As we barrel towards the American Thanksgiving benchmark—often seen as the first real checkpoint in an NHL season—the trade winds are starting to swirl. And, predictably, a big name has been tossed into the vortex: New York Islanders center, Bo Horvat.
Let’s not mince words: this is almost entirely noise. From where I’m sitting, the idea of moving Horvat mid-season isn’t just improbable; it’s a non-starter for GM Mathieu Darche.
The chatter suggests that unless the Islanders completely implode and fall out of the playoff picture, Horvat is untouchable. Frankly, even if they do collapse, he’s still a foundational piece. We’re talking about a 30-year-old, bona fide top-six center who can pot 30-plus goals and win critical faceoffs. Teams don’t just give those players away.
The $8.5 Million Anchor and the Full No-Trade Clause
Let’s get into the brass tacks of why this is a fantasy. Horvat is in the third year of a massive eight-year deal signed back in 2023, carrying an $8.5 million AAV through the 2030-31 season. In a flat-cap or slightly rising-cap world, that’s a significant commitment. Finding a trade partner with the cap space and the desire to take on that full term is a monumental task in the offseason, let alone in-season when rosters are tight.
But the contract isn’t even the biggest hurdle. Horvat holds all the cards with a full no-trade clause (NTC). He chose the Island. He committed. He would have to agree to waive that NTC, and even if he did, what team would he waive it for? And what team could send back the “significant offer” the New York Islanders would demand?
We’re not talking about a simple “futures” deal. To move Horvat, the Isles would need a package that helps them now and in the future—likely a roster-ready top-six forward, a high-end prospect, and a first-round pick, at minimum. Nobody is paying that price in November.
The Verdict: Horvat Isn’t Going Anywhere
This isn’t a knock on Horvat’s play; it’s a statement on his value and contractual reality. He is a core part of this New York Islanders roster, and the organization has invested heavily in him as a running mate for Mathew Barzal.
Any “speculation” you read is just that. It’s GMs doing their due diligence and columnists connecting dots. The real story here is Horvat’s importance to the Islanders’ immediate success. This team is built to win in a few years, and trading your No. 2 center is a white flag, not a hockey trade. Barring a complete, franchise-altering disaster and a personal request from Horvat himself, you can safely ignore the noise. He’ll be wearing blue and orange for the foreseeable future.
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