Vancouver Canucks: Does a one-year deal for Brock Boeser make sense?

The Vancouver Canucks are running low on cap space, but they must extend RFA Brock Boeser. Could a one-year deal be the solution?

Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning has completed most of his critical tasks, but he still has to re-sign young star and RFA Brock Boeser.

The 22-year-old Boeser is in line for a shiny raise. He scored 29 goals and 55 points in 62 games during his 2017-18 rookie season, earning a Calder Trophy nomination. Boeser tallied 26 goals and 56 points this season, once again displaying the potential to grow into a 30-40 goal man.

But right now, CapFriendly only gives the Canucks about $5.569 million in cap room. According to Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province, Boeser’s camp currently “has an appetite for a four-year extension,” and they think he “warrants an annual salary-cap hit of $7 million.”

A few weeks ago, I explained here why a bridge deal is the best scenario for Boeser and the Canucks. Although he’s hit the 20-goal and 50-point marks in consecutive years, we know he’s capable of doing more — but the Canucks may not want to pay Boeser $7 million-plus annually until they see an increase in production.

Consider that and Vancouver’s iffy cap situation, and maybe a one-year deal is the best way to go for Boeser and the Canucks now. It gives the young sniper a chance to take his game to another level, which would justify that salary of $7 million.

More from The Canuck Way

• Which team won the Bo Horvat trade?
• What to expect from newcomers Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Räty
• Back to the future: How the skate uniforms became a regular Canucks’ feature night
• Canucks kick off 2023 with disappointing 6-2 loss to Islanders
• 2nd period penalty trouble sinks Canucks in 4-2 loss against Winnipeg

Plus, the Canucks should be in better position to give Boeser superstar money. CapFriendly currently projects they they’ll have around $26.3 million in cap space next year.

Jacob Markstrom and Chris Tanev come off the books — though both could be extended by the start of next offseason.

Not only that, but Benning will have an easier time to unload Loui Eriksson (assuming he plays here in 2019-20), and other veterans like Brandon Sutter and Sven Baertschi — whose contracts expire after the 2020-21 campaign.

This isn’t to say that the Canucks and Boeser will do a one-year deal, but it might be the way to go if they aren’t able to find ground on a multi-year contract. Boeser and his camp may not be keen on a bridge deal, but a one-year pact could be a win-win for both sides.

Because of Boeser can take his game to another level, he won’t need to wait long for a giant payday. Not only that, but the Canucks will be sitting pretty with plenty of cap space, meaning they’ll have an easier time signing Boeser to a lucrative deal.