Vancouver Canucks sniper Brock Boeser misses game for ‘personal reasons’

Vancouver Canucks right-winger Brock Boeser (6), right, celebrates his game-winning shootout goal against the Chicago Blackhawks with goaltender Kevin Lankinen (32) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser will miss the team’s game against the Capitals in Washington, D.C., on Sunday due to personal reasons.

Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin announced the news on the team’s social media channels Sunday morning, and did not give a timeline for Boeser’s return.

Jonathan Lekkerimaki drew into the lineup against the Capitals.

Boeser has three goals in five games for Vancouver this season and scored in the shootout to seal a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday.

The 28-year-old right-winger skirted free agency in July, re-signing with the Canucks on a new seven-year, US$50.75-million contract.

Picked 23rd overall by Vancouver in the 2015 draft, Boeser has played all 559 regular-season games of his NHL career for the Canucks, amassing 207 goals and 237 assists.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 19, 2025.

The Canadian Press