Bo Horvat releases statement amid trade rumours and contract talks
On Monday, it was revealed that Canucks captain Bo Horvat declined Vancouver's latest contract offer and the team would turn their attention to the trade market leading up to the deadline on March 3rd.
The last few weeks have been filled with trade rumours and news about contract extension talks and on Tuesday, Horvat released a statement through the Canucks saying that he's focused on the season and will not address his future for the rest of the year.
"I am focused on this season and playing for the Vancouver Canucks, helping the team in any way I can. I will not have any further comments this year about my future." Horvat said.
The London (Ontario) native is set to become an unrestricted free agent and has spent his entire nine-year NHL career with the Canucks after they selected him ninth overall in the 2013 draft.
When speaking with the media on Tuesday, Horvat explained that he wanted to keep his contract negotiations confidential and feels bad that his teammates are hearing about it in the media.
"At this point it's not about me. I've always wanted to keep this confidential I don't want to let this be a distraction I feel bad for my teammates having to hear all about this in the media." Horvat said.
Horvat currently sits fourth in the entire NHL for goals with 20, adding nine assists for 29 points in 28 games this season. Regardless if Horvat hits the open market on Canada Day, re-signs with the Canucks or re-signs with a team he potentially gets traded to, he's going to get a lot more than the $5.5 million he's earning now.
Statement from pending UFA Bo Horvat: "I am focused on this season and playing for the Vancouver Canucks, helping the team in any way I can. I will not have any further comments this year about my future."— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 13, 2022
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