Controversial choice by Canucks put Bo Horvat trade in jeopardy

The Vancouver Canucks are dealing with serious suitors that are investigating more and more on the trade situation involving captain Bo Horvat. The Boston Bruins, along with the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche have been mentioned as serious contenders for Horvat, but other teams the Tampa Bay Lightning, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings and Seattle Kraken and New Jersey Devils aren’t being ruled out. The Kraken could even be trying to trade for him and get him signed to a long-term deal.

However, the Canucks are making the controversial decision in the trade process, not allowing Horvat’s camp to discuss an extension with potential suitors. This makes no sense to insider Darren Dreger who revealed the information earlier on Wednesday on the Got Yer’ Back Podcast with Ryan Rishaug and Jason Strudwick.

This might be because the Canucks are hoping Horvat could accept their last offer for an extension to stay in Vancouver.

Horvat is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2022-23 season and hasn’t signed an extension with the Canucks. He is in the final season of a six-year, $33 million deal that carries a cap hit of $5.5 million and is set for a raise amidst a career-best season.

Canucks president Jim Rutherford recently admitted that the team’s contract offer to Horvat has been based on his previous success and not his current success.

“We, I believe, have taken our best shot, and the contract that we have on the table for Bo right now I think is a fair contract for what he’s done up until this year,” Rutherford said. “But it’s certainly under market value for what he’s done this year. So, we’re in a pickle here.

“He’s had a career year, a career run, and he’s looking for his money. He deserves it. I don’t blame him.”

If the contract stalemate does not come to an end close to the trade deadline, it would make sense for the Canucks to move Horvat. Vancouver is reportedly seeking “three players, including a top prospect.”

However, would it be best for them to allow a discussion on contract extension with suitors that might not just want a rental in this deal?

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Controversial choice by Canucks put Bo Horvat trade in jeopardy

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