The NHL is alive as Brock Boeser could be the latest Vancouver Canucks sell-off piece that could be on the move heading toward the NHL trade deadline. The Canucks have started their own fire sale, starting with the firing of Bruce Beadreau and the trading of team captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders.
Thatcher Demko, Elias Pettersson, JT Miller, and Tyler Myers could all be on the move in the next three weeks. However, one of the most intriguing names coming out of Vancouver is winger Brock Boeser.
In 2019, Boeser was thought of as a future NHL star. He made the All-Star team for the Canucks and was able to grab over 55 points in his first two seasons as a full-time NHLer.
So far this year, Boeser is having the worst scoring season of his career, posting a -13 +/- and only netting nine goals. A change of scenery could spark Boeser back on the superstar path.
That said, let’s take a look at everywhere Boeser could be headed before the NHL trade deadline.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild make the most sense in terms of a trade for Boeser on the player end of the deal. Boeser grew up playing high school hockey in Burnsville, MN. The Canuck also played for the University of North Dakota in college. The Minnesota Wild infamously passed on Boeser in the 2015 NHL Entry draft, picking Joel Eriksson Ek a pick earlier.
Adding Boeser could bring one more scoring threat to four lines that desperately need it. Boeser could also pair up with a freshly-minted Matt Boldy, who has been in need of linemates at his skill level all season.
The cap situation could pose a problem for the Wild, however, and may need to send a large expiring contract like Matt Dumba or maybe even Marcus Foligno along with prospects and picks.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils are finally in win-now mode. They have a superstar in Jack Hughes that they are looking to add complimentary pieces around. Brock Boeser may just be the ticket.
The Devils don’t have a lot of cap space, which is a drawback. However, they do have plenty of contracts that will be off the books at the end of the season, like Erik Haula and Tomas Tatar. The question is whether now is the time to buy in on the Devils’ chances of making a big cup run.
Calgary Flames
Finally there’s the Calgary Flames, who have taken a step back this season after nearly getting to the Stanley Cup final a year ago. The Flames will need extra pieces in the next few weeks if they want to make a run at a playoff spot in the ultra-competitive Pacific Division.
The cap crunch is real, and if Boeser wants to stay in the Pacific Division, the Flames will have to pay a steep price. Is Boeser worth it to make another run?
#Brock #Boeser #headed
