Say Vancouver wins second or third pick in the lottery. Would you trade Horvat to get the number one spot for Jack Hughes? Keeping in mind that Hughes is a natural centre, thus creating a logjam at that position with Petey and Bo. Not enough ice time for three top end guys.
But what about the extra 30-40 points? Like I said Horvat is a fair contract but not a bargain. McKinnon is a 90-100 point guy, Horvat is 60-70 (maybe a bit better with a winger)
^ Hence why his contract is around $800K less and no NTC clause. McKinnon also gets about a minute of ES more per game than Horvat (also a bit more power play time and less PK duty). I'm not saying Horvat is the better player (only again, the gap isn't as huge).