Vancuver Canucks hand Bo Horvat six-year, $33 million extension
In what was a bit of a worrying contract situation, the Vancouver Canucks have extended Bo Horvat with a deal with six years and $33 million.
Leading up to the announcement there was debate on whether or not the Canucks would give Bo Horvat a big pay day. Relative to his play, he got it. The six-year, $33 million deal is a hefty one, but Horvat arguably has the talent to live up to the $5.5 million AAV.
Many outlets were debating on whether Jim Benning would hand Horvat a bridge deal, but this was widely seen as a mistake in the making. Benning opted out of that thought-process, handing Horvat the long-term extension he wanted.
General manager Jim Benning commented on the extension (h/t NHL.com),
"“Bo has quickly become a foundational player on our team and we’re thrilled for him to be a part of what we’re building here long term,” said Benning. “His commitment and work ethic have helped his game improve each season. He’s already a leader on our team and a young player fans can be excited to watch for years to come.”"
#Canucks have signed @BoHorvat to a 6-year contract! #BOlieve https://t.co/3P7pespDvu
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) September 8, 2017
Horvat had a career year in 2016-17, breaking the 50-point mark. He had 20 goals and 32 assists with the Canucks last season. The 22-year-old has already played in 231 games to this point of his career, scoring 49 goals and adding 68 assists to his tally.
The most comparable contract to the one that Horvat was handed is that of Jonathan Drouin of the Montreal Canadiens. Drouin played in 73 games last season, scoring 21 goals and adding 32 assists.
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The second most comparable contract, according to CapFriendly, is that of the Columbus Blue Jackets center Alex Wennberg. Wennberg was recently signed to a six-year, $29.4 million contract, having him at a $4.9 million AAV.
Wennberg had the least goals of the three last season, with only 13. But he made up with it by having 46 assists. Despite Horvat being in the middle of both of them, these comparables make the contract extension one an easier one to come to terms with.