Could the Islanders trade Bo Horvat?

With Mathieu Darche being named the new general manager of the New York Islanders, there are preliminary talks that the Islanders could have a big off-season, but could that include trading Bo Horvat?

Horvat was acquired by the Islanders in January 2023 for Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Räty and a 2023 conditional first-round pick. Originally chosen ninth overall by Vancouver in the 2013 NHL Draft, Horvat skated three seasons with his hometown London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) prior to joining the Canucks, underscored by back-to-back J. Ross Robertson Cup titles as OHL playoff champions in 2012 and 2013. 

The 30-year-old tallied 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 81 games during the 2024-25 season. Horvat represented Canada at the IIHF World Championship, where he scored four goals and four assists for eight points in six games.

Frank Seravalli spoke on the matter and whether it’s a route the Islanders are willing to go down.

Tyler Yaremchuk: The idea that the Islanders, with Mathieu Darche at the helm, could take a longer approach here, maybe move out some more established guys. Bo Horvat, the idea that he could be available on Long Island. Is that hot or cold?

Frank Seravalli: I’d say it’s lukewarm. My guess is that Mathieu Darche is entering into this job with a completely open mind, thinking that there’s probably gonna need to be a push and pull on both sides of it, maybe try to get a little bit younger, but also at the same time, you need proper support.

Frank Seravalli: So if the islanders have any dreams of turning this around relatively quickly and getting back into a competitive posture, then you’re gonna need someone like Horvat to help carry the mail, and if not, if you’re willing to be more patient, then, hey, see what you can get for them in a very thin center market.