Canucks Rumors: Bo Horvat Trade Talk Heating Up

Are the Vancouver Canucks really going to trade their 27-year-old captain? Sounds like it's becoming a legitimate option as the trade chatter has picked up in a big way surrounding Bo Horvat.

Earlier on this season, Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos discussed a scenario where the Detroit Red Wings would walk away from Dylan Larkin if it means they can replace him with Horvat. A rumored move that certainly gained some attention through the early parts of this season.

Now, The Athletics' Pierre LeBrun has chimed in on the Horvat talks, and wrote this surprising piece this week:

Horvat doesn’t have no-trade protection, so it’s a clean process for the Canucks as far as being able to speak to any team. And they’ll have plenty interested, especially if they’re willing to eat some of his $5.5 million cap hit to maximize the return. It wouldn’t surprise me if there are even non-playoff teams with trade interest in Horvat, to get a jump start on July 1 and sign him to an extension

Horvat has been one of the only bright spots for the Canucks, potting 12 goals in the team's 14 games and he could certainly fetch a massive package that could have a lasting impact on the Canucks' future. For now, the Red Wings are a favorite and keep an eye on the Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders as trade talks pick up these next few weeks.

Photo credit: Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports