Canucks News: Future Plans for Brock Boeser, Adam Gaudette
Vancouver Canucks prospects Brock Boeser and Adam Gaudette are enjoying successful NCAA seasons. But when will they turn pro?
There was some talk about Vancouver Canucks prospect Brock Boeser possibly turning pro last summer. He opted to return for another year with the University of North Dakota instead, but is fully expected to join the Canucks in 2017.
Adam Gaudette, on the other hand, is a big surprise this season. A former fifth-round pick, Gaudette currently ranks fifth in NCAA scoring with 23 goals and 49 points in 31 games. But is that enough to join the Canucks organisation this summer — or even earlier?
Signing Boeser, Gaudette During 2017-18 Season
Ryan Biech (Canucks Army) — Will the Canucks Sign Gaudette and Boeser Before Season End?
"What if the Canucks are saving contract spots for their NCAA prospects so that they might use games this season as an ace in hand and entice them to sign? With the possibility of burning a year of their ELC as a carrot to dangle?"
Why did the Canucks keep a four-spot buffer to the contract limit? I don’t know. But, I don’t believe they did it to sign Boeser and Gaudette.
Keeping a few empty spots is totally normal for flexibility reasons. Whether the Canucks decided to acquire a player or prospects via trade, or sign a player at the end of the year, not having to worry about the contract limits is always nice.
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Of course this also makes the signings of Boeser and Gaudette possible, but I just can’t see it happening.
As Ryan Biech points out in his piece, Gaudette will likely be the only one of the two whose season will end early enough to join the Canucks. However, Gaudette is likely to return to Northeastern for the 2018-19 campaign.
Boeser’s season could be much longer, so it might not make sense to bring him in the minute his NCAA season ends. The only reason to sign him then would indeed be to burn the first year of his entry-level contract.
Ryan Biech discusses the decision process.
Gaudette Likely to Stay in NCAA
Ben Kuzma (Vancouver Sun) — Gaudette’s Rapid NCAA Scoring Rise Has Canucks Mapping Pro Plan
"“We haven’t come to a full conclusion on that, but speaking now I would say that physically he has got a ways to go,” added Linden. “For him to have another great summer of training and another great year and then make his transition to pro, is probably the direction that he’s leaning and we fully support that."
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Sun went a little more in-depth on the Gaudette situation. What stood out to me the most is the quote above.
According to Trevor Linden, Gaudette still has some work to do before being pro-ready. That does not sound like he will be signed anytime soon.
I have to say I agree with the opinion that another college year won’t hurt. Gaudette is having a surprisingly strong offensive year, and the 2017-18 campaign would give him a chance to confirm his scoring abilities.
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Plus, Gaudette is — or was, until this season — most-known for his defensive prowess and his 200-foot game. Another season at Northeastern would give him time to get stronger and really round out his all-around game, before making the jump to the pros.
If he stays in the NCAA for 2017-18, he will get a legitimate shot at an NHL roster spot in training camp.