The New York Islanders have made a big move in securing their future by signing center Bo Horvat to an 8-year contract worth $8.5 million per year. The Islanders acquired Horvat in exchange for Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty, a conditional first-round pick in 2023, and the Canucks retained 25% of his salary for the rest of the season. This trade showed the Islanders’ commitment to building a strong team to try and win now and their trust in Horvat’s abilities as a player and to fit into the team in Long Island.
With 621 games played in his career, Horvat has already scored 201 goals and assisted on 219, resulting in a total of 420 points. This season alone, he has 54 points in just 49 games, showing his skill and consistency on the ice while playing in a franchise that has been a complete mess this season. Horvat was drafted by the Canucks in the first round of the 2013 draft and has been a crucial player for them ever since.
Bo Horvat’s signing with the Islanders is a major step forward for the team. With his exceptional skills and strong track record, he will undoubtedly bring a new level of energy and competitiveness to the Islanders’ roster. The Islanders’ fans can look forward to many exciting games to come with Horvat as a part of their team. The Islanders have struggled heavily on the powerplay and scoring in general this season, so the team and fans certainly hope Bo will bring a boost to their goalscoring. The Islanders currently sit LAST in the NHL for Powerplay % with 15.5%.
The Islanders have locked up their one – two punch down the middle, having Barzal locked up till he is 34 and Bo Horvat now locked up until he is 35.
Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello did an interview after the signing, and had something pretty funny to say…
The Islanders currently sit 2 spots and 2 points out of a wild card spot in the Eastern conference with 30 games to go. Will this move help the Islanders get into the playoffs this season?
