VANCOUVER — Brock Boeser appeared poised for a fresh start when the NHL's free agent market opened on Tuesday.
The 28-year-old sniper had long talked about how much he loved playing for the Vancouver Canucks, but a new deal remained elusive as the calendar flipped to July 1 and he became an unrestricted free agent.
Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin didn't give up. And about half an hour after free agency began, Vancouver made a surprise announcement — Boeser had signed a new seven-year, US$50.75-million deal.
The agreement followed multiple talks between the player, newly minted head coach Adam Foote and others within the organization, Allvin said.
"We had an open conversation, and I respect him. He earned his way to get to UFA, but he was always open to see the fit and the role (in Vancouver)," the GM said.
"And after talking to Adam Foote here a couple of weeks ago, the expectations and what he thought that he could contribute more to how we wanted to play. He was excited with other guys coming back. And we re-engaged, and got the deal done. So I'm very, very happy.”
Knowing some of the team's other talent had re-upped on long-term deals helped, too, Allvin added.
Vancouver also signed a three-year, $25.5-million extension with all-star goalie Thatcher Demko and a six-year, $36-million contract with forward Conor Garland on Tuesday.
Both players are heading into the final season of five-year contracts and were set to become unrestricted free agents next summer.
Garland admitted he's been bugging Boeser about re-signing.
“I’m sure he’s very happy he’s done getting my phone calls. I probably called him more than my wife the last week," the left-winger said with a grin. "But he’s just the best guy. He’s the ultimate teammate and a fantastic player. I was very excited when I saw that news.”
Demko took to Instagram to express his feelings about Boeser's new contract, writing "Thank you sweet baby Jesus, thank you" over a screenshot of the announcement.
The new deals give the team's core a special opportunity to win together long-term, Garland said.
“It’s a really tight group that wants to win and enjoys being around each other each and every day. And we have a lot of fun on the road," he said.
"That’s kind of how I talked about it with Brock — we signed for seven years, we’re with that group for a long time, we’re going to have a lot of fun. And we’re going to try and win with that group and that’s something special, to be on the same team and with the same group of guys for an extended period of time.”
Boeser had 25 goals and 25 assists for Vancouver last season, well below the career highs he posted in goals (40) and points (73) during the 2023-24 campaign.
There was ample speculation in March that he would be moved ahead of the NHL’s trade deadline, but Allvin said the offers simply weren’t enticing enough.
"If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser, I think I would have to run out of here because you would not believe me,” he said at the time.
Originally selected 23rd overall by the Canucks in the 2015 draft, Boeser has played all 554 of his career NHL games for Vancouver, amassing 204 goals and 230 assists in regular-season play. He added another 11 goals and 12 assists over 29 post-season appearances.
The six-foot-one, 208-pound forward from Burnsville, Minn., became a fan favourite not only for his scoring prowess, but how he handled adversity off the ice, including the death of his father, Duke, in May 2022.
Support from Vancouver hockey fans always meant a lot to Boeser.
"I can't say enough about the fan base and the city. Everyone's so kind to me, if I'm just out and about," he said at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. "Everyone's always had my back and supported me. And that's something that I really appreciate "
Demko's extension follows an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign where he posted a 10-8-3 record with a .889 save percentage, a 2.90 goals-against average and one shutout.
The 29-year-old goalie from San Diego, Calif., was named a finalist for the Vézina Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL's top goaltender, after going 35-14-2 with a .918 save percentage and a 2.45 GAA during the 2023-204 campaign.
The performance helped Vancouver clinch first place in the Pacific Division and earn a spot in the playoffs.
Demko then suffered an injury to the popliteus muscle in his left knee during Game 1 of the team's first-round series against the Nashville Predators. He did not play again until Dec. 10.
Vancouver signed Kevin Lankinen as a free agent in September and the Finnish goalie went 25-15-10 with a .902 save percentage, a 2.62 GAA and four shutouts across the season.
The Canucks will need both Demko and Lankinen for a congested schedule that includes an Olympic break next year, and 84 games in future seasons, Allvin said.
"I think we have, in my opinion, the best goalie tandem in the league here," he said. "It’s definitely, I think, a strength of our team.”
Garland's extension comes after a campaign where he put up 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) for the Canucks. The 29-year-old winger from Scituate, Mass., went on to win gold with the U.S. at the men's world hockey championship in May.
Having Boeser, Garland and Demko all sign new deals shows that players are buying into what the Canucks are trying to build, Allvin said.
“I think they understand that this is something we continue to work on. I do believe that they see the process of the younger players in (the American Hockey League's) Abbotsford (Canucks), what's coming in the pipeline. And I mean, Vancouver is a fantastic market to play in," the GM said.
"And I think Adam and the new coaching staff here has done a really good job interacting with the players here up to this point, so the belief is there. And I’m excited.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 1, 2025.
Gemma Karstens-Smith, The Canadian Press
