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Canucks: 3 questions facing Brock Boeser in 2021

By Brayden Ursel

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 27: Brock Boeser #6 of the Vancouver Canucks looks for an opening against J.T. Compher #37 of the Colorado Avalanche in the first period at the Pepsi Center on February 27, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 27: Brock Boeser #6 of the Vancouver Canucks looks for an opening against J.T. Compher #37 of the Colorado Avalanche in the first period at the Pepsi Center on February 27, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Vancouver Canucks. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

Which line will Boeser play next year?

Last season, Boeser split playing time between lines one and two. Next to Pettersson and J.T. Miller, he helped to form the Lotto Line, which was one of the NHL’s most lethal scoring trios. They dominated play for wide stretches and were the Canucks’ main source of scoring power.

But when Boeser wasn’t making pretty plays as a part of 649, he would often slot in next to the team captain in an effort to help convert Vancouver’s shutdown line into more of a two-way threat that can score and play defence.

With not as much force in their scoring abilities amongst the Vancouver roster, it might make the most sense for Travis Green to elect to split up his top producers. Since Jake Virtanen still needs to work on being more responsible in the defensive end, putting Boeser with Horvat is the more likely choice. His defensive game has taken a big leap forward and it would be nice to see that continue.

Can Boeser remain healthy in 2021?

It’s the number one reason Boeser hasn’t solidified himself as an NHL goal-scoring machine. Unfortunately, injuries have been a part of the package for as long as he’s been in the league and he needs to find a way to work past it.

Taking a look back at his documented injury list that’s had him unfit for games each year, he missed 20 games with a back injury at the end of his rookie season. The year after, he followed that up by missing another 13 games. And finally, in the 2019-20 campaign, Boeser played only 57 regular-season games.

In the New Year, Boeser will be entering his fifth NHL season and he’s yet to play a full schedule. The NHL just announced a reduced 56-game schedule for 2021, so maybe that’s what he needs. Surviving a shortened campaign without missing any games would be a great start for Boeser. Hopefully, the extended break puts him in the right mind-frame to do what must be done.

Final thoughts…

What a Canadian division means for the Canucks. dark. Next

Boeser has what it takes to be the pure goal-scorer he once looked to be becoming. He’s just gotta piece it all together next year as he’ll try his best to help the Canucks return to the postseason.

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