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Vancouver Canucks Could Extend Core Player

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There is a lot of talk about the Pacific Division. The Calgary Flames sent shockwaves through the league all season. McDavid and CO. are poised for another run and the Vegas Golden Knights brought in a new coach. Another team to watch for is the Vancouver Canucks. They recently inked JT Miller to an extension, but another core piece could be underway. Today’s edition of NHL rumors focuses on Bo Horvat and his contract extension.

Bo Horvat Could Sign Extension With Canucks

Rumour: Laine MacIntyre from Sportsnet talks about a contract extension for Bo Horvat and the Vancouver Canucks

NHL free agent frenzy

Horvat is due for a contract extension. Like Miller who just signed a seven-year $56 million dollar deal, had his contract expire after this upcoming season. The team is deep up the middle, boasting Miller, Horvat, and Elias Pettersson. According to general manager Patrik Alvin, when identifying the core group of players, the three centers help form that core. Alvin went on to state in his press conference,

“A little bit,” Allvin agreed Tuesday after his first press conference since free agency in July. “If you have an opportunity to build a team, you prefer to build through the middle with a strong goalie. With Petey having a chance to play center (instead of wing), I think that definitely gives us a really, really strong middle there”. Alvin is referring to stud goalie Thatcher Demko and Quinn Hughes as being the core group.

What It Could Look Like Financially

Nobody thought Miller would work but the Canucks found a way. But will Horvat fit as well? The team still has Horvat for another year at the minimum. Serving as the team captain, keeping Horvat in the fold would be ideal. Based on the statement Alvin has made, if he wants to build the team the way he envisions, then an extension will happen. But at what cost?

Pettersson is currently on a bridge deal making $7.35 million per season and Miller will make $8 million after putting up 99 points this past season. Based on the center market and what Horvat brings to the lineup, paying him anywhere between $7-8 million per season for the next 7-8 years makes sense. The only issue going forward is do you have enough cap space to sign Pettersson in 2024? Time will tell.

Why Horvat Is Worth The Extension

Horvat needs a contract extension, and he deserves one. Being a consistent NHL player since 2014-15, he has been a mainstay down the middle for almost a decade. Horvat has hit the 20-goal mark four times and set a career-high in goals (31) this season. He has hit the 50-point mark three times and set a career-high with 61 points in 2018-19. He’s consistent and a leader in the lineup and locker room.

Horvat is a solid center who is good offensively. He further displays those talents on the powerplay and is efficient with the man advantage. This season he scored 19 power-play points. When trying to build a contending team down the middle, Horvat fits the bill.

Why It Makes Sense For Vancouver

You look at the contending teams around the league and they boast 2-3 solid centers. For example; the Edmonton Oilers with McDavid and Draisaitl. The dynamic duo of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in Pittsburgh. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci with the Boston Bruins.

Depth down the middle goes a long way towards success in the regular season and also the playoffs. With Bruce Boudreau at the helm, he could have fun with the depth. Pettersson can play wing but having three centers can create problems for opposing teams.