As NHL free agency approaches, the Edmonton Oilers are reportedly showing interest in Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser. After another trip to the Stanley Cup Final that ended in defeat, the Oilers are looking to bolster their roster, and Boeser, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, could be a valuable addition to their top-six forwards.
Boeser, 28, is coming off a season where he scored 25 goals and 25 assists in 75 games. While this was a drop in production compared to his 40-goal, 73-point performance in the 2023-24 season, he has proven his ability to be a consistent offensive threat. Throughout his nine seasons with the Canucks, Boeser has accumulated 204 goals and 230 assists in 554 games. Boeser's expiring contract had a $6.65 million cap hit.
Several factors make Boeser a potentially good fit for the Oilers. The most obvious is his right-handed shot, which would allow him to seamlessly integrate into either Connor McDavid's or Leon Draisaitl's wing. Moreover, Boeser has a history of performing well against the Oilers, making him an even more attractive target. Some reports suggest Edmonton might be Boeser's preferred destination.
However, the Oilers face challenges in making the money work. Edmonton has around $11 million in cap space. The team also needs to consider an extension for Evan Bouchard, a restricted free agent. Boeser is projected to command a significant salary, with some suggesting upwards of $9 million annually. To accommodate Boeser's contract, the Oilers might need to shed salary by trading players like Viktor Arvidsson or Adam Henrique.
Despite the financial hurdles, the potential benefits of adding Boeser to the Oilers' roster could outweigh the costs. Boeser's scoring ability and potential fit with McDavid or Draisaitl could provide the Oilers with the offensive boost they need to contend for a Stanley Cup.
Ultimately, whether the Oilers can successfully acquire Boeser will depend on their ability to manage their cap space and potentially make strategic trades. As free agency approaches, the Oilers will need to carefully weigh the potential rewards of adding Boeser against the financial implications.
