How Brock Boeser’s Trade Value Has Been Impacted By The Bo Horvat Deal

As the first piece of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline has officially fallen, it surprisingly was the biggest asset on the market.

But, how much does Bo Horvat’s trade to the New York Islanders (more specifically the size of the return), impact some of the other big name options ahead of March 3rd?

While there are plenty of names that get thrown around throughout the trade deadline process, none may see more swings of rumors than Horvat’s former teammate Brock Boeser.

Boeser, a 25-year-old first round winger, is not in the midst of his best year. With 9 goals and 21 assists in 41 games, he is a trade asset with years to come, who may appreciate a change of scenery considering the direction of Vancouver’s club.

Ahead of this season, Boeser signed a 3-year, $19.9 million deal to keep him with the team until 2025, but there are no trade clauses.

Not only will this open his trade targets to anyone ranging from buyers to sellers, as the deal would not be for just this year, but it also raises his value, as if the deal for Horvat did not do this already.

Regardless, Boeser is a player you can rely on to bounce back for the second half of the season, if not the next two, which may be a perfect opportunity for the Sabres.

The Sabres have been one of the streakiest teams in the NHL this year. But all together, they enter the All-Star break with 56 points, which is good for 4th in the Atlantic Division.

Their young talent of Tage Thompson, Rasmus Dahlin, Alex Tuch and Dulan Cozens has propelled them so far, but with a lack of depth, the 2018 Calder Runner-Up will be a welcomed addition.

But, with no real reason to move on from Boeser this year, and the return they have already received for Horvat, it’s going to take a solid return.

Here’s what may help Vancouver move the needle to lose another winger.

Sabres Receive: RW Brock Boeser

Sabres Give: C Peyton Krebs, RW Jake Richard, 2023 Second Round Pick (via Golden Knights), 2024 Second Round Pick

Canucks Receive: C Peyton Krebs, RW Jake Richard, LW Fabian Zetterlund, RW Tyce Thompson, 2023 2nd Round Pick

Canucks Give: 2023 Second Round Pick (via Golden Knights), 2024 Second Round Pick

With three 2nd-round picks to come for the Sabres this offseason, you might as well burn one of them for the potential to bolster your lineup ahead of the final stretch.

And that might not be the most difficult piece to give up for Buffalo, as the upside of 22-year-old Peyton Krebs would be a welcomed addition to the Canucks.

In 102 career games, Krebs has 13 goals and 23 assists, which has primarily come in his time with Buffalo after being a part of the return from Las Vegas in the Jack Eichel trade.

Making under $1 million this and next year, ahead of still being a restricted free agent, Krebs and prospect Jake Richard (35 points in 30 games in the USHL) paired with a couple of draft picks could cause a similar reaction as the Islanders’ shipment for Horvat was to make the decision this early.