The Canucks traded Cory Schneider to the New Jersey Devils for the ninth pick in the NHL draft, leaving Roberto Luongo as the starting goalie.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 decision was made after a thorough review of our options and in the interest of improving this team long-term through the draft and development of players,鈥� general manager Mike Gillis said in a statement. 鈥淲e appreciate the high level of professionalism and conduct both Cory and Roberto have shown while continuing to help this team be competitive. I would like to personally thank Cory for his contributions to our team and wish him the very best and a bright future.鈥�
Gillis said he 鈥渉ad to listen鈥� to offers on Schneider. The one he took got the Canucks London Knights forward Bo Horvat at No. 9.
Horvat, an 18-year-old centre, played the past two seasons for the Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. He had 33 goals and 28 assists in 2012-13.
When the trade was announced, Horvat was surprised, like everyone else in Prudential Center. He had no idea the Canucks were going to take him.
鈥淎nything can happen on draft day,鈥� Horvat said.
Horvat鈥檚 will undoubtedly be under the microscope after being part of the trade that ended Schneider鈥檚 Canucks tenure and re-inserted Luongo as the starter.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 feel any pressure, actually,鈥� Horvat said. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 more exciting than anything. I鈥檓 just really happy to be part of the organization. I can鈥檛 wait to get there and show them that I can be that guy that they picked me at 9 (for).鈥�
Schneider, 27, has two years left on a contract that counts US$4 million against the salary cap. Veteran Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur turned 41 in May and has one year left.
