Brock Boeser is back.
After missing seven games with a concussion after taking a hit to the head from Los Angeles Kings forward Tanner Jeannot, Boeser will be back in the lineup for the Vancouver Canucks as they face the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.
"He'll play tonight," said Tocchet. "He came to me yesterday and he wants to play. In these situations, when you're medically cleared, then it's the player's decision, I always think. A guy like Brock, he wants to play every game."
Boeser took his first full practice with contact on Monday and suffered no ill effects, clearing him to get back in the lineup. That's a big addition for a Canucks team that is already missing two other stars in J.T. Miller and Thatcher Demko.
Tocchet made the point after Monday's practice that Boeser is more than just a scorer — "You're also adding a system guy" — and should help the team continue to find their identity after a rollercoaster start to the season. But Tocchet said Tuesday that they're certainly hoping Boeser can score as well, especially as they face a Bruins team that has allowed just one goal against in their last two games.
"When you can add a guy like Brock Boeser, who doesn't need a lot of chances to score, it helps when you're playing a team that plays tight defensively," said Tocchet.
Before getting injured, Boeser was off to a hot start to the season, scoring 6 goals and 11 points in 11 games. The hope is that he can pick up right where he left off, though he had to admit there could be a ramping-up period.
"It's always hard to mimic game shape," said Boeser. "They've bagged me a few times and pushed me really hard on the ice, so I've been working hard and I've been feeling better and better out there. It's just really hard to judge until you step into that first game. You've just got to make sure you keep short shifts and control it that way."
Beyond what Boeser can bring individually, his return should also provide a psychological boost to his teammates.
"Brock's one of our best players and makes a ton of plays," said Conor Garland. "He can score from everywhere. It's a huge add for us and a huge add for our room."
"He's just a calming presence," he added. "He's someone to talk to in the room...We're excited to get him back on the ice."
