Boeser confused by trade rumors during Canucks' slump

Vancouver Canucks star winger Brock Boeser is tired of being the subject of seemingly endless trade speculation.

While his club is spiraling through a 2-7-1 stretch and fans call for changes throughout the organization, Boeser said the rumors are getting old.

"Yeah, it does," Boeser told The Athletic's Thomas Drance prior to the Canucks' 4-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday. "I had some people bring it to my attention yesterday a bit.

"I was confused. I think it's just people looking for an answer out in the social media world with the team struggling, especially now. That's part of it."

Boeser is in the final year of a three-year, $17.625-million bridge deal signed in 2019, and he'll be a restricted free agent this offseason. Vancouver drafted him in the first round in 2015, and the 24-year-old has recorded 218 points over 270 games.

If anything, Boeser believes he's part of the solution going forward.

"I personally don't think I'm going to get traded," Boeser said. "I feel like I'm part of the core here and a big piece. That's just how I feel.

"At the end of the day, I can't worry about that stuff. I just have to go out and perform. It's been a tough stretch for me personally, and obviously for the team. And I set high expectations for myself to go out there and produce and help the team win. Lately, it's been tough.

Boeser is off to a slow start this season, with eight points through 17 contests.