The New York Islanders have extended center Bo Horvat’s contract for eight seasons, less than a week after he was acquired in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks.
The team announced the contract extension on Sunday, after their first practice following the All-Star Weekend break. Horvat’s new deal is worth US$68 million and will earn him an average of $8.5 million a year through the end of the 2030-31 season.
General manager Lou Lamoriello joked to reporters at training that Horvat’s contract was “too long and for too much money”.
In exchange for Horvat, the Islanders on Monday gave forward Anthony Beauvillier, prospect Aatu Raty and a protected first-round pick to the Canucks.
Horvat was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, the trade being the result of the Canucks and his side failing to agree on a new contract last summer.
Lamoriello and Horvat said they were confident of reaching an agreement after the trade. The 27-year-old striker scored over 30 goals for the second season in a row.
Horvat was selected for the All-Star Game and represented the Pacific Division despite the trade. He played the game with longtime Canucks teammate Elias Pettersson. They scored one last goal together, for one last time.
“I want to get into it,” Horvat said Saturday after the All-Star Game. That’s enough. It’s time to play some matches and get to know the guys. I just want to start playing again. »
Horvat was vacationing with his family in Orlando when he was traded. He said Islanders head coach Lane Lambert wanted him to enjoy the All-Star Weekend festivities before starting with his new roster, which faces the Flyers in Philadelphia on Monday.
“Obviously getting back into my rhythm will be my priority, as well as familiarizing myself with the game system and the teammates,” said Horvat.
After facing the Flyers and the Seattle Kraken, Horvat will play against his old team when the Canucks are in New York on Thursday.