Lovable Raptors vet might've played final game in Toronto without fans realizing it

The ongoing saga of Chris Boucher with the Toronto Raptors has been nothing short of confusing over the months following the trade deadline.

Raptors fans will remember that, along with the unexpected resurgence of veteran Jakob Poeltl, one of the bright spots in the disappointing start to the 2024-25 season was the unwavering dedication of Chris Boucher.

The 32-year-old championship squad member remained a consummate professional, even as an older presence thrust into a sea of fresh faces and young guns eager to take over. However, the need for a spark plug like Boucher would prove crucial for the Raptors during some dire times.

As the 2025 trade deadline approached, the rumor mill stirred with unmistakable signals that the beloved veteran was nearing the end of his time in the Six. His farewell tour felt like a fitting conclusion to his tenure, especially considering the many memorable moments he’d delivered both at home and on the road.

So, when the Raptors chose to keep him past the deadline, it seemed like fans were in for another dose of what I dubbed the Boucher Barrage. However, that assumption would quickly be shut down shortly thereafter.

Chris Boucher's journey with the Raptors likely ends on an anticlimactic note

Boucher’s last game as a Raptor was on February 26, and he’s been missing in action ever since, sitting on the sidelines for nearly two months. His absence came as a surprise to many fans, who didn’t think he had a serious injury or any other issue keeping him out. Whenever head coach Darko Rajakovic was asked about it, he pointed to the team's focus on developing younger talent, which meant Boucher had to take a back seat in the process.

Last night, during the Raptors' final home game of the season at Scotiabank Arena, Rajakovic was asked once again about Boucher's status. This time, he had a different and largely unacceptable response, as reported by CityNews' basketball reporter, Lindsay Dunn:

The head coach’s explanation for Boucher’s DNP in the Hornets game didn’t go over well with a lot of Raptors Nation on social media. Many felt that the decision didn’t truly reflect the hard work and dedication the veteran has shown during his years with the franchise. Libaan Osman, a basketball reporter for The Toronto Star, commented on this on X:

I've always thought Boucher was a bit of an odd fit on the team during the Rajakovic era. He often seemed to be in Darko's "doghouse," but I was genuinely surprised to see him play such a significant role at the start of the year.

However, it didn't take long for Boucher to be sidelined again in favor of the team's younger players. What baffles me—and I'm sure many other fans feel the same way—is why not just trade him at the deadline or cut him completely if that rumored interest faded? Since Boucher is on an expiring deal, this situation is not a healthy development to suggest that a contract extension is on the horizon.

Boucher weighed in on the whole situation in a pre-game interview on April 10 with The Toronto Sun, where Ryan Wolstat mentioned it in his article:

"I think I was pretty much efficient and willing to bring wins and my all to the team. So we’re pretty happy about that. I think, I’ve adjusted to everything that was thrown at me and played the cards that I’ve been dealt. At this point now we’re just hoping for to be able to play more years and obviously I think the best thing I can do now is get better at the little things"

Chris Boucher, The Toronto Sun

Boucher has always been a solid chemistry guy, and most of his frustration comes from not being part of the on-court action—I totally understand that. It’s really disappointing that if this situation causes Boucher's time with the Raptors to end on a bad note, fans might miss out on a proper goodbye for one of the team's most influential bench players in history.