New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat is still expected to be selected to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, according to NHL Insider Elliott Friedman. Despite currently being sidelined with a lower-body injury, Horvat is making progress with a recovery timeline of roughly 1 to 3 weeks, and is likely to return well before the February 2nd start of the Olympics. Although the Islanders might take extra precautions with their top scorer, there’s optimism he’ll be ready in time.
Horvat’s presence on Team Canada is projected to be in a fourth-line forward role, a position where he can excel despite the team’s deep talent pool. Among Canadian players, Horvat ranks third in points with 19, behind Colorado Avalanche’s Nathan MacKinnon (26 points) and Boston Bruins’ Morgan Geekie (22 points). He has been a key figure on the Islanders’ penalty kill, boasting a 57.8% success rate in faceoffs and ranking fifth in the NHL with an 84% effectiveness in that aspect. His 6-foot-1, 225-pound frame adds important physicality across all zones.
In competition for a spot alongside Winnipeg Jets center Mark Scheifele and Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki, all three are expected to join the team, with one likely serving as Canada’s fifth centerman. Here are their stats so far this season:
- Horvat: 32 games played, 19 goals, 12 assists, 31 points, 5 power-play goals, 111 shots on goal, 20:27 average time on ice, 57.8% faceoff win percentage, 14 blocks, 19 hits
- Scheifele: 31 games played, 16 goals, 24 assists, 40 points, 3 power-play goals, 67 shots on goal, 20:15 average time on ice, 48.0% faceoff win percentage, 12 blocks, 9 hits
- Suzuki: 32 games played, 9 goals, 28 assists, 37 points, 6 power-play goals, 68 shots on goal, 20:44 average time on ice, 49.5% faceoff win percentage, 28 blocks, 25 hits
Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche stated he would not allow any player to participate if it compromises the team. Some fans are hesitant to see Horvat compete in the Olympics given the injury risk and potential impact on his NHL season availability. However, for Horvat and players like him, representing their country on this stage is likely a once-in-a-lifetime honor.
Men’s hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics kicks off on February 11th.
Fan Take: This news is significant for hockey fans because it highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing player health with the honor of Olympic competition. Horvat’s participation could strengthen Canada’s depth and showcase the importance of versatile, hardworking players on international ice.
