“True Fan Sticks With Their Team in the Good Times and Bad Times”: Blockbuster Trade Leaves NHL World Divided

The NHL games are famous for the end-minute twists and turns. However, what excites viewers more is the decisions taken outside the ice hockey arena during the trade. An out-of-the-box decision was taken by the Vancouver Canucks, which is becoming the topic of debate. Canucks have been making the headlines after they traded the team captain Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders in exchange for two players. 

According to the Sports Net, Bo Horvat, the Canucks’ captain, and center was traded in exchange for forward Anthony Beauvillier and a center-prospect Aatu Raty along with a conditional first-round draft pick. The decision has been getting global limelight with varied reactions. Releasing the captain, especially at the times when the team was among the bottom ones, has made it more controversial. 

The NHL community splits up on the trade

Fans have a mixed reaction to the decision. Some fans acknowledged the strategic perspective behind the decision. However, others felt it was a big blunder. There were fans who couldn’t understand the logic behind retaining J. T. Miller above the captain. “The fact the Canucks chose Miller over him shows how poorly managed they are,” a fan wrote. Reactions and replies bombarded the Facebook post of hockey news. 

Some fans even mocked his performance and said that he could have been traded along with Horvat. “They could’ve sent Miller also as a bonus.” another fab wrote. 

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There were few fans who questioned the merit of the trade as the team exchanged an elite player for comparatively fewer potential players. A fan wrote, “Bad trade Van… top goal scorer for a 3rd liner and a prospect.” But the other fans welcome the decision as the incoming players have shown a good temperament. “They got a lot for a rental player going forward with the Canucks. I am good with this trade. Raty is extremely talented,” another fan wrote. 

There were certain fans who gave some lessons on fandom. “Typical Canuck fan. Doesn’t go their way and they jump off the bandwagon. A true fan sticks with their team in the good times and bad times.”

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The current NHL season has already witnessed some unpredictable twists and turns. The audience was coming out of shock after Provorov’s refusal to attend the pride night and new controversies emerged. It would be crucial to see how Horvat would perform with the Islanders.