Bo Horvat Rejects Canucks' Best Offer Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk0ODExMzAxOTAwMzMwMTQ2/usatsi_19686577.jpg] Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, with 26 goals in 35 games to sit among the league's top-five goal scorers. However, the 27-year-old center's contract status continues to draw questions over his future in Vancouver. Reports emerged [https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-canucks-could-peddle-bo-horvat-by-the-trade-deadline] over two weeks ago that the Canucks were focused on the trade market after Horvat rejected their latest offer. They're said to be unwilling to pay him more than the $56 million [https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-latest-on-the-vancouver-canucks-before-roster-freeze] they invested in J.T. Miller, but his scoring exploits are pushing his market value much higher than that. It's believed the Canucks prefer a return for Horvat that brings them immediate help at center and on the blueline rather than draft picks and prospects. The Athletic's Thomas Drance and Rick Dhaliwal [https://theathletic.com/4041389/2022/12/28/vancouver-canucks-horvat-pettersson-boudreau/] haven't fully closed the door on the two sides agreeing to a new contract but felt that management would “strongly consider” moving him if the right offer comes along before March 3. The Athletic's Joshua Kloke and Harman Dayal [https://theathletic.com/4020952/2022/12/22/bo-horvat-trade-maple-leafs/] looked at whether the Toronto Maple Leafs could pull it off but felt they lacked sufficient assets to pry Horvat out of Vancouver. Vegas Hockey Now's Owen Krepps [https://www.vegashockeynow.com/2022/12/16/vegas-golden-knights-trade-rumors-bo-horvat-nhl-trade-deadline-2023] reached the same conclusion regarding the Golden Knights. Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon and Jason Bukala [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/four-potential-trade-destinations-and-proposals-for-bo-horvat/] also took a stab at potential trade partners for Horvat, suggesting the Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins as destinations. The rebuilding Canadiens, however, aren't likely to mortgage their future for a player on an expiring contract. The others, meanwhile, would likely seek assurances that Horvat will re-sign with them. They won't risk assets on a star who could depart via free agency in July.
