The Vancouver Canucks are on the brink of losing another cornerstone piece of their roster. After trading J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers ahead of the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, attention has now turned to Brock Boeser, who is poised to test NHL free agency this summer.
Boeser, 27, is coming off a mixed bag of a season. He notched a career-high 40 goals in the 2023-24 campaign as the Canucks made a strong playoff push, but regressed in 2024-25, finishing with 25 goals. Despite the drop, Boeser remains a proven scoring winger with the potential to elevate any team’s middle six. That makes him one of the more intriguing names in this year’s free agency class — and according to The Athletic’s Arthur Staple, a perfect fit for the Rangers.
Staple outlined his ideal offseason for the Rangers, in which Boeser signs a three-year deal at $6 million per season to reunite with former teammate J.T. Miller on New York’s second line. Will Cuylle would complete the line, providing grit and balance. With new head coach Mike Sullivan at the helm, Staple sees Boeser as a key piece to rejuvenate a Rangers power play likely to be without veterans Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.
However, the contract terms Staple proposed are already drawing skepticism. Boeser reportedly turned down a five-year, $40 million extension offer from the Canucks earlier this year — a deal worth $8 million annually. According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Boeser is seeking a longer-term deal and is in no rush to sign unless the market reflects his desired value.
Staple acknowledged that his proposal might not reflect Boeser’s actual demands but defended the possibility that other factors — such as playing under Sullivan or reuniting with Miller — could sway the forward toward New York. “Let’s pretend he wants to reunite with J.T. Miller and play for Sullivan,” Staple wrote. “He’d invigorate the power play and provide a scoring touch this lineup needs.”
Boeser’s potential departure is yet another example of Vancouver’s evolving core. The Canucks have flirted with trading the Minnesota native for years, but have always held onto him — until now. With free agency approaching and cap space becoming a premium, this summer might finally mark the end of Boeser’s tenure in British Columbia.
Still, Boeser hasn’t closed the door on staying in Vancouver. Speaking with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre near the end of the season, Boeser said he remains unsure about his future, but hasn’t ruled out returning. “We’ll see what happens,” Boeser said. “I’m sure they’ll talk with my agent after the season and see if anything can come to an agreement or not. You really never know at the end of the day.”
The Rangers, meanwhile, are searching for scoring depth as they prepare to make another playoff run. Boeser’s shot and offensive instincts could fill an immediate need. With New York’s top six likely to be reshaped this summer, his arrival could provide both familiarity and firepower.
Yet any suitor — New York included — will need to meet Boeser’s financial expectations. If the Canucks’ $8 million-per-year offer wasn’t enough, it’s hard to imagine a three-year, $6 million proposal sealing the deal.
Boeser’s next move will have ripple effects on both franchises. If he signs with the Rangers, it reunites him with Miller and strengthens their push for a Cup. If he stays in Vancouver, it’s a statement of loyalty to the franchise that drafted him — and a sign that the Canucks still believe he’s part of their core.
For now, all eyes are on Boeser as one of the most compelling figures in NHL free agency — a talented winger with options, ambition, and no shortage of suitors.