Ahead of the New York Islanders game against the Vancouver Canucks, Anthony Beauvilleir spoke about his transition to Vancouver, his thoughts on his old squad and more.

VANCOUVER, BC -- While the storyline heading into Wednesday's game between the New York Islanders and Vancouver Canucks was Bo Horvat's return, former Islander Anthony Beauvillier also had a chance to see some of his close friends again.

Following Vancouver's morning skate, Beauvillier took the time to talk with us about being traded, his best memory of being an Islander, and more.

Leaving his teammates, as one can imagine, was the hardest part.

"Saying goodbye, I think, looking back on it. Just friendships and memories and bonds created over the years, that was hard to leave for sure," Beauvillier said. 

"It's something new. Like you're going into something new and unknown, and that's always scary, and you gotta adapt quick and stuff, but that was that was really hard. 

"It was a lot of thinking and a lot of trying to look back at memories and stuff that you've gone through. And that was the hardest part."

When Beauvillier and the Canucks visited UBS Arena last season, a trip that came just a few games after the All-Star break, the seven-year Islander was given a video tribute. 

"I thought I was gonna get emotional a bit, but to step on the ice for the first time and see like a bunch of signs around for warmups and stuff that got to me more than the tribute video," Beauvillier said. "It was special night. I wish I could remember more of it, and I wish I could relive it. I mean, it ended up being a great night. 

"Obviously, we won (he scored the game-winner), but it was so special to go back to that building, still so fresh, and seeing the love that the fans had for me, it was cool."

Beauvillier is excited to face his former team again.

"It's still weird a little bit with all those guys being on the other side. It's always fun, though, playing against your friends," Beauvillier said. "Only good memories from the last time we played them. So I'm trying to create that again. 

The Islanders are currently going through a rough patch, but Beauvillier is confident they'll figure things out. 

"They have a lot of character in that room, and they're well-balanced and have great leaders," Beauvillier said. "I think they're gonna be fine. I mean, they're going through some adversity, but I feel like they've always had that over the years."

Now enjoy an exclusive interview with Beauvillier and Mathew Barzal about their friendship. 

Anthony Beauvillier & Mathew Barzal

Since they were young, Anthony Beauvillier and Mathew Barzal have been the best of friends. 

Meeting at the 2012 Allstate All-Canadiens Mentorship Camp, Barzal shared with Cory Wright of NHL.com that they were both the two most outrageous guys in the locker room and immediately became close friends

After two years apart, Team Canada's U-18 Development Camp in 2014 brought them back together, this time as roommates. Beauvillier ended up breaking his arm, and that meant Barzal was on Dad-duty, helping Beauvillier get through it.

Then in 2015, both entered the NHL Draft. 

To their surprise, both ended up with the New York Islanders, as Barzal went 16th overall while Beauvillier was taken 28th. 

So, as one can expect, when Beauvillier was traded to Vancouver, it was a rather tough moment for both of them. 

"He made it hard on me, honestly," Beauvillier told The Hockey News. "He made it hard. He just sent a few texts and stuff to say goodbye, but I mean, it's not like goodbye forever, and you still can talk and stuff.

"But we've been through a lot together, starting together and to this point having some deep runs in the playoffs. It was tough. I mean, not only for him but a few of the guys. The memories in that room were special."

Barzal shared with THN that he got to see him Tuesday night, and his smile when talking about his best friend was as bright as can be. 

"It was great. I went over to his house last night and hung out for probably just over an hour and caught up," Barzal said. "I missed him. He always makes me laugh, and he's one of my best friends, so it was great to see him.

All the memories started coming back. 

"There's too many inside jokes that we even got our own language, basically," Barzal said. "So yeah, a lot of good times with him. I mean, he was my roommate on the road for two years, and we were drafted together and grew up together really so nice. He's one of the best."

As for the trade, it shocked Barzal as much as it shocked Beauvillier.

"It was definitely a shock," Barzal said. "You start thinking about all the good times, and then you think about the fact that you don't get to spend that time together anymore. 

"We lived in the same complex in New York, and I'd go over to his house a couple times a week. We'd just watch hockey and hang out, and it was nice to have and like -- obviously, we're teammates and whatnot -- but just a best friend. So yeah, that was a sad day. Yeah, that hit hard."

Beauvillier never saw it coming.

"Not at all, actually. We were on the bye week, so I was on vacation. I saw Lou's name come up," Beauvilleir said. "He was good about it, though. It's part of the business, so I understand."

Barzal, being from Vancouver, has given Beauvillier some restaurants and sights to check out. 

"He has helped me quite a bit, and yeah, his family is still here too," Beau said. "I know they have come to a couple of games. So it's great. "