In the ever-shifting landscape of NHL rumors, few names spark as much intrigue as Bo Horvat. The former Vancouver Canucks captain and current New York Islanders forward has suddenly found himself at the center of swirling speculation, with multiple Canadian teams reportedly circling for a potential blockbuster move.

It’s a development that could send shockwaves through the league and dramatically reshape the fate of more than one franchise.

The Islanders, fresh off a disappointing season and a historic shake-up in their front office, are facing pivotal decisions about their future. Meanwhile, Horvat—a player whose leadership and scoring prowess have made him a household name—might be on the verge of a stunning return to the Canadian market.

Could a reunion with the Canucks be in the cards? Or will Montreal or Toronto swoop in to land the highly-coveted forward?

Insiders are already hinting at major moves and possible trades, but the details remain tantalizingly out of reach. With Horvat’s storied career, impressive stats, and undeniable impact on the ice, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

What’s really going on behind the scenes, and which Canadian team will make the next big splash? Read on to uncover the latest twists in this unfolding saga.

Islanders' Bo Horvat celebrates an OT GWG

Photo credit: KSL

Multiple Canadian-based NHL teams are being tied to current New York Islanders forward and former Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat.

For the 1st time since 2022, the New York Islanders missed the playoffs. They responded with a major change in leadership by not bringing back the octogenarian general manager and president of hockey operations Lou Lamoriello, and also trading Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens.

They did take Matthew Schaefer with the 1st overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft after winning the Draft Lottery, and are hoping to get back to the playoffs for the 2nd time under head coach Patrick Roy.

But per a new report from analyst Chris Johnston, forward Bo Horvat could soon become available and was even tied back to his former team that he previously captained, the Vancouver Canucks.

Chris Johnston: Maybe some veteran forwards become available whether it’s…Pavel Zacha in Boston or Bo Horvat with the Islanders; players that could satisfy the needs in places like Montreal, Vancouver, maybe even Toronto – Leaf Report (9/22)

Last year, Horvat had 57 points (28G, 29A) in 81 games.

Bo Horvat is the former captain of the Canucks

Horvat was taken with the 9th overall pick by the Canucks in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and would make his debut the following year, playing in 68 games and scoring 25 points (13G, 12A).

When he was selected for the 2017 NHL All-Star game, he was the youngest player in Canucks history to earn the honour since Trevor Linden. He was also named captain in 2019.

But he was traded to the Islanders in January of 2023 for Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty and a conditional 1st round pick in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

They then signed him to an 8 year contract with an AAV (average annual value) of $8.5 million.

He has 561 points (269G, 292A) in 813 career games with the Canucks and Islanders.