Well from Columbus for example, would you rather have Andrew Peeke and a 2nd or Corson Ceulemans and a 1st? Both picks in the 2024 draft as Columbus isn't dealing their 1st this year.
Honestly, I wouldn't take either of those.
I'm admittedly high on Peeke, I think he would be an excellent partner for Hughes, but not as the main piece back. For an extended Horvat though, I think the package would have to include more than a 2024 2nd.
I like Ceulmans as a prospect for sure, but I think we can get a similar level prospect with a 2023 1st elsewhere. Getting the pick in 2023 is critical in my mind, as it is a better draft, and the prospect (in theory) arrives a year earlier.
I think what the Canucks need to keep in mind is the implication of dealing Horvat for straight long term futures, and how that will impact the negotiations with EP and Kuzmenko. I'd hope for at worst, a prospect that is developed enough to be on the roster next year. I say that as we then have a better picture of what they look like at the NHL Level. I get that you may lose some upside by doing that, but you also raise the floor. Worst case is we deal Horvat for a prospect with high upside that busts, and a late first that is a role player.