The Vancouver Canucks have an anchor around their necks. The team has lost eight of ten, appear to be on the brink of a coaching change, and seems to be ready to move on from captain Bo Horvat. President Jim Rutherford recently explained that the team’s best offer didn’t line up with Horvat’s performance this season, suggesting an extension wasn’t going to be possible.
One other notable thing about Rutherford is that he often likes to make his big midseason moves well ahead of the trade deadline. He’s often been the first to act in an arms race, and now the spotlight is on him as a seller. On the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet discussed which teams he has heard most connected to Horvat:
I think Seattle’s in it. I think Minnesota’s been around it, but can only do him as a rental. I think Boston’s been around it, but it is not easy for them to do.
The Carolina Hurricanes have also been linked to the Horvat sweepstakes, especially since Max Pacioretty’s injury last night. Friedman noted several times that the Hurricanes “don’t do rentals,” suggesting that a deal like that would need to come with an extension.
That is perhaps the most interesting part of the Horvat situation. Sometimes, players on expiring contracts are looking forward to testing the full open market. It doesn’t matter where they are or where they end up, the process of free agency is something they want to experience. From the outside, that doesn’t seem to be the case with Horvat’s negotiations in Vancouver. From all reports, he has been working in good faith with the desire to stay long-term with the Canucks – the two sides just can’t find a common ground.
If he is dealt, especially if it is soon, an acquiring team would have a little while to convince him to stay. Friedman reports that as of the podcast taping (Thursday night), no teams have been given permission to talk with Horvat’s representatives on an extension.
There are probably a dozen teams in the league that could use the 27-year-old for a serious playoff run, especially as he works his way through a career year. Already to 30 goals, his assists have also recently started to rack up, giving Horvat 49 points in 44 games. Positional versatility, goal scoring, leadership – all things that teams value greatly this time of year (anytime, really). A Horvat move could legitimately change the makeup of a team’s top-six for years to come, or offer a difference-making third-line pivot for a Stanley Cup run.
Seattle makes no sense unless they overpay. Vancouver is not trading their captain and best player to their division rival. Boston makes sense Vancouver is willing to take on Reilly and Smith in the deal but they’ll have to give up a 1st, Lysell + in the deal. They’ll also have to find someone to take Charlie Coyle over the summer. Definitely worth it on their part though if they can win a cup which looks very realistic for them right now.
Regarding Horvat, while he doesn’t have official trade protection, his impending UFA status is unofficial trade protection. A trade partner would need assurance from Bo that he would sign for a term that works for them. Cap-strapped teams that are contenders might not want to potentially blow up their chemistry to bring him in, as they might very well be in a $-in, $-out situation. I believe they would be missing out on a guy who really is driven to “lead by example.” They don’t grow on trees.
they need assurance lmao no one ever rents a player at the deadline, and vancouvers willing to trade early so more service time..
My question to those who watch Horvat play alot: Is he a reliable 30 goal scorer or just someone having a good season?
In 9 seasons he has done it twice…
Carolina Hurricanes: “We don’t do rentals”.
Max Domi: “Hold my beer”.
I’ve read a couple reports that Steve Yzerman is ready to shake up the Red Wings roster and is interested in swapping out Larkin for Horvat. As much as I like Larkin it might be cheaper to keep Horvat as Larkin is looking at $9 million+ a year.
So is Horvat.
If Yzerman is looking to obtain Hovart I believe he can do it without giving up Larkin, as he has the assets (A combination of…Raymond, Vrana,Bertuzzi, Edvinsson, Walman, Berggren) to do so, but is he willing to part with them? If the Wings can get Hovart would also believe Larkin would be willing to take a home town discount in order to play with him. Makes for an interesting scenario
Raymond and Edvinsson are near locks to be untouchable. I could see Bertuzzi and the rest as a package. Berggren is going to be really good in a couple years. He’s only 19 and putting up decent stats while getting the opportunity.
Horvat as a rental to a playoff team but not as a long term piece. That long term contract will become a regretful decision.