Insider: Canucks and Bo Horvat negotiations not close; what he wants on a new deal

If the Vancouver Canucks want to keep their captain past this upcoming season, it appears they are going to have to try a bit harder. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Vancouver and Bo Horvat are not close on a new contract.

The 27-year-old will become a free agent at the end of 2022-23 without a new deal. If the two sides aren't any closer on a new contract by the trade deadline, it's a safe bet the Canucks will be looking to ship him off for assets, especially if the team isn't in a playoff position.

As for what Horvat wants, Friedman said he's hearing people say a new deal will be in the $6 million range, but he believes it won't get done for less than $7 million annually.

The Canucks just signed J.T. Miller to a huge new contract and are already $3 million over the salary cap for the new season. Adjustments will have to be made before opening night. Horvat had 31 goals and 52 points in 70 games in 2021-22. It was his first time reaching the 30 goal mark in a season.

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