4 top contenders identified in Bo Horvat trade talks with biding war looming!

The trade rumour mill is still going in Vancouver. Especially when it comes to captain Bo Horvat, who’s been recently linked to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Horvat is a pending unrestricted free agent at the end of this season and he has been playing his way into a significant raise over his current $5.5 million cap hit. On Tuesday night, Pierre LeBrun explained how Dallas Stars, Roope Hintz’s eight-year, $67.6 million contract extension will have an impact on Horvat’s next deal. He does not hold a no-trade or no-mouvement clause, so he wouldn’t be able to stop a trade to Columbus.

However, there are new reports that Horvat could get a trade offer from other teams as insider Frank Seravalli hinted at four new top contenders for his services. Seravalli believes the Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers could come calling if the two-way center hits the trade block.

The Canucks would almost certainly receive multiple high picks and/or top prospects for Horvat. It is also obvious that Vancouver has significant roster needs, specifically on defense and could seek return to to build a younger, stronger backend for the foreseeable future.

Horvat is the best trade chip on hand in Vancouver with his17 goals through the Canucks’ first 23 games. He is on pace for more as he has scored more than 40 goals over his last 82 games.

With four contenders plus Columbus potentially in the mix, we could see a biding war for the Canucks’ captain. Stay tuned.