Brock Boeser, the Vancouver Canucks' right-winger, has been a topic of discussion among fans and analysts alike this season. The 28-year-old, who signed a seven-year, $50.75 million contract extension with the Canucks in July 2025, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced stretches of inconsistent play. Is he truly missing in action, or are the expectations simply too high for the Minnesota native?
Boeser's current season stats reveal a mixed bag. In 33 games, he has accumulated 9 goals and 8 assists for a total of 17 points. While these numbers aren't terrible, they are a far cry from his career-best performance in the 2023-24 season, where he tallied 40 goals and 73 points. His plus/minus rating stands at -14. Boeser has recorded 73 career power play goals and is closing in on the top five in franchise history. To move into fifth all-time, he needs seven power play goals to pass Stan Smyl (74) and Todd Bertuzzi (79).
One of the primary concerns surrounding Boeser is his consistency. He has been known to go through scoring droughts, which can be frustrating for both the team and its fans. For instance, earlier in the season, Boeser snapped a 12-game goal drought with a two-goal performance against the Jets. However, he followed that up with another stretch of games with limited offensive production. In his last 10 games, Boeser has only managed one assist and has a plus-minus of -6.
Despite these periods of inconsistency, Boeser has demonstrated his offensive capabilities at times. In a game against the Oilers, he recorded a goal and an assist while logging 17:31 of ice time. He also had a strong performance against the Jets, scoring two goals and adding an assist. These performances highlight his potential to be a game-changer for the Canucks.
Several factors could be contributing to Boeser's perceived struggles. One is the team's overall offensive performance. The Canucks have, at times, struggled to score goals this season. The Canucks were ranked 23rd in the NHL in goals scored. The departure of key players such as Pius Suter and J.T. Miller has also impacted the team's offensive depth.
Another factor is Boeser's usage and linemates. He has spent time on the third line, but has also seen his ice time increase in recent games. His average time on ice has fluctuated throughout the season, but he generally receives a significant amount of playing time. His average time on ice was 14:36. The coaching staff's decisions regarding his linemates and deployment can influence his offensive output.
Looking ahead, it's important to remember that Boeser is a skilled player with a track record of success. He has the potential to be a consistent offensive threat for the Canucks. For the remainder of the season, Boeser is aiming to reach 450 career points and needs 16 more to reach the mark. To reach 500 points next season, Boeser will need 66 points. Whether he can consistently contribute at that level remains to be seen, but writing him off entirely would be premature.
