The Montreal Canadiens are entering a pivotal offseason with their sights set firmly on making the playoffs for a second consecutive year. As the team’s management duo of Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton strategize ways to strengthen the roster, the trade market has become a focal point for potential upgrades—particularly up front. With rumors swirling around several notable forwards, one name has captured the attention of fans and insiders alike: Bo Horvat of the New York Islanders.

Recently, a bold trade proposal involving Horvat was floated by respected journalist Arpon Basu, sparking immediate debate across the hockey community. The hypothetical deal, which would see the Canadiens part with promising prospects and a first-round pick in exchange for the proven 30-goal scorer, has ignited speculation about Montreal’s willingness to make a major move. While Islanders’ new general manager Mathieu Darche has publicly dismissed any plans for a rebuild, the possibility of a blockbuster trade remains a tantalizing storyline. As the Canadiens look to address their need for a reliable second-line center, the idea of adding Horvat brings both excitement and tough questions about the future direction of the team.

Photo of Canadiens and Islanders

Photo credit: NHL

The Montreal Canadiens have set their goal for the 2025-26 season: make the playoffs for a second straight year.

To achieve that, Kent Hughes and Jeff Gorton will need to be active on the trade market to acquire top-six forward reinforcements.

Among the many forwards mentioned in trade rumors is Bo Horvat.

The New York Islanders forward could very well be sacrificed by the new general manager, Mathieu Darche, though he confirmed during his hiring that he had no intention of entering a rebuild in the short term.

That said, it hasn’t stopped some experts from floating trade proposals-and one was suggested by a well-known journalist.

A Trade Proposal Between the Montreal Canadiens and New York Islanders Involving Mathieu Darche and Kent Hughes to Bolster the Offense

As reported by the site HABSolumentFan, Arpon Basu of The Athletic imagined a possible trade involving the Canadiens and Bo Horvat on a recent episode of the Basu and Godin Notebook podcast.

– To Montreal:
Bo Horvat

– To the Islanders:
Owen Beck, Logan Mailloux, 2025 first-round pick (16th overall)

– Arpon Basu

It happens during the following podcast, but would you do it?

This trade would certainly help the Canadiens and would solve the second-line center issue within the organization.

Additionally, Kent Hughes wouldn’t be giving up a top-tier prospect in the process of trying to improve.

However, it would still be surprising to see Mathieu Darche trade away his 30-year-old forward, who has hit the 30-goal mark in three of the last four seasons.

Not to mention that Bo Horvat is still under contract for six more years, with an annual salary of 8.5 million dollars.

As far as we’re concerned, this trade offer is accepted-and Arpon Basu agrees.

What about you?