“He's invisible, and that's the problem” - Former Canucks star sparks controversy with blunt take on Brock Boeser amid contract dispute

Brock Boeser’s future with the Vancouver Canucks is hanging by a thread as contract talks stall. With his $17.625 million deal expiring, he’s pushing for a massive seven-to-eight-year extension, but the Canucks are holding firm at five. Now, ex-Canuck Jannik Hansen has weighed in, questioning whether Boeser’s play truly warrants a big-money deal, adding fuel to an already tense standoff.

Hansen didn’t hold back when evaluating Boeser’s impact on the ice. According to him, the Canucks winger struggles to generate plays on his own and relies too heavily on his linemates.
“He's invisible, and that’s the problem,” Hansen criticized. “He doesn’t create things himself. So unless somebody does it for him, nothing happens. It almost dies on his stick.”
Hansen’s remarks echo a growing concern within the organization—Boeser’s inability to dictate the pace of play. While his finishing ability is undeniable, committing long-term money to a player who thrives only under ideal conditions could be a risky move for Vancouver.

Despite tallying 18 goals and 38 points in 60 games this season, Boeser’s numbers don’t scream elite-level production. Hansen argues that the winger should temper his financial expectations unless he can prove he’s a game-changer.
“If you cannot tilt the ice when you’re on there, if you cannot make your two line mates better, don’t dare ask for $8 million,” Hansen stated. “Ask for six, ask for six and a half, seven, and then be a supporting player.”
Boeser’s contract demands put the Canucks in a tough spot. Do they invest in his potential, or do they shift their focus toward players who can drive play independently?

NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently suggested that Boeser may explore other options if Vancouver fails to meet his demands. He pointed to Canucks GM Patrik Allvin’s trade deadline remarks, where Allvin admitted the team retained Boeser simply because no suitable trade offers surfaced.
“If that’s the way this team I’ve been incredibly loyal to, is going to talk about me, then I’d rather take $44 million from somewhere else than $41 million here,” Seravalli speculated on Canucks Central.
If the Canucks continue to play hardball, Boeser could be enticed by teams willing to match his valuation. With his skillset, a fresh start elsewhere might be inevitable if Vancouver refuses to commit long-term.
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As the offseason looms, the Boeser contract saga remains one of the biggest storylines in Vancouver. Will the Canucks step up and meet his price tag, or is this the final chapter of his time in British Columbia? Boeser’s future is far from settled, and the next few months could determine where he laces up his skates next. Whether it’s staying in Vancouver or finding a new home, his next contract will be a defining moment in his career and could shift the Canucks’ long-term plans in a major way.