With 12 points in 12 games in the post-season and arguably the Vancouver Canucks‘ best forward during that time, the loss of Brock Boeser for Game 7 against the Edmonton Oilers as a result of a blood clotting issue was a big one.
At the team’s end-of-season availability, the 27-year-old forward delved into the blood clot issues he suffered and how he dealt with the news.
“Took a shot (in) Game 1 on the power play, had a bruise there. My leg was feeling fine, then about a week later, my calf started really hurting. We got it checked out and I had some, I think a clot in one of my small veins, which wasn’t an issue so I was allowed to continue to play. I got a scan the next morning after Game 6 that showed there was more clotting that moved into my deep vein,” Boeser explained.
“I didn’t really understand at first, so it was an emotional morning for me. To get told that news after you’re giving all your energy with your teammates and these playoffs and really striving and pushing for the ultimate goal, to get that swept out from under you, to not be out there in Game 7 with these guys… that hurt.”
Boeser was a consistent goal scorer for the Canucks both in the regular season and the playoffs. In 82 games, he scored 40 goals and 33 assists for a career-high 73 points. He added seven more goals in the playoffs, including a hat trick in Game 4 against the Nashville Predators to force an, eventually successful, overtime.
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“I’m crushed,” Boeser admitted about being sidelined for Game 7. “I wish I could have been out there with the guys. Obviously, one goal game, I felt that, of course I’m sitting there saying ‘Yeah, I could have scored in this game.’ I don’t know what would have happened if I played, but I would have done anything to be out there. I asked if I could play, try to push them, but obviously the risks are too big and I had to protect my future.”
Playing primarily with J.T. Miller throughout the post-season, Boeser averaged over 20 minutes per game and played in all situations, including in a match-up role against Connor McDavid in Round 2.
“It just proves to myself that there’s another level there. I know at least my line, we took a ton of pride when we were playing against Connor in the playoffs to try to shut up down… even top lines throughout the year,” Boeser said. “It’s a role I haven’t really had before and I tried to embrace it as best as I could and just to feel that we can go out there and we can shut down those top guys, it gives a lot to my confidence and it’s something I definitely think I can build off of for next year.”
Boeser is eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1. He becomes an unrestricted free agent following the 2024-25 season.