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NHL free agency: Projecting contracts for the top 5 restricted free agents

By Alex Hoegler

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: Patrik Laine #29 of the Winnipeg Jets passes Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at the Air Canada Centre on March 31, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 31: Patrik Laine #29 of the Winnipeg Jets passes Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at the Air Canada Centre on March 31, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Sousa/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jeff Vinnick/NHLI via Getty Images /

5. Brock Boeser

Fortunately for the Vancouver Canucks, Boeser isn’t eligible for an offer sheet, so general manager Jim Benning has been able to take his time in contract negotiations with the 22-year-old star.

It’s a tricky situation with Boeser here. Do the Canucks pay him for what he’s done or pay him for what they think he’s going to do? He scored 29 goals and 55 points in his rookie 2017-18 season despite missing 20 games. This past season, he scored 26 goals and 56 points in 69 games.

Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province recently reported that Ben Hankinson, Boeser’s agent, wants a four-year deal worth $7 million per season. That’s reasonable for a top-line forward that’s only entering his prime, but there’s just one issue.

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The Canucks are up against the cap following a giant offseason spending spree, so Benning might have to move out one of his veteran forwards in order to fit in Boeser’s new contract. Ideally, he’d find a way to move out an expensive veteran like Brandon Sutter or Loui Eriksson.

Boeser and the Canucks should be able to get a deal done well before the start of the regular season. It won’t be a bridge deal, nor a long-term pact. But when all is said and done, they’ll get close to Hankinson’s asking price.

Prediction: Four years, $25.5 million

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