TRADE SPECULATION: Canadiens Considering Deal to Land Bo Horvat from Islanders
The Montreal Canadiens are reportedly engaged in serious trade discussions that could see them acquire veteran center Bo Horvat from the New York Islanders in exchange for highly touted prospect Ivan Demidov. While the deal is still speculative, sources suggest it would include not only the 19-year-old Russian winger but also a performance-based guarantee clause to protect Montreal’s investment.
Horvat, 29, remains a key piece of the Islanders’ core, having signed an eight-year, $68 million contract following his trade from Vancouver in 2023. Known for his leadership, two-way reliability, and strong presence in the faceoff circle, Horvat posted 28 goals and 57 points in the 2024–25 season. The Canadiens, seeking to accelerate their climb back into playoff contention, view Horvat as a potential anchor behind captain Nick Suzuki on the second line.
The rumored “guarantee” clause in the trade could take several forms. While unconfirmed, it may involve conditions related to Horvat’s health, production, or number of games played. If those conditions are not met, the Islanders might be required to send a future draft pick or retain a portion of Horvat’s salary cap hit. This type of clause would mitigate risk for the Canadiens and provide a safeguard against underperformance or injury.
For the Islanders, the deal would signal a shift toward youth and long-term planning. While moving a player of Horvat’s stature would be a significant loss in the short term, acquiring a potential star in Demidov could reshape their future. Under new general manager Mathieu Darche, New York may be looking to reset parts of the roster without committing to a full rebuild.
Though no deal has been finalized, the trade chatter highlights differing philosophies between two teams in transition. Montreal wants to win now. New York may be thinking longer-term. If this deal happens, it could be one of the most significant moves of the 2025 offseason.