Islanders' Horvat Having Great Season

When it comes to the New York Islanders, a lot of the attention has been on rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer, and with good reason.

As the league's number one overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, the 18-year-old-defenseman has been magnificent so far. He is currently (As of Tuesday, November 11) fourth on the team in scoring with 12 points (five goals and seven assists), has played responsibly in his own end (is a +2), and has looked like a veteran on the ice.

With that said, there is another Islander that is also having a great season so far. That Islander is Bo Horvat.

Horvat, 30, has been doing it all for the Islanders so far this season. For starters, he is producing at a great clip.

Horvat currently leads the team in scoring with 20 points on 12 goals and eight assists. Here is what Horvat has done over his last five games:

- November 2 vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets: One assist (one point)

- November 4 vs. the Boston Bruins: Two goals (two points)

- November 7 vs. the Minnesota Wild: One assist (one point)

- November 8 vs. the New York Rangers: Two goals (two points)

- November 10 vs. the New Jersey Devils: One goal and one assist (two points)

That is eight points in his last five games. It should also be mentioned that he had 17 shots in those five games, which means that he had opportunities to have an even higher point total during this five-game stretch.

After his big two-goal game in a 5-0 shutout win over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on November 8, Islanders' head coach Patrick Roy talked to reporters about Horvat's strong play and even put the word out to Team Canada should they need someone like him at the upcoming Winter Olympics.

I think he’s been making a really good impression on Team Canada for the Olympics, and that’s the hockey he needs to play to help the Islanders win hockey games,” Roy said, per Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News.

The Islanders' offensive leader is also playing well on special teams. He is currently tied for the team lead in power play goals with three while also having one shorthanded goal.

He has also shown a knack for coming up in the clutch so far this season, as Horvat currently leads the Islanders with three game-winning goals. Horvat seems to know where the puck is going to be at crucial points in the game and that he is why he has been able to find a way to get it done when it matters most.

Lastly, Horvat is showing that not only can he produce, but he can do so while playing a solid two-way game. He is currently +9 on the year and has played responsibly on the other side of the puck as he backchecks, breaks up play in his own zone, blocks shots, and is not afraid to play physical.

Overall, Horvat's strong play has helped the Islanders to an 8-6-0-2 record to start the season. If he can continue to produce offensively and do all the little things that make him one of the game's best two-way players, than he might be able to help get his team back into the Stanley Cup playoffs come April.