Rating the risk/reward of the Bo Horvat deal

Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello made a bold move in acquiring the pending UFA, but risks having the transaction be a total failure if the pieces don't fall into place

The Islanders will almost certainly try to get Horvat’s signature on an extension sooner rather than later. (Photo courtesy Islanders Twitter account)

Sixteen years ago, Lou Lamoriello’s predecessor made a trade much like Lamoriello did Monday when he acquired star Vancouver Canucks center Bo Horvat in exchange for three assets. Suffice to say it didn’t turn out well for either side.

In a desperate bid to make the playoffs, Garth Snow acquired Edmonton Oilers star winger and pending unrestricted free agent Ryan Smyth (and his hockey hair) from the Edmonton Oilers in return for prospects Robert Nilsson and Ryan O’Marra and a first-round pick that turned out to be defenceman Alex Plante. In other words, almost nothing.