Latest news with #AFPAnalytics
New York Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
NHL contract grades: Brock Boeser is worth betting on for the Canucks
Winger Brock Boeser signs a seven-year contract with a $7.25 million AAV with the Canucks. Many assumed that the door was closed on Boeser returning to Vancouver after the way the last several months had unfolded. Canucks management was unable to secure an extension with him ahead of the trade deadline. Patrik Allvin controversially pointed to the lack of trade interest in him at the deadline as justification for not selling him to a contender. Boeser himself told Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre near the end of the season that it was 'unlikely' that he was going to stay with the Canucks. Advertisement However, it's been difficult for teams to land top-six forwards, and it's clear Vancouver upped its previous offers to circle back on Boeser. The $7.25 million cap hit on Boeser's contract is quite reasonable, and arguably lower than expected. AFP Analytics had projected that he could command an AAV in the $8.5 million range on a six-year deal. Boeser has scored 204 goals in 554 career games, which translates to a 30 goals per 82 games pace. The 28-year-old has some limitations: He's a slow skater, doesn't drive play, and his even-strength point production rate has been closer to second-line range than first-line caliber. However, the Canucks desperately needed scoring, and they could have done a lot worse than re-upping Boeser to address that need. Boeser's seven-year deal will take him through his age-35 season. That seven-year term is risky considering his lack of foot speed, but that's the tradeoff for getting a more favorable cap hit. Boeser also isn't doomed to age poorly solely based on his below-average speed; just look at Tyler Toffoli. Toffoli is a similarly slow, complementary top-six winger to Boeser, whose goal scoring is based on his IQ and ability to get open in the slot. Toffoli has aged gracefully through his early 30s, as he just scored 30 goals in his age-32 season with the Sharks. I'd argue the biggest risk for the Canucks is whether they can find the right playmaking center to unlock the most productive version of Boeser at five-on-five. Boeser's best performance, including his 40-goal campaign in 2023-24, was when he was playing on a line with J.T. Miller. The two had terrific chemistry — Miller was an elite passer down low, and Boeser was a master at finding open ice to bury those setups. Miller is, of course, gone now. Boeser only picked up nine goals and 17 points in 31 games following the Miller trade, which included just seven five-on-five points. He wasn't quite able to mesh with Filip Chytil or the struggling Elias Pettersson. Boeser is a complementary scorer rather than a line driver, so finding the proper playmaker to mesh with him is a question mark. This has to be a big-picture consideration for the Canucks, as Jake DeBrusk and Evander Kane are also in a similar situation, being talented goal scorers who are more passengers than drivers. Overall, however, this contract was a bet worth making for a Canucks team that is in win-now mode. Contract grade: B
Vancouver Sun
14 hours ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Canucks: Brock Boeser never wanted to leave, now he's staying with stunning contract
You can go back home again. Unrestricted free agent winger Brock Boeser, a Minnesota native who has always considered Vancouver as his second home, turned his long franchise goodbye into a big hello Tuesday. Despite countless reports of where he was destined in free agency — and with as many six suitors vying for his services — the 28-year-old and longest serving current member of the Canucks has landed a seven-year deal at US$7.25 million annually. And with Boeser projected by AFP Analytics to get a six-year at $8.450 annually, there was some give and take. It's a stunning development because of a long and protracted negotiation period in which Boeser's camp was pushing for at least six years at market value and not the five that the Canucks pitched. And the trade acquisition of winger Evander Kane was expected to be the replacement for Boeser, who had a turbulent and drama-filled season but still managed 25 goals. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin tried to move the winger at the March deadline, and dropping a bomb of assessment,, instead of pumping his value tires, the foundation for an off-season exit appeared in place. 'If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser, I think I would have to run out of here,' Allvin told reporters. 