Burnsville, Minnesota native Brock Boeser wanted nothing more than to play in Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers last Spring. He never got the chance. A blood clot said otherwise.
The Canucks winger, who led the team with 40 regular season goals, was having a great playoff with 7 goals and 5 assists in 12 games.
He blocked a shot with his leg in Game 1 against the Oilers and developed a bruise. A week later, after experiencing some pain, a scan showed the clot. And just like that, his playoffs and season were over. Life moves fast at times, and not always in the right direction.
In a recent interview with Ben Kuzma of the Province Newspaper, Brock stated that he was fully cleared to return to on-ice activities, after a summer on blood thinners that required him to take it easy. He will need to wear compression socks and walk around a lot while on flights, something that he will have to continue to do during Canucks road trips. I had to look up what Compression socks do, they are tighter than normal socks, and gently squeeze the legs to help blood flow back to the heart.
Brock is entering the final year of his current contract that pays him US $6.65 million average annual value (AAV), and will be looking to have a great season before becoming an unrestricted free agent (UFA.)
The most likely plan from Canucks management would be to get Boeser re-signed, but that will depend on his health and the season he has.
“Just let it play out” was Brock’s response to NHL.com when asked about his contract situation.
If anyone can overcome something like this, it would be Brock. His resiliency, and determination, in the face of adversity has always been incredible. From past injuries to losing his father, Brock has become a fan favorite in Vancouver.
Canucks notes: The Canucks annual Penticton Young Stars tournament is set for this upcoming weekend, Sept. 14th, and 15th, at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Young stars from the Canucks, Edmonton Oilers, Calgary Flames, and Winnipeg Jets will be competing.
Among others, three prospects of the Canucks to keep an eye on are RW Johnathan Lekkerimaki, C/LW Aatu Raty, and LD Elias Pettersson, or more commonly referred to in Vancouver as D Petey, and not to be confused with Canucks star forward, Elias Pettersson.
Hey, it’s Vancouver, nothing is ever simple!