Bruins Have the Assets to Acquire Canucks’ Bo Horvat

In a recent piece for Daily Faceoff, NHL insider Frank Seravalli listed the Boston Bruins as a potential landing spot for Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat. Seeing how well they have been playing, it makes sense that they are already linked to big-name trade candidates like him. Although the Canucks have had a rough season in 2022-23, the 27-year-old center has simply been dominant, as his 17 goals and 23 points in 21 games show effectively. Adding this kind of offense to the Bruins’ already-excellent roster would be massive, but it would also take a lot for it to have any chance of coming to fruition.

First and foremost, the Bruins cannot be buyers until they figure out their current salary cap situation. Once Derek Forbort is activated off of long-term injured reserve (LTIR), they will be over the cap and need to make a move. Mike Reilly has become the team’s biggest trade candidate because of his reported wish to be moved, along with his $3 million cap hit. Once this situation is all squared away, then the Bruins can set their sights on a star like Horvat.

In the meantime, let’s look at what it might cost the Bruins to acquire him.

Craig Smith

Craig Smith is another obvious trade candidate for the Bruins, and he could be a player added to this deal to help things work financially. Due to Nick Foligno finding his old form and the acquisitions of Pavel Zacha and A.J. Greer, his role on the team’s depth chart has dropped off significantly. This has resulted in the 33-year-old winger being a healthy scratch multiple times this campaign, so it seems possible that he would also be open to a change of scenery.

The Canucks could very well be interested in Smith because of his recent past success. Although he has just three points in 12 games this season, he also recorded a 36-point campaign in 74 games last season. Thus, while playing at his best, he is somebody who can contribute decent solid secondary scoring in a third-line role. On the Canucks, it seems probable that he could fit well in their middle six and on their second power-play unit. This increase in playing time could also be enough for him to find his previous scoring touch as well.

If the Canucks acquired Smith a little before deadline day, he also could become a trade candidate for them if he heats up following a hypothetical move. This, in turn, could lead Vancouver to…