As NHL free agency looms, the Vancouver Canucks are bracing for the likely departure of star forward Brock Boeser, with no contract extension in place and strong indications that the 27-year-old will test the open market.
According to Rick Dhaliwal of Donnie & Dhali, the Canucks have had nearly a year to reach an agreement but appear to have prioritized other signings, frustrating Boeser’s camp. Unless a last-minute breakthrough occurs, Boeser, one of the most coveted right-wingers alongside Mitch Marner, will become a top free agent this summer.
While a reunion cannot be completely ruled out—especially if the market doesn’t develop favorably for Boeser—Canucks GM Patrik Allvin is already evaluating trade options to fill the void Boeser may leave behind.
Among the top candidates:
Alex Tuch (Buffalo Sabres): A power forward with two 36-goal seasons and a family tie to Vancouver. He has one year left on his contract and could be expendable if the Sabres shake things up.
Teuvo Teravainen (Chicago Blackhawks): A consistent playmaker with a high shooting percentage and point-per-game reliability, though not a natural goal-scorer.
Valeri Nichushkin (Colorado Avalanche): A dynamic forward with a strong power play presence, but health and a hefty contract pose concerns. The Avs’ cap crunch might make him available.
Jason Robertson (Dallas Stars): Arguably the most high-profile target, Robertson is a proven elite scorer with multiple 40-goal seasons. His cost would be steep, but his impact undeniable.
Viktor Arvidsson (Edmonton Oilers): Despite a tough first year in Edmonton, the speedy winger could be a low-cost option due to cap issues and his apparent misfit with the Oilers.
Alexis Lafrenière (New York Rangers): Former first-overall pick who’s dipped in production but still holds upside. The Canucks have a direct connection through AGM Emilie Castonguay, his former agent.
Rickard Rakell (Pittsburgh Penguins): Fresh off a 35-goal season and likely available as Pittsburgh eyes a rebuild. Strong links exist between the Canucks front office and the Penguins.
Several honorable mentions, including Troy Terry, JJ Peterka, Jonathan Marchessault, and Owen Tippett, are also under consideration.
While Canucks fans hold out hope for Boeser’s return, management is preparing for life without their longest-tenured forward—scanning the trade market for a player who can replicate his scoring and fit seamlessly into Vancouver’s top-six forward group.