"That’s telling to me" - NHL insider issues caution over Canucks' handling of Brock Boeser's contract extension

NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal was not shy in airing his opinion on whether Vancouver Canucks right wing Brock Boeser would get a new deal. Boeser, who signed a three-year, $6.65 million AAV contract in 2022, will become an unrestricted free agent come July 2025.

In conversation with Don Taylor on the CHEK show Donnie and Dhali - The Team, Dhaliwal stated that he was a little surprised at the lack of negotiation progress. He added that there was a lot of work left to be done before a deal could be finalized.

"Right now, it’s very quiet on the Boeser front. Not hearing of any hot and heavy talks of late. Lots of work to do before a deal gets done. It’s January, folks, and we’ve got no deal,” he said.

The analyst also opined:

“The Canucks signed J.T. Miller in his UFA season in September. They’re taking Boeser to the wire. That’s telling to me. The Canucks have had seven months to sign Boeser - since last July when they were first allowed to start."

Dhaliwal’s co-host brought up Boeser’s health issues as a possible reason for the Canucks not offering a contract extension. Blood clotting issues forced Boeser to cut last season short. He has also been out for a few games this season recovering from a concussion.

Dhaliwal countered by bringing up Boeser’s stellar record of 47 goals last season.

“He’s doing what he’s supposed to do … scoring goals. And they’re not running up to him and saying, ‘Let’s get this done.’ It’s been pretty quiet,” the analyst added.

Boeser has been one of the Canucks' most consistent performers this season, with 14 goals and 11 assists from 31 games.

Brock Boeser's contract situation comes amid Pettersson-Miller feud

The Vancouver Canucks have their hands full dealing with the fallout of the rumored rift between JT Miller and Elias Pettersson. The gossip mill is in full swing, with pundits speculating that one or both star centers are on the verge of being traded.

Taylor and Dhaliwal discussed the issue on their show as well. While Dhaliwal believed that neither Pettersson nor Miller was going anywhere, Taylor was less certain. They also spoke with Sportsnet analyst Elliotte Friedman who said it was unwise to assume anything.

“I think we have to be prepared for anything here … I do think the Canucks are walking through their options here and we’ll see where this goes,” he added.

While there are likely plenty of reasons why Boeser’s future is still uncertain, the media circus surrounding his teammates is a huge distraction for the Canucks.