(Vancouver) Elias Pettersson had a small request for Vancouver Canucks fans ahead of the return of former captain Bo Horvat to Rogers Arena on Wednesday.
“I hope they don’t boo him,” the Swedish forward said after his team’s practice on the University of British Columbia ice rink on Tuesday.
“He has always been a good teammate. It’s a shame he doesn’t play with us anymore. »
The Canucks (11-3-1) traded Horvat to the New York Islanders for Anthony Beauvillier and Aatu Raty, plus a protected first-round pick in 2023. That selection was then sent to the Reds Detroit Wings for defenseman Filip Hronek.
When he left, the center was having his best career season with the Canucks with 31 goals and 54 points in 49 games.
JT Miller, who has taken his game up a notch since Horvat’s departure, said he and his teammates are grateful for what the former color wearer brought to the Canucks.
“He was an excellent teammate, he is a great friend and a very good person,” he said. At the end of the day, regardless of the reception from the fans, we know in the locker room what kind of person he is. »
“It will be good to see him on the ice. »
The Islanders (5-6-3) are second in the Metropolitan Division and have lost five straight games after losing 4-1 on Monday to the Edmonton Oilers.
Horvat has 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 13 games this season.
“I’ll be a little nervous and excited, there’ll be so many emotions going through my mind,” Horvat said. I like to think I’ve done a lot of good, not just in the organization, but also in the community. »
The Canucks have lost just twice in their last 10 games and are second in the West.
When they lost to the New York Rangers in October, the Canucks responded with a 5-2 win over the Nashville Predators in the next game.
They did the same thing after a 5-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs, defeating the Montreal Canadiens 5-2 in their next outing on Sunday.
New captain Quinn Hughes already has five goals and 23 points this season in 15 games.
He believes that this desire to bounce back is present throughout the team.
“We’ve matured and we know better what makes us successful,” Hughes said. We have several guys who have difficulty digesting defeat. »