The Vancouver Canucks have been ranked 10th worst in the NHL for contract efficiency, largely because of the high-value contracts given to Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, which have not produced the expected returns. These two forwards’ combined deals total $143.55 million, creating significant pressure on their performances.
Details of Pettersson and Boeser’s Contracts and Performance
Elias Pettersson is currently under an eight-year contract worth $92.8 million, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $11.6 million—making it the largest contract in Canucks history. Despite this, Pettersson’s recent output has fallen short of expectations, culminating in a career-low season last year. His struggles were also compounded by reported tensions with teammate J.T. Miller and the Canucks’ failure to reach the playoffs. Meanwhile, Brock Boeser recently signed a seven-year extension valued at $50.75 million, with a $7.25 million AAV. His past performances have been inconsistent, showing flashes of strong offensive ability but also periods of underperformance.
Analysis from NHL Analyst Dom Luszczyszyn
In The Athletic, NHL analyst Dom Luszczyszyn discussed how the Canucks’ contract efficiency suffers mainly from the underwhelming performances of Pettersson and Boeser compared to their significant earnings. Luszczyszyn emphasized that the duo’s recent struggles have pushed Vancouver toward the bottom half of the league’s rankings.
“Vancouver’s biggest problem at the moment is the play of Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser, neither of whom look to be worth the money after last year’s effort,” Luszczyszyn wrote.
“With seven years remaining for both, those two are Vancouver’s biggest bets and the entire contention window depends on that duo being worth the money. For now, neither looks the part after a down year and it’s helped push the Canucks to the league’s bottom half.”
Last season, Boeser tallied 50 points, with 25 goals and 25 assists across 75 games. Pettersson, on the other hand, recorded 45 points—15 goals and 30 assists—in 64 games, underscoring their struggles relative to contract expectations.
Pettersson’s Commitment to Improve and Lead
Following a difficult season, Elias Pettersson expressed his determination to improve and take on a leadership role within the team. The 26-year-old is focused on learning from previous setbacks and maturing as a player as the Canucks prepare for the upcoming season.
“I’m trying to lead by example. But I know that I can become a better leader, in that aspect. I’m trying my best, but also trying to get better.”
“I’m learning from what happened last year to be a more mature player going into [this season],” Pettersson said via NHL.com.
Upcoming Season and New Leadership
The Canucks will open their 2025-26 campaign on Thursday, October 9, at Rogers Arena against the Calgary Flames. The season marks a new chapter for Vancouver under head coach Adam Foote, adding a fresh dynamic as the team looks to improve its standings and contract efficiency.