Happy 2025, friends! We’re finally past the 41-game mark in the NHL and entering the silly season when it comes to trades, rumours, and everything else going on. But I guess that’s really 365 days a year if you follow the Canucks, am I right?

Let’s go!

I wrote about Brock in my first article on CanucksArmy, and you know what’s happened since then? Nothing. It’s quiet, and I have a feeling it’s going to remain that way for a while. Here’s the deal: Brock Boeser is going to get paid, and Brock Boeser should get paid. On the open market, he’s likely looking at a seven-year deal worth probably $8 million per season. I’m not sure the Canucks want to go that high in terms of salary or term for Boeser.

Unless they trade him, the Canucks are the only team that can offer him an eight-year deal, which, from my understanding, is not happening. It’s funny because Boeser’s name has been in trade rumours for so many years, yet nothing has come of it. If the team and his camp can’t reach an agreement on an extension before the trade deadline in March, those rumours will likely become a reality.

Remember when J.T. Miller dominated last season, imposing his will on every single game and being one of the Canucks’ best players in the playoffs? That feels like forever ago, doesn’t it? There’s been A LOT of noise surrounding him this season, and it’s noise that won’t go away now that we’ve officially entered the silly season in the NHL.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said on Hockey Night in Canada that he wouldn’t be surprised if J.T. Miller was moved, Elias Pettersson was moved, or both were moved. Between the two, it’s more likely Miller. Of course, there’s no guarantee anything will happen between now and the trade deadline, especially since Miller has a no-move clause (NMC).

If the Canucks approached Miller and his camp with a deal they liked, I don’t think there’d be much hesitation on his part. If you were at a job and your employer didn’t want you there anymore, wouldn’t you agree to leave? Teams have inquired about Miller, and teams have inquired about Pettersson. The Canucks value both players — and some others — highly. To make any deal work, you can bet Jim Rutherford and Patrik Allvin will get what they want in return.

Would the depth forwards of the Canucks please stand up? Pius Suter, Danton Heinen, Teddy Blueger, and even Connor Garland, to an extent, have been quiet lately. They all had strong starts to the season, but it’s been radio silence since. Dakota Joshua is another one. I know he’s hurt, so I’ll cut him some slack, especially as he’s also recovering from testicular cancer. But when he’s been in the lineup, he’s been quiet.

A lot of the Canucks’ success depends on contributions from players outside the top guys. Right now, the only top guy producing is their captain, and he badly needs help — anywhere.

I recently sat down with both Mike and Spencer Gillis for episode four of Down to Irf, and the conversation did not disappoint. Mike, as always, had plenty to say about several topics. If you didn’t know, a big part of the show revolves around conversations about mental health and mental health in sports.

Mike shared his experiences overseeing the Canucks when Rick Rypien tragically ended his life. He mentioned that there weren’t enough resources available back then to help, and even now, we’re only scratching the surface when it comes to addressing mental health in hockey.

As for Spencer, it was my first time meeting him, and let me tell you—it was an absolute pleasure. He has a sharp mind like his dad, cares deeply about his work, and is committed to doing right by all his clients. Spencer represents 25 women in the PWHL, and I can only see that number growing. He’s passionate about what he does, he’s great at it, and most importantly, he believes in it.

The next episode features former Canucks head coach Travis Green, and the conversation is just as insightful as every other one I’ve had this season.