No matter which side you came down on regarding the Vancouver Canucks-New York Islanders trade from last night, it was still something of a surprise. Many felt that the Islanders made a mistake by using futures in a season where they are struggling, while others believed the Canucks could have landed more for Bo Horvat. If you’re in the latter group, you probably won’t like hearing Kevin Weekes’ latest report for ESPN.
Weekes tweets that another club involved in the Horvat dealings told him the Canucks didn’t shop the offer around, seeing if anyone could beat it. Instead, they “locked in” on the package that the Islanders were putting on the table, which included Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty, and a first-round pick.
- Another thing to consider for the Islanders might have been the status of Oliver Wahlstrom, who according to David Pagnotta of the Fourth Period, may not return this season. The 22-year-old Wahlstrom doesn’t play the same position as Horvat, but was one of the team’s more offensively-driven players, and has been out since December. Wahlstrom had seven goals and 16 points in 35 games this year.
- He’s not the only player who is out for the year. Montreal Canadiens depth defenseman Otto Leskinen has been shut down after hip surgery, ending his season after just 24 games with the Laval Rocket. With Leskinen’s one-year contract up at the end of the year, it might be back to Europe for him moving forward. The 25-year-old played six games for the Canadiens, none of them coming this season.
Weekes’ report sounds like GMJR wanted to give Lou an OBC discount, so to speak, especially after reading about the 25% retention.
It’s a fair if not good return. Horvat is not an elite player. O’Reilly three years ago was. Horvat is average defensively, good at face offs, not a good playmaker, and is scoring from the bumper (notice it has slowed down) and tip-ins on the PP
This is a career year. Not the normal for him. To get a 1st, a good prospect, and a serviceable winger to replace Miller on the wing (now back to Center) in a cap environment is the best you’ll get.
Everyone saying they could have got more – like who? Carolinas pick gonna be 26-31…prospects are everywhere and subjective, and salary retention/swap is necessary.