Breaking: Bo Horvat traded to Eastern Conference rival

If the Leafs had any real interest in Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat, they're probably going to be pretty upset to learn that he was not only traded to an Eastern Conference rival - but he was actually acquired by ex-Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders.

Horvat's name had been heavily discussed in the rumour mill for some time, dating back to this fall when the Canucks reportedly low-balled him on a contract extension. That did not sit well with Horvat, who basically withdrew from negotiations after that point.

The Canucks announced via Twitter on Monday evening that they had traded Horvat to the Islanders in exchange for a lottery protected 2023 1st round draft pick, forward Anthony Beauvillier and top prospect Aatu Raty (the Islanders' 2021 2nd round draft pick, 52nd overall).

The Canucks did pretty well here, considering the fact that Horvat was a pending UFA who would likely have walked away for absolutely nothing this summer. I'd fully expect that Lamoriello will take a run at extending Horvat as well.