The New York Islanders have executed a blockbuster trade with the Vancouver Canucks for Bo Horvat, with a conditional first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, Aatu Raty, and Anthony Beauvillier sent to the British Columbia franchise in return.
Horvat, who is in the final season of a six-year $33 million contract, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer but is open to signing a contract extension in New York.
“This kind of all happened so fast, so no talk on that, yet,” the 27-year-old said. “We’ll see if we can get something done, but I’ll leave that to [agent] Pat [Morris] and everybody to handle that.”
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello added: “I think it’s important to do it as soon as possible and we’ll work at it and do the best we can. We’ll do everything we can to get it done.”
Horvat has 54 points (31 goals, 23 assists) in 49 appearances this season and is on course to earn a significant pay rise this offseason.
The former ninth-overall pick has 420 points (201 goals, 219 assists) in 621 regular season appearances, with an additional 16 points (11 goals, five assists) in 23 playoff games.
Beauvillier, a middle-six forward, has 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in 49 appearances this season, which represents a small drop from his peak.
Raty, who was selected in the second-round of the 2021 NHL Draft, has two goals in 12 appearances as a rookie this season. The Finn will report to the AHL’s Abbotsford Canucks.
Vancouver will retain 25 percent of Horvat’s contract and will receive New York’s 2024 NHL Draft pick if the Islanders’ are due to select in the top 12 this summer.
Analysis: Blockbuster Bo Horvat Trade Raises More Questions Than Answers
Bo Horvat’s blockbuster trade from the Vancouver Canucks to New York Islanders has blown the NHL’s trade deadline operations open.
The Canadian was the top player on offer to buyers, but this is far from a slam dunk for New York.
The Islanders are currently sixth in the Metropolitan Division, two points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins for the second wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference, and face an uphill battle to make the playoffs.
“In my opinion, he makes us a better team and gives us a better opportunity to get what we want to do,” Lamoriello said. “I’ve always believed that during a year you find out whether you have a chance to get in the playoffs, that’s your first goal, and then once you get in the playoffs, anything can happen. We’ve seen that year in and year out. I believe he improves us to give us that opportunity to get in the playoffs and then we’ll go one step at a time.”
The Islanders have taken two risks with this transaction.
They could miss the playoffs, handing Vancouver a valuable draft pick, and Horvat could walk in the summer.
If either of those scenarios play out, it would be a disaster for Lamoriello.
But it is a risk is he is willing to take.
Vancouver, meanwhile, have made a sensible bet. Everyone knew that Horvat was on the block, reducing his trade value already impacted by his pending unrestricted free agency.
“You can look at it that we got three first-rounders back here,” Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said. “I think it was important for us to get a first-round pick back, we got a young prospect in Aatu Raty, and we’re getting a 25-year-old young player in Anthony Beauvillier back here that has been playing pretty consistent for the New York Islanders over the last couple of years.
“I’ve seen him a lot in my previous organization in the playoffs. I like the details he plays with, his tenacity, his puck hunting. I think he will fit in well here in our top-six group on the left side.”
Will Horvat extend in New York?
Will the Islanders make the playoffs?
Will the Canucks make the most of their haul?
Was anyone fleeced?
The Horvat trade raises more questions than answers, all of which will be answered in the months ahead.
Welcome to trade season in the NHL.
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