Marek Mentions Capitals As Possible Suitor For Canucks’ Boeser

As the Washington Capitals continue their Canadian road swing against the Vancouver Canucks, the rumor mill continues to churn ahead of the 2022 NHL Trade Deadline. And per Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek, the Capitals could have interest in Vancouver’s Brock Boeser.

Marek was discussing Boeser and the upcoming trade deadline on Sportsnet on Wednesday. He discussed the 25-year-old’s future and said that Washington and Los Angeles Kings could be potential fits. However, it would be the latter having more interest. Marek also cited that he would likely go to a team that needs help with secondary scoring and the power play.

Through 52 games this season, Boeser has 17 goals and 17 assists, with 15 of his 34 total points coming on the man advantage. He is a talented goal scorer who can get to the high-danger areas and make smart plays. He still has some things to work on, including his backchecking ability, but he is a good passer with a great shot and offensive acumen.

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Marek also pointed out that he would have to go to a team that can absorb a qualifying offer of $7.4 million. Boeser, who has a cap hit of $5.875 million, will become a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

Washington currently has little cap space to work with. Anthony Mantha recently returned after a months-long stay on the long-term injured reserve. To make room for him, the Capitals placed Carl Hagelin (eye injury, indefinite) on the LTIR and Joe Snively (week-to-week) on the IR. It’s unclear what the return would be for a player like Boeser, but it would likely be high considering his status, ability and role as a top-6 forward and power-play specialist.

General manager Brian MacLellan mentioned that he didn’t know if the middle-6 had a strong enough identity. However, he did want to see what the second and third lines could do when fully healthy, and admitted that he doesn’t expect the Capitals to be as aggressive as they have previously been at the deadline. Plus, of late, the power play has taken a step in the right direction.

If Boeser is on Washington’s radar, it’s unclear what the return could be or how the team would make space. Still, it’d be quite a move.