Blockbuster: Canucks Trade Bo Horvat to NY Islanders

We have our first blockbuster trade of the 2022-23 season. The Vancouver Canucks have traded Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders in exchange for top prospect Aatu Raty, forward Anthony Beauvillier, and New York's 2023 first-round pick.

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin announced today that the team has acquired F Anthony Beauvillier, C Aatu Raty, and a protected 2023 1st round draft pick from the New York Islanders in exchange for C Bo Horvat.
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 30, 2023

It had been established that the Canucks were going to trade Horvat. However, one could argue that it is a little surprising to see that it has happened a month before the trade deadline. Yet, the struggling Islanders have now landed a star forward as they aim to climb in the standings. He will provide them with some much-needed scoring, as he has an impressive 31 goals to go along with 54 points in 49 games played.

The Canucks have gotten a solid return for their former captain and pending UFA. Raty is viewed as having top-six potential and could be a big part of their core if he becomes the player that many believe he is capable of. Meanwhile, Beauvilier will provide them with a middle-six forward and is under contract until the end of next season. With that, the first-round pick they have landed is Top-12 protected.

Nevertheless, Horvat is an Islander. We will need to wait and see if this is the move that helps New York become legitimate contenders again.