Ottawa Senators Cautioned as Vancouver Canucks Star Brock Boeser Nears Free Agency
As NHL free agency draws near, speculation is mounting over Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent (UFA). The Ottawa Senators have been heavily linked to Boeser, who scored 40 goals just a season ago. However, a major warning has been issued to the Senators about the risks of aggressively pursuing the high-scoring winger.
Boeser, whose contract with Vancouver is coming to an end, is expected to draw considerable attention across the league. With the recent signing of comparable forward Brock Nelson—a deal that landed him a three-year, $22.5 million contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.5 million—Boeser is likely to demand at least a similar figure, if not more. This is particularly true given Boeser’s previous production, including his 40-goal campaign, which makes him one of the more attractive names in a thin free-agent class.
Despite this, Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin and president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford have shown no signs of revising the contract offer they’ve already extended to Boeser. The Canucks’ leadership appears committed to their last proposal and seem willing to let Boeser test the open market if he doesn’t accept it.
Canucks fans have long admired Boeser, and his possible departure would certainly be felt in Vancouver. However, signs are pointing to the fact that the Canucks won’t engage in a bidding war for his services, leaving the door open for another team to swoop in—possibly the Ottawa Senators.
Yet, while Ottawa has shown serious interest, league insiders are warning the Senators against offering Boeser an inflated deal. With Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner’s future uncertain and Nelson now off the market, Boeser rises to the top of the free-agent board. That level of prominence gives Boeser strong negotiating power—but also raises questions about whether he’s worth a long-term, big-money commitment.
Boeser’s most recent season, unfortunately, didn’t live up to expectations. After recording a career-best 73 points during the 2023–24 campaign, his production dipped in 2024–25, where he posted only 50 points. What’s more concerning is his -25 plus/minus rating—a personal career low and a stat that might give teams pause when evaluating his overall impact on the ice. While the Canucks as a team struggled, Boeser’s individual performance has left some analysts wondering whether his best days are behind him.
Despite this, the interest from Ottawa may not be as sudden or surprising as it seems. One significant factor that could entice Boeser to consider the Senators is their current head coach, Travis Green. Green and Boeser share a strong history from their time together in Vancouver. Green coached Boeser for five seasons, including four full ones before his dismissal in the 2021–22 season. Under Green’s guidance, Boeser posted 205 points across 244 games—a solid track record that suggests Green was able to get the best out of him.
That existing relationship could play a major role in luring Boeser to Canada’s capital. Green’s coaching has also recently gained wider recognition—he finished sixth in Jack Adams Award voting in 2025, an indicator of the respect he commands across the league. A reunion between the two could offer Boeser the right system and support to revive his offensive game, while helping Ottawa make a serious push toward playoff contention.
From the Senators’ perspective, they are in the market for offensive firepower. Adding a player like Boeser could immediately enhance their top-six forward group and provide some needed scoring depth. However, Ottawa must tread carefully. Overcommitting financially to a player who is coming off a down year, regardless of his past success, carries significant risk—especially for a team still in transition and trying to find consistency.
Boeser, on the other hand, is in a strong bargaining position. Despite a statistical drop, his 40-goal season is recent enough to validate his scoring potential. In a free-agent class lacking star power, he is one of the few names capable of turning heads. That scarcity alone might be enough to secure him a lucrative deal, whether it’s with Ottawa or another franchise.
Ultimately, Boeser’s future remains uncertain. Vancouver seems set on maintaining salary discipline and has likely made peace with the idea of him walking. Ottawa appears to be in the mix, but they’ll need to weigh the emotional appeal of reuniting Boeser with Green against the financial realities and risks of a long-term commitment. For Boeser, the decision may come down to where he believes he can best thrive—both in terms of team fit and career resurgence.
As free agency approaches, all eyes will be on Boeser and whether the Senators decide to roll the dice. If they do, they’ll be betting on the return of the 40-goal version of Boeser, not the player who struggled through the 2024–25 season. It’s a gamble that could pay off big—or backfire just as spectacularly. Either way, the warning has been issued: proceed with caution.
