 73 points in the 2023-24 campaign but has been struggling this year, tallying just 38 points (18 goals and 20 assists) in 60 games. His numbers at present don't look terrific, but still, his goal-scoring ability alone will keep him in the mix for teams looking to add offensive flair. The Canucks looked into a trade for Boeser leading up to the NHL trade deadline, but GM Patrik Allvin was said to not be impressed by the offers on the table. In his comments, Allvin hinted there was a shocking lack of market for Boeser, adding that if criticized, “If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser I think I would have to run out of here because you would not believe me."Since the deadline, Boeser's play has only deteriorated, with calendars recording just one assist and tallying a -6 rating in six games. Uncertainty looms over his future, which means the Canucks must choose to either stay with him at an inflated price or make plans to walk away. Also Read : Kiefer Sherwood Calls Out Jason Dickinson for Dirty Hit on Filip ChytilBoeser is a marked man during the playoff push by the Canucks, and his contract status is paramount. His next contract will be a big one, whether he stays in Vancouver or hits free agency. Until then, he intends to lead the Canucks in an equally crucial match against the Winnipeg Jets at Rogers Arena.