Contract talks between Brock Boeser and the Vancouver Canucks have hit a standstill, with the forward reportedly feeling “disrespected” at times, according to recent reports.
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal shared insights into Boeser’s frustrations during Monday’s episode of the Donnie & Dhali show.
“At times during the negotiations, he’s felt disrespected,” Dhaliwal said. “As of this morning, they are not close on a contract. They couldn’t cut a deal in eight months, how are they going to cut a deal in five days? It would be shocking to me if they cut a deal in five days.”
With contract talks at a standstill, the Canucks are exploring all possibilities, including a potential trade before the March 7 deadline if a deal with Boeser isn’t reached by Friday.
According to Dhaliwal, the primary sticking point in negotiations is the length of the extension Boeser is seeking, rather than financial terms.
“It’s not money, it’s not money, it’s the term,” Dhaliwal said. “Canucks actually want five years, and he wants seven or eight.”
Dhaliwal reports that Boeser, who has played his entire career with Vancouver, featuring in 532 regular-season games and 29 playoff appearances, wants to remain with the team long-term but is standing firm on his contract demands.
“I was told this morning that he wants to return,” Dhaliwal said. “He does love it in Vancouver, but it’s all about term.”
TSN’s Darren Dreger reported on Monday that Vancouver had previously proposed a five-year, $40 million extension to Boeser, but he turned it down.
“The Canucks continue to consider all options with Brock Boeser,” Dreger said. “Vancouver did make an extension offer in the first half of the season, but it’s not believed to be on the table any longer.”
With that offer off the table, the Canucks are exploring trade options if a deal isn’t finalized by Friday.
“Obviously, trade possibilities are being explored,” Dreger said.
Dreger’s report supports Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman’s update from Saturday, which stated that Vancouver is exploring its options and actively engaging in trade discussions.
“The Canucks have a situation where they’re looking to add to their forward group, whether it’s now or later,” Friedman said. “Anything can happen at this time of year; we’ve learned that one phone call can change everything. “We’ll see where this goes over the next few days, but I think both team and player are expecting all options to be open-whether that’s trade, keep, or sign.”
Meanwhile, Boeser spoke with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre on Wednesday, expressing that he is ready for any outcome.
“We all know the three options that could happen before the deadline: trade, re-sign, or neither,” Boeser said. “If nothing happens and July 1 comes around, I still think I’m in a good spot.”
Boeser has recorded 18 goals and 36 points in 53 games this season. His three-year, $19.95 million contract expires this summer, making him a restricted free agent on July 1.
