Islanders sign Horvat to 8-year extension with reported $8.5M AAV

Bo Horvat has a long-term deal with his new team before even making his debut.

The New York Islanders signed the 27-year-old to an eight-year extension, the team announced Sunday. The contract has an average annual value of $8.5 million, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello didn't confirm the details of the contract but noted that "it's too long and it's too much money," according to Newsday's Andrew Gross.

The $68-million deal doesn't include any signing bonus, according to Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.

New York acquired Horvat on Jan. 30 in a blockbuster deal with the Vancouver Canucks. The Islanders sent Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Raty, and a top-12 protected 2023 first-round pick to the Canucks in the trade.

Horvat is in the midst of a career season. His 31 goals are tied for eighth in the NHL and already match his output from 2021-22. He has 54 points through 49 contests and is set to blow past his previous career high of 61 points in the 2018-19 campaign.

"I feel right at home here," Horvat said, according to Gross. "All the guys have been great toward me and welcoming me."

The Islanders held their first practice since adding Horvat on Sunday. Typically a center, the left-shot Horvat lined up at right wing with Josh Bailey and Mathew Barzal, according to Gross.

"We haven't had a spark like this for a while," Barzal said of the deal, via Gross.

Horvat will become New York's second-highest-paid player behind Barzal when his extension kicks in next season. The Islanders have nine players - including seven forwards - signed for the 2023-24 campaign at a cap hit of $5 million or more.

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