The Detroit Red Wings are poised to be one of the more active teams in free agency this summer.
With Detroit slipping out of the playoff race, general manager Steve Yzerman will likely seek roster upgrades this offseason. PuckPedia‘s PuckGM tool allows users to propose trades and signings, and one user predicted the Red Wings would sign Brock Boeser to a seven-year, $52.5 million contract, averaging $7.5 million per season.
Signing Boeser would be a logical move for the Red Wings. He falls just below the elite tier of wingers like Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers but comes at a more affordable price. Additionally, he could help replace Patrick Kane’s offensive production if the future Hall of Famer departs in free agency.
Boeser would slot in as a top-six forward for Detroit, and at 28 years old, he aligns well with the team’s competitive timeline. He’s currently in the final year of a three-year, $19.95 million contract that carries a $6.65 million cap hit per season, making a $7.5 million annual salary a reasonable price for his next deal.
Boeser is currently with the Vancouver Canucks, where he has tallied 23 goals and 21 assists for 44 points in 63 games.
Canucks Continuing Extension Talks With Boeser
Boeser was mentioned in trade discussions as a pending free agent, but Vancouver ultimately decided to keep him.
After holding onto Boeser at the trade deadline, Canucks general manager Patrick Allvin stated that the team has continued extension talks and is keeping the door open for his return next season.
“We talked briefly last night,” Allvin said. “Leading up to this, I had conversations with his agent and made him aware that this might happen, that he’s still going to be here. As of last night, and even this morning, when I informed (head coach Rick Tocchet) about the potential lineup—the reason why he was out there skating is (because) there wasn’t any deal there.”
Boeser spoke with Sportsnet’s Ian MacIntyre in February before the trade deadline, expressing his love for Vancouver and his openness to re-signing with the Canucks.
“I still think I’m in a good spot (as a UFA), but I’ve been open about how much I love it in Vancouver,” Boeser told Sportsnet’s Ian MacIntyre. “So, yeah, it’s actually frustrating that nothing’s gotten done. Obviously, it’s not all in my control. I feel like I can score more, produce more, and maybe be a difference-maker out there. So right now, I’m really just focused on helping our team win hockey games.”
Boeser is a two-time NHL All-Star.
Red Wings GM Plans to be Aggressive in Offseason
Detroit is fighting for a playoff spot, but their chances of making the postseason remain slim.
If the Red Wings fall short of the playoffs, general manager Steve Yzerman has stated he is committed to doing whatever it takes to bring a Stanley Cup back to Detroit. As part of that plan, he intends to be aggressive in the offseason to bolster the team’s talent.
“I’m going to continue doing what I think is right—at the deadline, over the summer, and at the draft,” Yzerman said. “I want to make the playoffs. I want to win a Stanley Cup as much as anybody in this city, and I take full responsibility for where we’re at today. I’m going to make the best decisions I can for us, both short-term and long-term, and not make moves just for myself—it’s about what’s right for the team.”
The Red Wings hold a 32-31-6 record and sit five points outside of a playoff spot.
