Check out the recent Canucks speculation in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
THE HOCKEY NEWS: Jim Parsons wondered what the future holds for Brock Boeser with the rebuilding Vancouver Canucks.
Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser (NHL Images).
Boeser is in the first season of a seven-year contract. Meanwhile, questions remain about the Canucks’ current core players. Leading up to the trade deadline, he stated that he is committed to the club and its direction, adding that he hopes to play a leadership role.
The 29-year-old winger was the subject of some speculation leading up to the trade deadline, which he laughingly downplayed. Nevertheless, Parsons noted that there was rumored interest from the New York Islanders and Boston Bruins amid reports he might waive his no-movement clause for the right fit.
Parsons claimed the Canucks weren’t aggressively shopping Boeser, but suggests their interest in keeping the veteran winger long-term isn’t as certain as his. They might consider moving him worthwhile if they get offers that could fetch a solid return.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Boeser’s $7.25 million annual average value for the next six seasons isn’t as difficult to move as teammate Elias Pettersson’s $11.6 million over the same period. However, the latter is two years younger than Boeser and has shown elite offensive skill.
Like Pettersson, Boeser’s no-movement clause gives him full control over his situation. There’s always a possibility he could agree to a trade, but it’s a slim one right now.
DONNIE & DHALI: CHEK-TV’s Rick Dhaliwal recently wondered why the Canucks didn’t move Teddy Blueger at the March 6 trade deadline.
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin claimed he received no offers for the 31-year-old checking-line center. However, Dhaliwal expressed skepticism, noting that they had found a trade partner for David Kampf, who went unclaimed on waivers earlier this season and spent some time in the minors. He doubted that no one was interested in Blueger, who has Stanley Cup experience and is a better center than Kampf.
Dhaliwal believes the Canucks hope to re-sign Blueger, who is eligible for unrestricted free-agent status on July 1. However, it’s believed he’s interested in staying in Vancouver.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Dhaliwal observed, the Canucks need depth at center. Losing Blueger will only weaken them at that position. He won’t be an expensive re-signing for them.