"'He’s Invisible’: Former Canuck RIPS Brock Boeser’s Contract Demands
Speaking on The People's Show on Sportsnet 650, Hansen criticized Boeser’s reported request for $8 million per season, arguing that he is a "supporting player" rather than a true difference-maker. “He’s invisible, and that’s the problem,” Hansen said. “He doesn’t create things himself, so unless somebody does it for him, nothing happens. It almost dies on his stick.”
He suggested Boeser should be asking for closer to $6-6.5 million annually instead of expecting a payday reserved for players who can make their linemates better.
"If you cannot make your two line-mates better, don't you dare ask for 8 million, ask for 6...and then be a supporting player."
— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) March 18, 2025
🗣 Jannik Hansen joined @BikNizzar to discuss Boeser's next contract #Canucks pic.twitter.com/fXAW8IrlNe
Boeser, who turned down a five-year, $8 million AAV extension before the trade deadline, was rumored to be on the move, but the Canucks ultimately held onto him as their own rental.
General manager Patrik Allvin later admitted that trade offers didn’t meet the team’s valuation, which was reportedly set at a first-round pick. “If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser, I think I would have to run out of here,” Allvin joked.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Boeser responded to Hansen’s criticism with a strong performance against the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets, scoring two goals and adding an assist in a 6-2 victory.
#Canucks Brock Boeser snaps a 12-game goalless drought pic.twitter.com/m5xtYPNcK1
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) March 19, 2025
If Boeser can consistently produce at a 30+ goal pace, his request for $8 million may not seem unreasonable, but his inconsistencies make it a difficult number to justify.
Hansen’s argument that Boeser benefits more from elite linemates than he does from driving play himself is something the Canucks must consider in negotiations. For now, Vancouver remains open to an extension, with Allvin stating, “If there is a way to make it fit for both parties, maybe there is an extension.”
With free agency just a few months away, Boeser’s performance down the stretch could determine whether he remains in Vancouver long-term or tests the open market.
Photo Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images
