Why Brock Boeser could thrive with the Canadiens

It’s no secret that Montreal Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes wants to strengthen the team’s forward group. A second-line centreman remains the biggest need, but with limited options on the open market outside of restricted free agents, Hughes may be forced to pivot toward adding a winger instead.

Reports suggest Hughes could target a winger in free agency, and Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser has started to emerge in the conversation. If Hughes does intend to make a real push for a top-six winger, Boeser could be worth the hefty price tag.

Brock Boeser could be exactly what the Canadiens' offence needs

The Canadiens head into the offseason still lacking consistent offensive firepower. Yes, Ivan Demidov is set to begin his first full NHL season, but as with most rookies, expecting immediate results is a gamble. After Montreal’s unexpected playoff push, the rebuild is no longer crawling. The team’s young core has shown it can compete, and now it’s time for management to surround them with productive veterans.

Boeser, 28, is a proven goal scorer with size (six feet one inch) and experience, having spent nine seasons in the NHL. He would bring leadership and a much-needed scoring touch to the Canadiens' top six. He’s scored 20 or more goals in six of his nine seasons and is coming off a career-high 40-goal campaign in 2024.

He would immediately fill a hole on the right wing while becoming a go-to shooter on the second power-play unit. Last season, while the Canadiens’ first power play unit showed promise, the second unit often lacked identity and finishing. Boeser’s presence would give the Habs another threat and could make them a team opponents hesitate to take penalties against.

Hughes appears committed to upgrading the forward group, and with Boeser reportedly drawing interest from the Canadiens, the possibility of seeing him in the iconic Habs sweater is real. Still, there are hurdles.

Would Boeser even want to come to Montreal? As a Minnesota native, he could be tempted to join the Wild, who have also shown interest. But as always, money talks, making just about anything possible.

That is where the risk lies. Boeser is a proven goal scorer, entering free agency in his prime. To land him, the Canadiens would likely need to overpay. That kind of investment naturally draws comparisons to past free agent misfires, like the Karl Alzner deal.

Is Boeser a risk worth taking?

Boeser could command north of $ 7 million annually. But after a promising step forward in 2025, now is the time for Montreal to take calculated risks. The centre market will be stronger next offseason, so securing a top-six winger and possibly a defenceman allows Hughes to focus on centre depth later. Waiting on 2024 first-round pick Michael Hage as a long-term solution remains a real possibility.

If the Canadiens intend to enter free agency with an aggressive mindset, Boeser might be the best option to spend some money on. Critics might argue that signing Boeser to a big deal could take ice time away from younger players and slow their development. That is possible, but only if Boeser underperforms. If he delivers as expected, the reward outweighs the risk.

If Boeser does sign and continues his pace of 20-plus goals a season, the Canadiens' offence and power play become even more dangerous. If the goal is to join the ranks of legitimate Stanley Cup contenders in the coming years, then a splash in free agency or via trade is necessary.

If the Canadiens want to build on their impressive 2025 season, bringing Boeser to Montreal might be the move that helps them take the next step.