The NHL's trade deadline is on March 3rd, 2023 (15 weeks away), and general manager Patrik Alvin has some tough decisions to make. Perhaps, none bigger than figuring out the future of the Canucks and captain Bo Horvat. Horvat's six-year, $33 million contract is about to expire at the end of the season, and the forward is set to become a UFA on July 1st.
According to CapFriendly, the Blue Jackets have $10,266,667 in available salary cap for the 2023-24 season but are currently tied for last in the NHL. However, the Blue Jackets could have one of the best lines in the league adding Horvat in between Patrik Laine and Johnny Gaudreau.
Friedman also noted the Washington Capitals as a dark horse in the Horvat sweepstakes. He thinks they could become a team in the hunt for Horvat, depending on the health of centerman Nicklas Backstrom.