NHL Rumors: Canucks Want Certain Return in Horvat Trade

The Vancouver Canucks have a plan in place and they are going to do whatever it takes to execute it. The Canucks are likely going to start by trading captain Bo Horvat, as the pending unrestricted free agent has not been able to come to terms on a new contract extension and appears to be on his way out of town.

The Canucks, according to Darren Dreger of TSN, are looking for a young centerman and a young right-handed defenseman in return for Horvat. Not only does the team want to re-tool on the fly with younger options, they want to gain some salary cap flexibility in the process.

Both Horvat and forward Brock Boeser are expected to be moved before the March 3 trade deadline and as Dreger mentioned earlier this week, don't expect these deals to come down to the wire. If Canucks management is presented with a deal they see fit, they'll move long before the trade deadline and kick start the process.

So far, Horvat has been linked to the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs and Washington Capitals. All three teams have interest and have kicked tires, meanwhile many across the industry see the Avalanche as the heavy favorites who will have the most interest.

"I was proud of the way we played tonight. It's a tough building to come into...overall good game, Marty was fantastic."

🗣️ Bo Horvat@theprovince | #Canucks pic.twitter.com/0cYu5TGVJ5
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) December 15, 2022