Traded to the Canucks, Anthony Beauvillier experienced quite a shock

The Quebecer made his way to British Columbia on Monday night through the trade sending Bo Horvat to the New York Islanders. In a press conference, he admitted his surprise at the news of the trade, but he is looking forward and wants to help revive the Canucks in the midst of a period of great change.

< p>“It was truly a crazy last few hours. On the other hand, I was excited to learn that I was going here. Emotions have been a bit mixed: it's hard to leave the Islanders, but I'm excited to join the Canucks,” said Beauvillier.

He recalled having experienced many happy events with the Islanders, especially in the playoffs. The 25-year-old hockey player has also participated twice in the Stanley Cup semi-finals (in 2020 and 2021) and it will be impossible for him to forget an organization for which he played 457 regular season games in his career. And, life being full of coincidences, the Islanders' first-round pick in the 2015 draft will face his former club on February 9 at UBS Arena. It will be his third game, barring any unforeseen circumstances, with his new formation, and the feelings will surely be strange.

“It will be different to end up in the visitors' dressing room. I haven't really visited its surroundings… the feeling will be special, no doubt, “he predicted.

Beauvillier collected 20 points, including nine goals, in 49 duels this year. In Vancouver, the organization fired head coach Bruce Boudreau on Jan. 22 to replace him with Rick Tocchet. The Canucks are sixth in the Pacific Division with a 20-26-3 record.