It was just a matter of time until the Canucks traded their captain. With the team’s salary situation and the two sides not being able to agree on an extension for Horvat, the Canucks had to turn their attention to finding a suitable trade partner. There were a handful of teams in the running, but it was ultimately the New York Islanders who ended up the partner.
Horvat was originally selected in 2013 in the first round, ninth overall and is a two-time NHL All-Star who appeared in the event in 2017 and will appear again in it this year. So far this season, Horvat has piled up 54 points in 49 games played with 31 goals and 23 assists. Overall in his career so far he has 420 points in 621 games played with 201 goals and 219 goals. The addition of Horvat is an interesting one for the Islanders who sit in 10th place in the NHL’s Eastern Conference with a record of 25-22-5 for a total of 55 points in 52 games. Whether Horvat will turn the Islanders into a solid contender remains to be seen. At the least, Horvat will give the Islanders a bigger veteran presence and a solidified goal scorer.
The return for Horvat was quite hefty with the Islanders sending Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty and a protected 2023 first round pick.
Beauvillier was drafted in 2015 in the first round 28th overall. He currently has 20 points in 49 games played with nine goals and eight assists. Overall in his career, he has 209 points in 457 games played with 102 goals and 107 assists.
Raty has two goals for two points in 12 games this season. He was selected in 2021, the 20th pick in the second round, 52nd overall. A player with untapped potential is something the Canucks are eager for with their pursuit of new young blood on the ice.
Northwest Sports Desk 