Brock Boeser was supposed to be a healthy scratch in Saturday’s game against the Arizona Coyotes before Dakota Joshua appeared to have suffered a minor injury before the game. This allowed Boeser to actually play the game. This decision was said to be tough love by Bruce Boudreau himself, but it begs the question if the forward’s time in Vancouver is coming to an end.
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According to Elliotte Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada, Boeser is said to have been given permission to talk to other teams. This hasn’t been confirmed by either Boeser’s representatives or the Vancouver Canucks, but the situation is more than likely headed in that direction. He has not had a good season defensively despite the above average offensive production. As the Canucks need to do something to breathe new life into their lineup, Boeser could also use a change in scenery. Here are three teams that could use the services of the Canucks’ forward and make a trade to acquire him this season.
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are in a fairly good position as they’ve taken a step forward once again. They have just entered a tough stretch of games that will have a big impact on the outcome of their season. The team also has a number of key forwards on the injured reserve long-term. Roster spots are open and the Red Wings could use some more players signed past the 2023-24 season. Boeser is on contract through 2024-25. Detroit has more than enough cap space and the need for a top-six player right now and in the future.
The Red Wings also have the assets to make a trade that suits both sides depending on the direction the Canucks plan on heading in if they trade Boeser. Though the Canucks’ forward hasn’t scored a ton of goals this season, he is a known goal-scorer and sniper who could help out the Red Wings in their fight to return to the playoffs.
New York Islanders
Now that the New York Islanders are once again a competitive team, they deserve to have Lou Lamoriello make a move to add a big piece. They missed out in the offseason to bring in anyone of significant value, but can make up for that by adding Boeser to provide more scoring for the team.
Ilya Sorokin is a Hart Trophy contender and Vezina favourite, but without him playing the way he has, the team would not be anywhere near their spot in the standings. Only one player on the team has more than 10 goals and only two have more than seven. Boeser has scored at least 23 goals in four of his five seasons in the NHL while never playing a full season. He can boost the power play and provide the finishing ability many of the forwards don’t have. He would also be sticking around and it would hope to start the change of heading towards a younger lineup.
Nashville Predators
A number of Nashville Predators’ players have regressed from last season which was expected. Many had career or breakout seasons and that is hard to replicate. The team needs more goals and scoring and Boeser could provide that. Players like Tanner Jeannot, Colton Sissons, Yakov Trenin, and Cole Smith have combined for just seven goals this season. The Predators have gotten above average goaltending but need more scoring.
The team has always been a defence-first squad with great defencemen and goaltending, but the way the league is now, they need more scoring. Boeser doesn’t have a bad cap hit, is under contract for a few more seasons, and can fit in the top-six easily on the Predators. The team has the cap space to add Boeser and need to make a move to add some younger forwards into their lineup as well.
I don’t believe Boeser is finishing the season in a Canucks uniform. But which team does he end up on? One of these options or another team?
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