Five comparable contracts for Canucks’ captain Bo Horvat

JT Miller, Brock Boeser and Elias Pettersson

While it’s not always the first thing fans think of, players tend to care how their contracts compare to those of their teammates. Perhaps they think of it as a reflection of management’s trust in their abilities.

So, where does Horvat rank among the Canucks’ other top forwards?

Miller signed last week at an $8 million cap hit. Brock Boeser signed at the beginning of the summer for $6.65 million per year. Elias Pettersson currently makes $7.35 million, but will likely get a raise two years from now when his bridge deal runs out.

Based off of point production, it would make sense to see Horvat make less than Miller and Pettersson. Boeser, on the other hand, tends to produce slightly less than Horvat does, although it’s widely believed that his ceiling is higher. Horvat will likely argue that his higher point totals and his leadership role should slot him in above Boeser.

What can Horvat do to maximize his value?

With the thought of extra money lingering in their minds, prospective free agents tend to have excellent seasons just before going to market. It goes without saying that higher offensive production will boost Horvat’s value. But there’s one thing in particular that would make him irreplaceable to the Canucks.

Horvat has to get his defensive game back on track. Early in his career, he was seen as a future Selke candidate as an elite two-way forward. Over the last few years, however, his defensive game has taken a turn for the worst.

In his first few seasons, Horvat was a regular fixture on the Canucks’ penalty kill. During most of Travis Green’s tenure as coach, however, Horvat’s PK time dwindled. Bruce Boudreau put Horvat back on the penalty kill immediately after taking the reins, and he did well in that area.

This was the first season in which Horvat finished with a positive plus/minus rating — and he was only a +3 this year. For someone who plays far more on the powerplay than he does on the penalty kill, that’s concerning.

If Horvat can elevate his defensive this year while maintaining his offensive production, he will be in a prime spot to earn maximum money when he signs his next contract.

What are your thoughts on these contract comparables for Horvat? Let us know in the comments!