Hidden message from Bo Horvat’s statement exposed

What captain Bo Horvat wanted to do what bring the focus back on the Vancouver Canucks and the current season. Away from all the trade chatter that’s been buzzing his name lately. On Tuesday, Horvat issued a statement saying he’s “focused on this season and playing for the Vancouver Canucks, helping the team in any way I can.”

Mike McKenna of the Daily Face-Off however believes fans should read into the hidden message Horvat sent with his statement and commanded him for fighting all the noise as the leader of this team.

“Horvat knows it’s his job to keep things positive and give his team hope. As captain, Horvat is the face of the franchise. He’s front and center during every media availability,’ McKenna writes.

But he goes on exposing what the words really meant: “Because it’s pretty clear Horvat’s future isn’t in Vancouver.”

The former NHL goalie and now reporter believes Horvat had to make a statement and made the best decision for everyone involved.

“Horvat’s statement gets him ahead of the situation. By saying he won’t talk about his future, Horvat is taking ink out of the media’s pen. Any question he doesn’t want to answer can be directed to his statement.”

That way, Horvat can shift the focus back on the season and the team that keeps fighting for a playoff spot. The Canucks have missed the postseason for the sixth time in the past seven years.

It was reported that Horvat recently rejected an offer on a contract extension from the Canucks. Vancouver is believes to be looking at the trade market between now and the deadline on March 3.

Horvat is currently playing the final year of a six-year contract and carries a cap hit of $5.5 million. He will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. This season, the 27-year-old forward has put 20 goals and 29 points (ahead of tonight’s action against the Calgary Flames.)

Reporters might avoid trade rumours when they speak to Horvat from now on, but we all know the speculations will remain until the deadline - or when he gets moved.

Team insider Rick Dhaliwal recently speculated on what Horvat’s trade could bring to Vancouver: “My feeling for a Horvat trade is going to be a young centreman, young defenceman, preferably on the right side, and a draft pick.”

But for now, Horvat says let’s focus on the game, not the trade.

Recommended articles:

• Front-runner emerges in Bo Horvat sweepstakes
• Bo Horvat releases a statement concerning trade reports
• Canucks seeking three players in trade for Horvat
• Rumor: Leaked trade package for Canucks captain Bo Horvat
• Report: Horvat rejects “final offer” from Canucks