Rickard Rakell Named as Potential Replacement for Brock Boeser as Canucks Eye Aggressive Offseason
With NHL free agency fast approaching, the Vancouver Canucks are preparing for a significant roster shift—one that includes saying goodbye to one of their top goal scorers. As 28-year-old forward Brock Boeser prepares to hit the open market on July 1, speculation is heating up around who might step into his role on the Canucks’ top-six forward group. A recent report points to a former first-round draft pick as a leading candidate.
Boeser’s Departure Nearly Certain as Free Agency Looms
Boeser, who has been a fan favorite and a consistent offensive threat during his time in Vancouver, is widely expected to leave the team when the free-agent market opens on Canada Day. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the chances of Boeser returning to the Canucks are slim to none.
“Boeser, 28, is a ‘longshot’ to re-sign with the Canucks,” Pagnotta reported. “He is prepared to move on to the next chapter of his career and will attract significant interest this summer, especially given the limited market.”
The Canucks now face the tough task of replacing not just Boeser’s 40-goal scoring potential, but also his leadership presence and deep community ties in Vancouver. As General Manager Patrik Allvin and President of Hockey Operations Jim Rutherford gear up for a critical offseason, they’re reportedly looking to bring in a proven top-six winger who can help keep the team competitive next season.
Enter Rickard Rakell: A Trade Target With Serious Upside
Among the players being discussed as potential Boeser replacements, one name has gained particular traction: Rickard Rakell of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In a recent article published on Canucks Army, analyst Tyson Cole dove into trade targets that Vancouver might pursue this summer. High on his list was Rakell, a 32-year-old Swedish forward and former first-round draft pick, currently signed with Pittsburgh.
Cole noted that Rakell may be one of the more realistic options available for the Canucks, particularly because Penguins General Manager Kyle Dubas is reportedly shopping him as part of a broader roster shakeup.
“This may be the most realistic option for multiple reasons,” Cole wrote. “The Pittsburgh Penguins seem to be the only team aggressively selling this offseason, with Rakell being one of the main trade chips that GM Kyle Dubas has dangled out to teams.”
Rakell’s 2024–25 Season: A Career Year
Rakell is coming off a stellar 2024–25 season with the Penguins, one in which he posted career-best numbers. Over 81 games, Rakell recorded 70 points, evenly split between 35 goals and 35 assists. Despite his strong individual stats, he finished the season with a minus-22 rating, highlighting defensive challenges within the Penguins’ system. He also logged just 14 penalty minutes—demonstrating his disciplined style of play.
The Swedish winger’s blend of scoring touch and veteran poise would make him an attractive fit for Vancouver’s current needs. Even more appealing is his contract: Rakell is under contract for three more seasons at a cap hit of $5 million annually. Given his production, that’s viewed as a reasonable deal, and with Vancouver expected to have around $12 million in cap space this summer, Allvin would have the financial flexibility to take on Rakell’s contract without major sacrifices elsewhere.
The Boeser Void: Not Just About Goals
While the Canucks’ top priority is replacing Boeser’s offensive firepower, there’s no denying the intangible loss they’ll feel if and when he signs elsewhere. Boeser has been a consistent part of Vancouver’s identity—on the ice and off—for years. His presence in the locker room, his connection to fans, and his role in the community have made him more than just a high-scoring winger.
Finding a player who can replace that kind of influence is no small task. While Rakell may not replicate Boeser’s connection to Vancouver fans immediately, his playoff experience, two-way game, and leadership potential make him an intriguing solution for the team’s top-six concerns.
Other Names in the Mix
Rakell isn’t the only player Vancouver has been linked to as they prepare for a busy summer. Reports have surfaced connecting the Canucks to other veteran wingers like Bryan Rust and Teuvo Teravainen. Both players offer different skill sets but come with trade or free-agent price tags that could complicate negotiations.
Rust, also with the Penguins, plays a strong two-way game and brings playoff pedigree, while Teravainen is known for his playmaking ability and hockey IQ. However, Rakell’s combination of goal scoring and contract length may give him the edge if Vancouver wants a player who can be slotted into Boeser’s role immediately and offer term security through the prime of his career.
Canucks Yet to Make Offseason Splash—but It’s Coming
The Canucks have yet to make any major moves this offseason, even as other teams across the NHL have begun executing trades and signings. One of the most notable deals saw three-time Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Toews sign a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets after stepping away for two years due to health concerns.
Despite the current quiet, expectations remain high that Rutherford and Allvin will get aggressive in the coming days. Rutherford has repeatedly stated that Vancouver intends to upgrade its roster significantly, and acquiring a top-six forward to replace Boeser is likely to be one of their first big steps.
With $12 million in cap space to work with and a roster that remains competitive in the Western Conference, the Canucks are in position to act swiftly—especially if they want to avoid a bidding war for remaining free agents later in July.
Looking Ahead: Free Agency and the Trade Market Collide
As the July 1 free agency window nears, Vancouver’s front office is navigating a critical period. While Boeser’s exit feels all but certain, the way the Canucks handle his replacement could dictate the tone of their entire offseason.
If they can secure a player like Rakell—who brings consistent production, playoff experience, and a manageable contract—they’ll be in good shape to remain competitive and avoid a prolonged rebuild.
What remains to be seen is whether Allvin and Dubas can come to terms on a trade, and whether other teams will enter the mix and drive up the price. With Pittsburgh motivated to make moves, and Vancouver under pressure to fill a major gap in its forward core, the stage is set for potential fireworks in the days ahead.
One thing is certain: the Canucks are preparing to turn the page on the Brock Boeser era, and they’re already scanning the league for a new headline act.