'Because you would not believe me.' Now, we can all believe that circling back to Boeser and finding a way to keep him here was beyond prudent for the Canucks, who were 23rd in NHL scoring this season. But they're now out of money with just $7 million in salary cap space vanished in the Boeser move. For the player, the priority never changed. 'I've said how much I love it here and I'm more than willing to come back,' Boeser said as the season wound down. 'We'll see if we can figure something out. Obviously, I'd love to re-sign but if that's not the case, go to UFA and I'll be just fine. That's made me less stressed and just focusing on helping the team win.' The constant contract comparable was winger Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers because of how he and Boeser have remained aligned in production. Boeser and Konecny were the 23rd and 24th overall draft picks, respectively, in 2015 and then put up numbers that mirrored each other. Konecny signed an eight-year, $70 million extension on July 24, 2024 that carries an annual $8.75 million cap hit. It's a $3.25 million increase over his previous deal. It includes a no-movement clause in the first six years. OVERTIME — UFA depth defenceman Noah Juulsen is joining former Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet in Philadelphia. Juulsen, 28, gets a one-year, one-way deal to bang bodies for the Flyers. Had 101 hits this season in 35 games. More to come … bkuzma@
The Province
14 hours ago
- Sport
- The Province
Canucks: Brock Boeser never wanted to leave, now he's staying with stunning contract
Boeser, 28, lands seven-year deal at US$7.25 million annually. He was projected by AFP Analytics to get six years at $8.450 in annual average value Get the latest from Ben Kuzma straight to your inbox Brock Boeser has a reason to celebrate after signing a seven-year contract Tuesday with $7.25 million in annual average value. Photo by Jeff Roberson / AP You can go back home again. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Unrestricted free agent winger Brock Boeser, a Minnesota native who has always considered Vancouver as his second home, turned his long franchise goodbye into a big hello Tuesday. Despite countless reports of where he was destined in free agency — and with as many six suitors vying for his services — the 28-year-old and longest serving current member of the Canucks has landed a seven-year deal at US$7.25 million annually. And with Boeser projected by AFP Analytics to get a six-year at $8.450 annually, there was some give and take. It's a stunning development because of a long and protracted negotiation period in which Boeser's camp was pushing for at least six years at market value and not the five that the Canucks pitched. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And with general manager Patrik Allvin trying to move the winger at the March deadline, and dropping a bomb of assessment, instead of pumping his tires, the foundation for an off-season exit appeared in place 'If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser, I think I would have to run out of here,' Allvin told reporters. 'Because you would not believe me.' Now, we can all believe that circling back to Boeser and riding a way to keep him here was beyond prudent for the Canucks, who were 23rd in NHL scoring this season. For the player, the priority never changed. Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks is stopped by Ilya Sorokin of the New York Islanders on March 26, 2025 in Elmont, N.Y. Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images 'I've said how much I love it here and I'm more than willing to come back,' Boeser said as the season wound down. 'We'll see if we can figure something out. Obviously, I'd love to re-sign but if that's not the case, go to UFA and I'll be just fine. That's made me less stressed and just focusing on helping the team win.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The constant contract comparable was winger Travis Konecny of the Philadelphia Flyers because of how he and Boeser have remained aligned in production. Boeser and Konecny were the 23rd and 24th overall draft picks, respectively, in 2015 and then put up numbers that mirrored each other. Konecny signed an eight-year, $70 million extension on July 24, 2024 that carries an annual $8.75 million cap hit. It's a $3.25 million increase over his previous deal. It includes a no-movement clause in the first six years. OVERTIME — UFA depth defenceman Noah Juulsen is joining former Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet in Philadelphia. Juulsen, 28, gets a one-year, one-way deal to bang bodies for the Flyers. Had 101 hits this season in 35 games. More to come … bkuzma@ Read More
