The Anaheim Ducks have the means to shake up the NHL world. Anaheim has already made some notable moves. The Ducks traded for Chris Kreider in a deal with the New York Rangers. And they sent Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers in a trade on Monday.
However, Anaheim has the ability to make even more moves. And these moves could be rather significant. They have the young pieces to swing a big trade. Their cap space gives them the flexibility to consider all options ahead of 2025 NHL Free Agency, as well.
Anaheim has a little more than $36 million in available salary cap space. Only two teams — the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets — have more to work with. Both of those clubs have $40 million or more available.
The Ducks have a few different needs they can address. However, there is one need that supercedes the rest. Anaheim needs to add high-end talent in NHL Free Agency this summer. Whether that’s on defense or up front is up to the team.
One player fits the mold for Anaheim. Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser is not the flashiest player on the market. However, he is one of the best pure goal scorers available, and he would elevate the Ducks’ offense in 2025-26.
How Brock Boeser Fits in Ducks Lineup
Derek Cain/Getty ImagesBrock Boeser is likely to leave the Vancouver Canucks in 2025 NHL Free Agency.
Boeser has struggled with consistency over the last few seasons. At times, he looks like one of the NHL’s best snipers. Other times, he is still a solid goal scorer who can be a bit streaky.
Boeser has 129 goals since the start of the 2020-21 campaign, according to Evolving Hockey. This is the fourth-highest mark among 2025 unrestricted free agents. John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and Brad Marchand have more goals in this span.
Boeser also has 39 Offensive Goals Above Replacement in this span. This helped him to 4.4 Wins Above Replacement, as well. He is not a superstar talent, to be fair. But he is a high-end offensive scorer, and has a 40 goal season under his belt.
The only player with more goals than Boeser since 2020-21 with a 40-goal season under their belt is Tavares. And this season came back in 2018-19. It’s unlikely Tavares replicates this performance.
There is a chance Boeser doesn’t, either. But of the aforementioned free agents, he is the only true sniper of the bunch. With the playmakers in the Ducks’ lineup, it’s not too difficult to see Boeser becoming an offensive dynamo in Orange County.
Canucks Reunion ‘Unlikely’ For Boeser
Boeser has spent his entire career with the Canucks to this point. He has made a major impact in Vancouver, and he has close ties with the organization. At the same time, he has recognized that a departure in NHL Free Agency is the most likely outcome.
“Honestly, it’s unlikely at this point,” Boeser told Sportsnet when asked about a return to Vancouver next season. “It sucks, it’s unfortunate. I’m just trying to play good hockey, and then I’ll worry about everything after that. We all know it’s been a roller coaster of a year. There’s been a lot of different things.”
Boeser should have a robust market this summer. He has the potential to be a solid 30-40 goal scorer in the right situation. The Ducks have the sort of situation that can allow the veteran winger to thrive beginning in 2025-26.
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