t’s sad to hear that the head coach of New York Islanders has signed a monster contract.
Less than a week after acquiring center Bo Horvat in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks, the New York Islanders have signed him to an eight-year contract.
Sunday, following their first practice after the all-star break, the team announced the contract. Horvat signed a contract worth $68 million US, with a salary cap of $8.5 million through the 2030–31 campaign.
Reporters were told by general manager Lou Lamoriello during a Long Island practice that Horvat’s contract was “too long and it’s too much money.”
In exchange for Horvat on Monday, the Islanders sent Anthony Beauvillier, prospect Aatu Raty, and a protected first-round pick to the Canucks. The trade came about because Vancouver and Horvat’s camp couldn’t come to an agreement last summer, and he was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.
Following the trade, Lamoriello and Horvat expressed confidence in closing a deal. For a second straight season, the 27-year-old has scored more than 30 goals.
Despite the trade, Horvat was selected as an all-star and participated in Saturday’s Pacific Division game. Before splitting up with longtime Canucks teammate Elias Pettersson, he played with him on one final goal.
“I’m eager to get started,” Horvat declared on Saturday following the all-star three-on-three competition. “That’s sufficient. Let’s start introducing ourselves to the guys and playing some games. All I want to do is pick up hockey again.”
Captain Bo Horvat of the Canucks is traded to the Islanders in a massive multi-player deal.
Player statistics: Bo Horvat Horvat was traded while spending time in Orlando on vacation with his family. He said that before starting with the Islanders, who play at the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday, coach Lane Lambert wanted him to take in the all-star festivities.
“Obviously getting my legs under me is going to be No. 1 and getting systems down and obviously chemistry with the new linemates and stuff like that,” Horvat stated.
Horvat will play against his old team on Thursday when Vancouver comes to UBS Arena, following games against the Flyers and Seattle.
