Canadiens pursue significant trade for Islanders’ Bo Horvat
The Montreal Canadiens are perpetually on the lookout for impactful moves, and general manager Kent Hughes has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with a relatively quiet NHL summer. Despite this, Hughes managed to make headlines by acquiring star defenseman Noah Dobson and promising forward Zack Bolduc. However, one crucial item remains on the Canadiens’ agenda: securing a second-line center.
Continued pursuit for a center
Despite their efforts, the Canadiens have yet to finalize a deal, but their pursuit shows no signs of slowing down. According to Dave Benson of Heavy Sports, Montreal is rumored to be considering a significant trade proposal for New York Islanders’ star center Bo Horvat, potentially centered around forward Kirby Dach.
In his proposed trade, the Canadiens would receive Horvat, while the Islanders would acquire Dach, Joe Veleno, a forward prospect—either Joshua Roy, Owen Beck, or Oliver Kapanen—and a second-round pick in the 2026 draft.
Impact on the Canadiens’ lineup
For Montreal, securing Horvat would resolve the ongoing discussion regarding who will fill the critical second-line center role. The 30-year-old center has been a steady producer and a respected team leader throughout his 12-plus-year career. His addition would strategically place him behind Nick Suzuki on the Canadiens’ depth chart, enhancing the team’s offensive capabilities.
Benson emphasized the significance of this move, stating, “For the Canadiens, it finally puts to rest the deafening discussion about who will center their No. 2 line.”
Islanders’ rebuilding strategy
On the flip side, this trade would mark a decisive step in new general manager Mathieu Darche’s rebuilding strategy for the Islanders. Darche, who took over the reins in May following the departure of Lou Lamoriello, has already set the stage for a transformation within the franchise. With a stroke of lottery luck that secured Matthew Schaefer as the first overall pick and the trade of Dobson that netted two additional first-round selections, Darche is poised to reshape the team’s future.
Benson noted that the proposed trade “would give New York another big push in its new direction,” solidifying the Islanders’ commitment to a long-term rebuild.
Contract considerations
Horvat is currently under contract for six more years on an eight-year, $68 million deal he signed after his trade from Vancouver in 2023. In contrast, Dach is entering the final season of his four-year, $13.45 million extension with the Canadiens, making this potential trade pivotal for both franchises.
Future outlook for the Islanders
While the speculation surrounding Horvat’s potential move has intensified, it appears unlikely he will be traded in the immediate future. The Islanders have bolstered their prospect pool over the past year, but the status of their veteran players, including Horvat and Mat Barzal, remains uncertain. Rumors of trades involving top veterans have been quickly dismissed, but if the Islanders find themselves struggling next season, the trade landscape could change dramatically.
As teams vie for Horvat’s services, the Canadiens are expected to be frontrunners in the race, eager to solidify their lineup and enhance their competitive edge as the NHL season approaches.