Vancouver Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
NHL Free Agency: Canucks in a frenzy to find a centre, but don't have ample salary cap space
A year ago, it really was a frenzy. The Vancouver Canucks made seven free-agent acquisitions on opening day, highlighted by prudent plays for wingers Jake DeBrusk and Kiefer Sherwood. DeBrusk led the Canucks this season with a career-high 28 goals and the hard-hitting Sherwood had a personal best 19 goals and NHL record-setting 462 hits. A year later, the frenzy is about an exodus of unrestricted free agents, an ongoing search for a second-line centre, and only US$7 million in salary cap space. Winger Brock Boeser , 28, centre Pius Suter , 29, and depth defenceman Noah Juulsen , 28, are expected to test the open market Tuesday, even though there were recent attempts to bridge salary and term gaps with Boeser and Suter. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. AFP Analytics is projecting Boeser will command a six-year, US$50.7 million contract with several suitors bidding for his services. The $8.45 million annual average value is a leap from his expiring $6.65 million cap hit and speaks to his value, rising cap ceiling and teams believing his addition gets them closer to contending. The money didn't scare the Canucks as much as the term. 'It's a two-way street since both sides know it's a long shot that he's back,' a source told Postmedia. It's why the Canucks are banking on the trade acquisition of Evander Kane, 33, to fill the Boeser void and provide the push and open space in an alignment with Elias Pettersson . The incentive for Kane and payoff for the Canucks is obvious. He has a year left on his contract at $5.125 million and getting another deal is predicated on his success level next season. For the versatile Suter, who filled in admirably as a first-line centre and key cog in the league's third-rated penalty kill, it's about dollars and sense. A career-high 25 goals this season is his ticket to finally getting good money and term. He could land a four-year, $19.9 million deal, a considerable jump to a $4.98 million cap hit from $1.6 million. However, it's the riddle in the middle that continues to confound the Canucks. They believed packaging their 15th overall selection in the NHL Draft on Friday, along with a player, could have cemented a trade with the Minnesota Wild for small but effective restricted free agent Marco Rossi. He had 23 goals and 60 points in 2024-25. The Wild wanted more and Rossi will get more when he signs. AFP Analytics has that deal pegged at seven years and $51.7 million. So, where do they Canucks go from here to fill the centre gap? Right now, it's Pettersson, Filip Chytil, Teddy Blueger , Max Sasson and Aatu Raty on the depth chart. And if the Canucks go fishing in free agency for depth, it's not cheap. Even a serviceable pivot like Mikael Granlund, 33, wants two years at $4.9 million annually. Fine for stability and versatility for a contender, or to give a prize pivot prospect another year of seasoning. There's also a younger and more affordable free-agency play in versatile Jack Roslovic, 28, who has often popped up on the Canucks' radar. He's projected to land a three-year deal at $4.09 million in annual average value and can play centre or wing. Roslovic matched a career high with 22 goals this season, and at his best, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward has talent, is sneaky fast, but a streaky scorer. He started strong in 2024-25 with nine goals in a 10-game span and had a dozen through 20 games. However, he had just one goal the next 12 outings. Which, of course, leads to the question: Who is the real Roslovic? Is there more in the tank? He was a roster option for the Carolina Hurricanes in the post-season and a healthy scratch for portions of three series. He had four points (1-3) in nine games. The biggest news Tuesday could be contract extensions for Thatcher Demko , 29, and Conor Garland , 29, who have a year left on their respective contracts. It's faith in Demko maintaining his health and returning to peak form. And it's rewarding Garland for being a versatile culture-carrier that has the pair poised for increases. Demko's term could be concerning but he's projected for a five-year, $34.7 million deal that carries $6.9 million in AAV. From career hip, groin and knee ailments — plus that mysterious popliteus muscle predicament at back of his knee — a string of setbacks have tested the resolve to endure arduous