"Then-GM Lou Lamoriello launched a pre-emptive assault on the trade deadline by landing Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks. Horvat, who was the Canucks captain at the time, was heading toward free agency. So, Vancouver had to make a move. It was either re-sign him or send him elsewhere. The Canucks didn't seem confident in keeping Horvat. Consequently, the Canucks moved Horvat. Lamoriello had the pieces to make the trade work. Plus, he had the cap space and a contract waiting for Horvat in Long Island."
"The initial reaction was that Lamoriello had overpaid for Horvat. The 27-year-old at the time has scored 31 goals in 49 games in Vancouver. But then, managed just seven goals in 30 games. The backlash mounted. However, Horvat has been money in the bank since then. He scored 33 goals in 81 games in 2023-24, and 28 last season, amid a dreadful campaign. This season, Horvat is on pace for a career season. He's notched 14 goals in 23 games."
The Islanders acquired Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks on January 30, 2023, in a deal that sent Anthony Beauvillier, prospect Aatu Raty and a first-round pick to Vancouver. Horvat was approaching free agency, prompting the Canucks to move him. Initial reactions labeled the trade an overpayment after Horvat's goal pace dipped following the move. Horvat rebounded with 33 goals in 2023-24 and 28 the following season, and he is on pace for a career year now. Beauvillier provided modest production in Vancouver and was later flipped for a conditional fifth-round pick that ultimately did not materialize.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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