Senators should pursue Brock Boeser, but only in the right semester – Hockey Writer – Ottawa Senator

As we approach July 1, rumors and speculation surrounding many players heat up throughout the league. Given the cap space they have available and the prospect of salary caps in the coming years, many teams are looking to improve their roster.

The Ottawa Senator is undoubtedly one of them. Steve Staios, president and general manager of the hockey business, is determined to strengthen some of the weak areas of the roster after the Senator’s first playoff appearance in eight years. One of these areas includes team scoring.

The Senator ranked 18th in goals in 2024-25 and 30th in 5-on-5 goals. To solve this problem, they can explore the trade market, give up assets or pursue free agency. One player that Senators have shown interest in the past week is Brock Boeser, who entered the open market nine years after the Canucks. Is he the one that the senator should seriously consider pursuing, or is it not worth the risk?

Boeser’s Track Record

Since entering the NHL, Boeser has proven himself a high-end goalkeeper, always demonstrating his ability to break the game in notifications. He recorded 25 goals and 50 points in 75 games last season and scored 40 goals in previous seasons. Overall, Boeser has scored 20 or more goals in six of his nine seasons to date in six of his nine seasons. He can fill the right-wing position in the top six right and add another scoring threat to the power play.

These are all aspects that the senator needs. Additionally, Boeser has the physical and mental attributes needed to play the top six characters: speed, skill, and hockey IQ. He is still at his peak and has a lot of good hockey in the next few years.

As Senators hope to enhance their forward ranks with more scoring abilities, Boeser checked the boxes for all prerequisites. They have a lot of young talents rising in all levels and they will benefit from the emergence of players like Boeser, who, like offensive skills, can provide excellent leadership from the ice in addition to offensive skills.

What will Boeser get?

As the market heats up, demand for Boeser caliber players will only increase. The Senator will be one of many teams looking to invest in Boeser’s services, meaning there is a possibility of bidding wars, as well as the challenge of persuading Boeser that Ottawa is suitable for him at this stage of his career.

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Boeser made $6.65 million in his last three years of dealings, the same as before. He should raise the salary, but it remains to be seen how much this will raise and where the senators should draw the line. There is also a question of terminology.

This is likely to be the last important contract for Boeser’s career as he is at his best age and seeks safety in a long-term agreement. While he has been a great player throughout his career, he isn’t at the superstar level, so it’s unlikely that he’s going to double digits in millions or bet by reaching a short-term deal while waiting for the hat to rise.

What should the senator provide?

Although he has been consistent, Buser scored only 40 goals and may never score again. The Senator will most likely not attract him with a offer of less than $8 million, which is consistent with his comparableity, but the sticky point may be tenure. Convincing Boeser here may be a mid-term agreement of about four years.

It may be less than he is willing to accept, but he will have to decide on bigger priorities for him. Other teams will be willing to offer the highest tenure, but if Boeser wants to join a team with a bright future, he may have to make sacrifices.

The Senator would be happy to have him, but only has limited cap space and may not want to serve someone who is not on the upper level of the league’s superstars and the dollar. To accommodate, they will likely have to redistribute funds from the lineup and subtract them, which will backfire at this point in franchise development.

The final judgment

The next few days will be interesting for both the Senator’s actions and Booth’s decision-making process. Obtaining a player with Boeser’s skills is perfect for the organization at this time, further cementing their position as a strong contender.

If they can negotiate a contract that is valid under its terms, it would be perfectly reasonable for them to complete the deal. However, teams often over-commit to free agent players and sign contracts they ultimately regret, which will be a big test here. We will see what will happen, but the senators must stick to their principles and avoid becoming overly enthusiastic.