Canadiens Eye Bo Horvat as Potential Second-Line Center Upgrade

After a surprising playoff berth, the Montreal Canadiens are looking to take another step forward this offseason. With one of the youngest rosters in the NHL, the Canadiens are seeking to add experience and offensive depth, particularly at center. According to Canadiens insider Vincent Duquette of TVA Sports, Montreal has shown interest in trading for New York Islanders center Bo Horvat, who could be a strong fit behind captain Nick Suzuki.

“Horvat would be the ideal center to lead the second line,” Duquette wrote. “He’s capable of scoring 30 goals per season and is responsible in all three zones. He also shoots from the left, another significant advantage for a team that already features several right-shot centers.”

Horvat, 30, recorded 28 goals and 29 assists for 57 points in 81 games this season. A two-way player with leadership experience, Horvat is signed through the 2029-30 season on an eight-year, $68 million deal carrying an $8.5 million annual cap hit. While his age and contract length could be concerns for a rebuilding team, the Canadiens’ recent playoff appearance has accelerated expectations in Montreal.

“There’s no doubt we want to add more talent to our team,” Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes said at his year-end press conference. “We need to determine to what extent we want to add experience versus gain experience [with the players we have].”

Montreal boasts a promising young core featuring Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Lane Hutson. Adding Horvat would provide stability down the middle and mentorship for the team’s developing forwards. With an abundance of draft picks and prospects, Montreal is well-positioned to make a competitive offer if they decide Horvat is the right piece.

Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Gorton emphasized that the Canadiens are far from a finished product and will explore all options to improve.

“We’re not a finished product and there’s not one area of our team where we’re saying, ‘we’re done there,’” Gorton said. “Ultimately, compete is the biggest thing — making sure that we have players that are comfortable in a playoff environment.”

As Montreal continues its upward trajectory, acquiring a player like Bo Horvat could accelerate their return to contender status. Whether the Canadiens pull the trigger remains to be seen, but it’s clear management is ready to take bold steps forward.

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