Horvat extension could get done, but does either side want to do it?
They have agreed to disagree.
Does that mean the negotiation door for a Bo Horvat contract extension has been slammed shut for good by both parties? On the surface, a contract rejection three weeks ago would certainly suggest that's the conclusion. And there's plenty of proof.
The pursuit of a trade is now an obvious Vancouver Canucks hockey operations department priority to create needed salary cap space. And the frustration level for Horvat of being constantly immersed in the Vancouver fishbowl of speculation regarding his playing future suggests a change of scenery would be welcomed.
Horvat, 27, has a preference to be regarded as a franchise staple, and the hockey operations department has a commitment to ease its considerable cap crunch, but finances and foresight have crippled a solution.
The return on a Horvat trade would be significant. You sell high and 20 goals through 28 games ranked fifth overall in the NHL. His dominance in the circle includes taking the most draws, rated second in power play draws, third short-handed and an overall efficiency of 57.7 per cent.
Horvat's effectiveness with a team-high eight power play goals and three game-winners are going to attract several suitors. And replacing him is more complicated than just shifting J.T. Miller back to the middle because he thrives more on the wing.
Top teams have a one-two punch down the middle, a combination of veteran savvy and youthful skill and effectiveness. The upstart New Jersey Devils have Nico Hischier and Jack Hughes. The Toronto Maple Leafs have Auston Matthews and John Tavares.
Which brings us back to the Canucks.
There is math that adds up to a Horvat extension solution, but is there really an appetite to see it through?
“They actually don't need that much extra space to sign all of their guys,” said a well-connected NHL industry insider.
He reasoned that a Horvat leap from US$5.5 million to a market value of $8 million isn't as daunting as it appears — if there's a willingness to make other moves.
Miller's extension kicks in next season and that requires an additional $2.75 million. If you add the $2.5-million increase for a Horvat deal, and give pending unrestricted free agent Andrei Kuzmenko a $2-million bump, it adds up to $7.25 million.
However, the Canucks get $2.4 million back in dead money from Braden Holtby and Jake Virtanen, and the salary cap ceiling is expected to increase by at least $1 million next season. The bottom line is the club has to find $3.74 million to retain Horvat and address other roster priorities.
“They don't have confidence that they could move that little?” asked the NHL insider.
He believes Conor Garland or Ilya Mikheyev could easily be moved. Another option is to get creative with Brock Boeser, Tyler Myers and Tanner Pearson to clear cap space and acquire draft picks.
Then again, there's an overriding sense the math may make sense, but it's being trumped by a decision to move on from Horvat.
“I'm actually not sure they want Bo,” admitted the insider.
The irony of all this is that the Canucks are actually appreciative of Horvat. President of hockey operations Jim Rutherford said as much when the club was on its long eastern road trip last month.
“Bo has been very good, and to his credit, he's got to have in the back of his mind what his future is,” said Rutherford. “He has played through that.”
How this all plays out could be determined at the March 3 trade deadline. Horvat could help put a contender get over the top or help a rebuilding team now with a considerable upside.
The unknown can drive anybody crazy and for Horvat to issue a statement Tuesday that he'll no longer discuss his uncertain future wasn't surprising. He doesn't want to be a distraction.
Quinn Hughes doesn't have to be told of Horvat's worth as a player and a person.
“You're preaching to the choir,” said Hughes. “They should pay him.”