rehabilitations. Demko did the work and nothing is impeding preparation for a heightened level of readiness next season. He did miss 15 games with an undisclosed Feb. 8 ailment, but had an encouraging run before that setback, going 3-1-1 with a 1.25 goals-against average, .952 saves percentage, and a shutout. He finished with 10-8-3 mark 2.90 GAA and .889 saves percentage. The goal next fall is obvious. Get back to Vezina Trophy form of 2023-24 with career bests in wins (35), GAA (2.45), saves percentage (.918) and shutouts (5). Demko will earn $5 million next season. In the interim, there's a crease conundrum. Kevin Lankinen, 30, has a five-year extension at $4.5 million in AAV kicking in next season. And Calder Cup playoffs most valuable player Arturs Silovs , 24, has a year left on his deal at $850,000 before becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. Silovs is not waiver exempt next season and obviously wouldn't clear waivers for assignment to AHL champion Abbotsford. His stock has never been higher, but obviously wouldn't command as much as Demko in a trade. But that's apparently not happening. As for Garland, it's the will and the underrated skill that merit a longer Vancouver stay. He loves the city and loves to compete so building on his 19 goals and 50 points should be easier amid franchise commitment. Garland is reportedly in line for a six-year, $36 million extension and will earn $4.95 million next season on his expiring deal. Former Canucks assistant Glen Gultuzan, who was head coach of the Dallas Stars in 2011-12 and 2012-13, is reportedly returning to Texas and replacing the fired Peter DeBoer as bench boss. Gulutzan, 53, was also at helm of the Calgary Flames for two seasons — 2016-17 and 2017-18 — and most recently an Edmonton Oilers assistant for seven seasons. His strength is connecting with young and veteran players, a key to getting the Stars over the playoff hump and back to the Stanley Cup Final. The Stars could have gone the familiarity route and promoted Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham, 40, after five seasons running its AHL affiliate bench. Or, they could have pursued Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, 45, whose stock is high after winning a Calder Cup crown in his first season running a pro bench. bkuzma@
Edmonton Journal
2 days ago
- Business
- Edmonton Journal
NHL Free Agency: Canucks in a frenzy to find a centre, but don't have ample salary cap space
Article content A year ago, it really was a frenzy. The Vancouver Canucks made seven free-agent acquisitions on opening day, highlighted by prudent plays for wingers Jake DeBrusk and Kiefer Sherwood. DeBrusk led the Canucks this season with a career-high 28 goals and the hard-hitting Sherwood had a personal best 19 goals and NHL record-setting 462 hits. Article content A year later, the frenzy is about an exodus of unrestricted free agents, an ongoing search for a second-line centre, and only US$7 million in salary cap space. Article content Winger Brock Boeser, 28, centre Pius Suter, 29, and depth defenceman Noah Juulsen, 28, are expected to test the open market Tuesday, even though there were recent attempts to bridge salary and term gaps with Boeser and Suter. AFP Analytics is projecting Boeser will command a six-year, US$50.7 million contract with several suitors bidding for his services. The $8.45 million annual average value is a leap from his expiring $6.65 million cap hit and speaks to his value, rising cap ceiling and teams believing his addition gets them closer to contending. The money didn't scare the Canucks as much as the term. 'It's a two-way street since both sides know it's a long shot that he's back,' a source told Postmedia. It's why the Canucks are banking on the trade acquisition of Evander Kane, 33, to fill the Boeser void and provide the push and open space in an alignment with Elias Pettersson. The incentive for Kane and payoff for the Canucks is obvious. He has a year left on his contract at $5.125 million and getting another deal is predicated on his success level next season. Article content For the versatile Suter, who filled in admirably as a first-line centre and key cog in the league's third-rated penalty kill, it's about dollars and sense. A career-high 25 goals this season is his ticket to finally getting good money and term. He could land a four-year, $19.9 million deal, a considerable jump to a $4.98 million cap hit from $1.6 million. However, it's the riddle in the middle that continues to confound the Canucks. They believed packaging their 15th overall selection in the NHL Draft on Friday, along with a