Two Eastern Conference teams are particularly interested in acquiring Bo Horvat, according to Elliotte Friedman

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MarcO
November 21, 2022 (5:09 PM)

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The Vancouver Canucks are currently seventh in the Pacific Division with a 5-9-3 record in 17 games. Their performance is clearly disappointing compared to the expectations set with the quality lineup they have on paper.

Obviously, Canucks GM Patrik Alvin will have some tough decisions to make in the coming months.

One of those decisions will be what to do with their captain, Bo Horvat, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Horvat is finishing the final year of his six-year, $33 million contract.

Speaking of which, on his 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet tipster Elliotte Friedman linked Horvat to two Eastern Conference teams.

The first team would be the Columbus Blue Jackets.

"I've heard rumours about Columbus, it makes a lot of sense. Columbus could really use a centre." - Elliotte Friedman

According to financial information gathered on CapFriendly, the Blue Jackets would have $10.27 million in salary cap space for the 2023-24 season. However, they are currently one of the worst teams in the league.

It's worth noting that Ohio's roster really hasn't been spared from injuries, and Horvat's addition with the Jackets could result in one of the best lines in the league with Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau.

The other team Friedman mentions is the Washington Capitals.

In his eyes, they are the top team to watch for derby Horvat. Because of the precarious health of centre Nicklas Backstrom, the Caps would benefit greatly from adding a centre of the 27-year-old's calibre.

I think they're going to be a fantastic team to watch. First of all, probably, they have to figure out if there's a chance Backstrom can play here. I have to say, if he can't, I wonder if they become a Horvat team." - Elliotte Friedman

It must be said that the Canucks captain is likely to be very expensive for any team that wants to acquire his services, as he is off to an impressive 14-goal, six-assist start in just 18 games so far. He is the second leading scorer in the NHL right now.

Credit: CanuckDaily.com

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