NHL Rumors: Bo Horvat extension with Isles, Brock Boeser buzz, and Gustav Nyquist injury
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors takes a look at what’s next between Bo Horvat and the New York Islanders after the surprising trade earlier this week.
In addition, we’ll check in on the Vancouver Canucks and Brock Boeser. Plus how does Gustav Nyquist’s injury impact his trade value.
NHL Rumors: Bo Horvat extension
The New York Islanders shook things up early by acquiring Canucks captain Bo Horvat well in advance of the March 3rd Trade Deadline.
Horvat, 27, is a big-time goal scorer with 31 on the season. He’s also amassed 54 points in 49 games and will wear the Number 14 with the Isles.
Of course, after giving up Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty, and a top-12 protected first-round draft pick in 2023 the Islanders want to extend the pending UFA. The good news for them is he’s open to it.
“This kind of all happened so fast, so no talk on that, yet,” Horvat said. “We’ll see if we can get something done, but I’ll leave that to (agent) Pat [Morris] and everybody to handle that.”
NHL.com
Islanders’ GM Lou Lamoriello was critical of himself regarding the build of the team this season before going out and getting Horvat. He’s also eager to get an extension done sooner rather than later.
Back in December, Horvat rejected a Canucks’ offer in the $8 million per season range. One would anticipate that the Isles will need to go to $8.5 and max term to get this done.
On a recent TSN Insider Trading, Pierre LeBrun said: “The bottom line here is that Lou Lamoriello after making that trade apparently told Horvat, ‘I didn’t make this trade just to get a rental player out of you, he wants to sign Bo Horvat and I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets it done.”
NHL Rumors: Brock Boeser
The Canucks are far from done when it comes to trades this season. Another key player everyone is looking at is Brock Boeser with TSN’s Darren Dreger providing the latest update.
“They still have a tremendous amount of interest in Brock Boeser as an example,” Dreger said. “But clubs need to know whether or not the Canucks are willing to retain salary because he has term remaining on his deal.”
Boeser, 25, has 30 points in 41 games this season with 2 years remaining on his contract ($6.65M AAV).
Vancouver is open to moving him and retain salary if the deal is right.
NHL Rumors: Gustav Nyquist
The Columbus Blue Jackets announced on Wednesday that forward Gustav Nyquist is expected to miss the rest of the regular season due to a shoulder injury that doesn’t require surgery.
Nyquist, 33, has 22 points in 48 games this season and will be a pending UFA.
Prior to the injury, he was considered a trade chip for the Jackets and may yet be. Teams that are willing to take a chance on his return in time for the playoffs could be willing to move a conditional pick to acquire him.