Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Islanders sign Bo Horvat to eight-year contract extension

February 5, 2023, 9:23 PM ET [186 Comments]
Ben Shelley
New York Islanders Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
​​Follow me on Twitter: @BenShelley_20
Follow HockeyBuzz Islanders on Twitter: @HB_Islanders


The New York Islanders announced today that they’ve signed Bo Horvat to an eight-year contract extension. The deal carries a $8.5 million cap hit.


The Islanders acquired Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks about a week ago, in exchange for Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty and a top-12 protected first-round pick in this year’s NHL Draft. Horvat is 27 years old and is in the middle of a huge year, with 31 goals and 54 points in 49 games. Horvat was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the deal will kick in for the 2023-24 season.

Obviously, it’s a lot to pay for Horvat. The eight-year term was always expected if the Islanders reached an extension with him, but $8.5 million is quite high.

His dramatically increased rate of production this year really drove up his price tag, and I don’t think anyone was looking at Horvat as a $8.5 million player coming into the year. We can also reasonably assume he won’t be able to sustain that production going forward.

At the same time, given what the Islanders gave up in the trade, we knew the goal was to re-sign him. They overpaid to do it, but are adding a key piece to a top-six that desperately needed some scoring help.

I’ll aim to have an article analyzing the contract out in the coming days.





OTHER ARTICLES FROM FEBRUARY

Analyzing the Bo Horvat trade
Join the Discussion: » 186 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Ben Shelley
» Islanders clinch playoff spot, set for Round 1 rematch vs. Hurricanes
» Isles closing in on playoff berth, but Dobson injury a reason for concern
» Islanders hold on to beat Rangers for fifth straight win
» Islanders shut out Predators, control their own playoff destiny
» Islanders' playoff chances continue to improve with win over Blue Jackets