Bo Horvat’s name is back in the rumor mill, but this time, it’s not just another trade whisper. New York Islanders fans and Vancouver Canucks supporters are left wondering: Could Horvat be heading back to Vancouver, or is this just the latest twist in a long offseason saga? The answer could shake up both locker rooms, and Horvat himself is making sure everyone knows where he stands.
Why Is Bo Horvat Linked to a Vancouver Canucks Reunion?
The Canucks have been at the center of trade buzz, especially with recent talk surrounding Quinn Hughes. Now, another familiar name has surfaced. Some sources have speculated about Horvat possibly leaving the Islanders for a return to Vancouver. It’s a wild idea, considering Horvat is the Islanders’ top player at the moment. Amid all the chatter, the forward took it upon himself to set the record straight on the rumor.
Looking at the Islanders, things haven’t exactly gone their way in recent campaigns. They missed the playoffs in the most recent season, and only a handful of players stood out. Horvat was right at the top, posting 57 points with 28 goals and 29 assists. That led the Islanders in both points and assists, and put him just behind Anders Lee in the assists category.
So when rumors about the Canucks showing interest in Horvat started circulating, critics were caught off guard. The Canucks have been searching for forwards to give their front line a boost, sparking more conversation about bringing back their former captain. But the center doesn’t seem interested.
Top Islanders Star Tells Asst. GM, “You Better Not Trade Me” https://t.co/PIfF3QLqHN via @nhl_tradetalk
— NHL Trade Talk (@nhl_tradetalk) July 29, 2025
Recently on ‘The Cam And Strick Podcast,’ Horvat confirmed that he already told new Islanders assistant GM Matt Martin how he feels. He texted Martin, “You better not trade me.” Horvat made it clear he wants to stay put.
This, however, in itself, is a surprising move since Horvat played for the Canucks for eight seasons straight before moving to New York midway through the 2022-23 season. Since then, he has been an integral part of the Islanders.
Over two seasons, Horvat tallied 68 points and 57 points, respectively, with the first being his best season yet. These numbers show his value, and his desire to stick with the Islanders is obvious. Still, his contract situation makes the idea of a trade even more complicated.
What Makes Bo Horvat’s Contract So Tough for the Canucks?
Horvat is about to start the third year of an eight-year, $68 million deal. The first four years come with a no-move clause, meaning neither assistant GM Martin nor GM Mathieu Darche can send him elsewhere right now.
When the no-move clause ends in 2027, Horvat will have a partial clause allowing him to veto trades to 16 teams. If the Canucks are seriously considering a reunion, that setup makes things a lot harder.
On top of that, Horvat carries an $8.5 million cap hit, while the Canucks have only $3.27 million in cap space. So even with Elias Pettersson hoping for a reunion, it’s hard to see how Vancouver could pull it off right now.