player, could have cemented a trade with the Minnesota Wild for small but effective restricted free agent Marco Rossi. He had 23 goals and 60 points in 2024-25. The Wild wanted more and Rossi will get more when he signs. AFP Analytics has that deal pegged at seven years and $51.7 million. So, where do they Canucks go from here to fill the centre gap? Article content Right now, it's Pettersson, Filip Chytil, Teddy Blueger, Max Sasson and Aatu Raty on the depth chart. And if the Canucks go fishing in free agency for depth, it's not cheap. Even a serviceable pivot like Mikael Granlund, 33, wants two years at $4.9 million annually. Fine for stability and versatility for a contender, or to give a prize pivot prospect another year of seasoning. There's also a younger and more affordable free-agency play in versatile Jack Roslovic, 28, who has often popped up on the Canucks' radar. He's projected to land a three-year deal at $4.09 million in annual average value and can play centre or wing. Roslovic matched a career high with 22 goals this season, and at his best, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound forward has talent, is sneaky fast, but a streaky scorer. He started strong in 2024-25 with nine goals in a 10-game span and had a dozen through 20 games. However, he had just one goal the next 12 outings. Article content Which, of course, leads to the question: Who is the real Roslovic? Is there more in the tank? He was a roster option for the Carolina Hurricanes in the post-season and a healthy scratch for portions of three series. He had four points (1-3) in nine games. Extensions coming for Demko, Garland? The biggest news Tuesday could be contract extensions for Thatcher Demko, 29, and Conor Garland, 29, who have a year left on their respective contracts. It's faith in Demko maintaining his health and returning to peak form. And it's rewarding Garland for being a versatile culture-carrier that has the pair poised for increases. Demko's term could be concerning but he's projected for a five-year, $34.7 million deal that carries $6.9 million in AAV. From career hip, groin and knee ailments — plus that mysterious popliteus muscle predicament at back of his knee — a string of setbacks have tested the resolve to endure arduous rehabilitations. Article content Demko did the work and nothing is impeding preparation for a heightened level of readiness next season. He did miss 15 games with an undisclosed Feb. 8 ailment, but had an encouraging run before that setback, going 3-1-1 with a 1.25 goals-against average, .952 saves percentage, and a shutout. He finished with 10-8-3 mark 2.90 GAA and .889 saves percentage. The goal next fall is obvious. Get back to Vezina Trophy form of 2023-24 with career bests in wins (35), GAA (2.45), saves percentage (.918) and shutouts (5). Demko will earn $5 million next season. In the interim, there's a crease conundrum. Kevin Lankinen, 30, has a five-year extension at $4.5 million in AAV kicking in next season. And Calder Cup playoffs most valuable player Arturs Silovs, 24, has a year left on his deal at $850,000 before becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights. Article content Silovs is not waiver exempt next season and obviously wouldn't clear waivers for assignment to AHL champion Abbotsford. His stock has never been higher, but obviously wouldn't command as much as Demko in a trade. But that's apparently not happening. As for Garland, it's the will and the underrated skill that merit a longer Vancouver stay. He loves the city and loves to compete so building on his 19 goals and 50 points should be easier amid franchise commitment. Garland is reportedly in line for a six-year, $36 million extension and will earn $4.95 million next season on his expiring deal. Gulutzan returns to run Stars bench Former Canucks assistant Glen Gultuzan, who was head coach of the Dallas Stars in 2011-12 and 2012-13, is reportedly returning to Texas and replacing the fired Peter DeBoer as bench boss. Gulutzan, 53, was also at helm of the Calgary Flames for two seasons — 2016-17 and 2017-18 — and most recently an Edmonton Oilers assistant for seven seasons. His strength is connecting with young and veteran players, a key to getting the Stars over the playoff hump and back to the Stanley Cup Final. The Stars could have gone the familiarity route and promoted Texas Stars head coach Neil Graham, 40, after five seasons running its AHL affiliate bench. Or, they could have pursued Abbotsford Canucks head coach Manny Malhotra, 45, whose stock is high after winning a Calder Cup crown in his first season running a pro bench. Latest National Stories
