The Vancouver Canucks refused to trade their captain at any cost. They found takers with the New York Islanders.
The Islanders got the 27-year-old forward in return for Quebec’s Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty and a first-round pick in the next draft. “These songs are going to be an integral part of our development and our future,” assured Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin.
PHOTO PERRY NELSON, USA TODAY SPORTS ARCHIVE
Anthony Beauvillier
Several rumors surrounded Horvat for a few weeks. The ninth pick in the 2013 draft has 54 points in 49 games since the start of the season. “It’s not easy to trade our captain,” said the general manager. Horvat will become a free agent this summer if he doesn’t agree with the Islanders by then.
If his production has been down in recent years, the Canadian has recovered since 2021. Last year, he reached a personal high of 31 goals. This season, he has already equaled that mark. He’s on track to have the best season of his career statistically, averaging more than one point per game.
“He’s been a great leader and ambassador for our team,” Allvin added.
A fresh start for Beauvillier
For his part, Beauvillier is having a season like his first six in the NHL. The 25-year-old has scored nine goals and 20 points in 49 games since the start of the campaign.
The former 2015 first-round pick has 209 points in 457 professional games.
His teammate Aatu Raty is a 20-year-old prospect who has shuttled between the National League and the American League in recent months. He had two points in 12 games in the big league.
When he was drafted in the second round by the Islanders in 2021, the Finn represented a good hope for the New York organization after a promising and formative stint in the Finnish Elite League.