NY Islanders: Revisiting the Bo Horvat trade with the Vancouver Canucks 8 months later

It's been just under eight months since the NY Islanders acquired Bo Horvat from the Vancouver Canucks in a blockbuster deal before the trade deadline. After mixed emotions upon his arrival, it's safe to say the Islanders are currently looking like the winners of the trade, as Horvat has been enjoying his time so far on Long Island.

"I don’t know why this place has gotten that reputation from a lot of people. I think it’s such a hidden gem for many reasons," said Horvat in May. "Living, family, the organization, the team, the facilities — I love it here and I’ve only been here for three months."

After scoring just seven goals in 30 appearances with the Islanders last season, Horvat is nearly halfway to that mark through six games this season, finding the back of the net three times, including one of the Isles' three on the power play. His three goals are currently tied for the team lead with Brock Nelson.

Aside from his on-ice production, Horvat has been a leader in the locker room since the day he arrived on Long Island. Despite not wearing an "A" on his sweater, Horvat spent four seasons as the captain of the Canucks, bringing another paramount voice to the organization.

To bring in Horvat, the Isles departed with a first-round pick, Anthony Beauvillier, and top-prospect Aatu Raty. Beauvillier got off to one of the best runs of his career after being shipped to Western Canada, putting up nine goals and 11 assists through 33 games - identical to his numbers in 49 games with the Isles. Through seven games this season, Beauvillier has yet to register a point. Beau's poor play has seen his ice time reduced significantly, averaging just 13:15 of ice time per game - the lowest since his rookie season.

Perhaps the player Islanders fans were most reluctant to part ways with was Aatu Raty. Drafted 52nd overall in 2021, Raty was just beginning his tenure with the Islanders, playing in his first two NHL games and recording two assists. Since the trade, Raty has only appeared in three games with the Canucks, spending the rest of his time playing with their AHL affiliate in Abbotsford. He's struggled to get going this season, contributing four points (one goal, three assists) through seven games. He's spent time playing on Abbotsford's fourth line and hasn't looked like the player the Canucks thought they were acquiring.

The first round pick revived by the Canucks was ultimately flipped to Detroit for Filip Hronek, who has been eating some serious minutes while adding five assists so far this season.

Though the Islanders appear to have gotten the better of the deal so far, the Canucks are 5-2 and have looked like one of the Pacific Division's top teams, while the Islanders have struggled with consistency at 3-2-1.