I remember a specific sports team I was on in my 20s. I was a top player on the team for a couple years, then just a key part of the group. A few years later, the "core" was still basically the same but we had some new players, including one that played my position but was simply better than the version of me I had become due to age, injuries, etc. Still considered everyone my friends.
Just to say, I do feel bad for Brock Boeser. It's a shitty position to be in. I'm sure he knows he isn't the guy he used to be more than anyone and it kills him.
But man, they can't play him on the PP1. Or in the top six. He's just not that guy anymore.
I think a fresh start would be great. A buyout and a short contract that pays him like 3 million a year would take the pressure off with the appropriate expectations for where he was as a player.