Just over 24 hours after the trade was made, former Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat and his family took to Instagram to thank Canucks fans following yesterday’s trade with the New York Islanders, which saw Horvat’s Canucks tenure come to an end after nine years.
Here’s what the letter said:
“The past 24 hours have been filled with an overwhelming number of memories from inside and outside the rink.
9 years ago, you welcomed us to your beautiful city and province …and before long you would make sure it felt like home. I remember meeting Daniel and Henrik that first year – through them, you could immediately feel the history, and the connection the team had with the fans and community … the respect everyone had for what it meant to be a Canuck’…l was only 19, but knew I was a part of a special place in the hockey world. I remember being determined to work hard, keep getting better, and always bring my best effort.
Over the years, I had the privilege of learning from, and playing with so many amazing teammates …we all benefited from great coaches, trainers, and members of the organization. Many of these people are behind the scenes, and they put so much into making every Canucks game the best experience possible for everyone – Thank you all.
To have been your Captain, was a tremendous honour for us …It was beyond the wildest dreams of that 19-year-old who just wanted to fit in and earn your respect one game at a time …the city of Vancouver and Canucks fans will always have a special place in our hearts.
Thank you,
Bo, Holly, Gunnar and Tulsa Horvat”
Horvat was traded to the Islanders on Monday after months of speculation surrounding his name. In return, the Canucks received Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty, and a 2023 first round pick.
Horvat, 27, was drafted by the Canucks in 2013 when the team traded goaltender Cory Schneider to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for the ninth overall pick. Horvat has cemented himself as a regular 20-goal scorer throughout his career, but in the past year and a half, Horvat has been scoring at well beyond a 40-goal rate. Through just 49 games this season, Horvat has already tied his career-high goal tally of 31, which he set last season over the course of 70 games.
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