Contract negotiations between Brock Boeser and the Vancouver Canucks have stalled, with the forward feeling “disrespected” at times according to the latest reports.
NHL insider Rick Dhaliwal revealed 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."
Given the stalemate, the Canucks continue to consider all options, including a potential trade ahead of the March 7 deadline if they think re-signing Boeser before Friday isn't realistic.
Dhaliwal confirmed that the main issue in negotiations is the term of the extension requested by Boeser, not the money.
“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.”
According to Dhaliwal, Boeser, who has spent his entire career with Vancouver, appearing in 532 regular-season games and 29 postseason matches, prefers to stay with the team long-term but remains 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 offered Boeser a five-year, $40 million extension, which was rejected.
“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 no longer on the table, the franchise is looking for trade partners in case an agreement isn't reached by Friday.
"Obviously, trade possibilities are being explored,” Dreger said.
Dreger's information aligns with Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman's report from Saturday, when he revealed that Vancouver is weighing its options and has been active in the trade market.
“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 addressed the situation in an interview with Sportsnet’s Iain MacIntyre on Wednesday, making it clear that he is prepared for whatever happens.
“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 18 goals and 36 points in 53 games this season. His current contract, a three-year, $19.95 million deal, expires this summer, making him a restricted free agent on July 1.
