Bo Horvat is a safe bet to lead the NY Islanders in goals again this season

Bo Horvat may not get mentioned with the NHL’s elite centers, but the New York Islanders center, and perhaps future captain, continues to be one of the league’s more dependable goal scorers.

That should remain the case in 2026-27.

Horvat led the Islanders with 31 goals last season despite appearing in just 68 games. He also paced the team with seven game-winning goals, which tied for 11th in the NHL, and recorded 226 shots on goal. Before injuries slowed him down, Horvat was producing at an even higher level. He had 31 points in his first 31 games, including 19 goals, before his season became more uneven.

The larger track record is hard to ignore and is a model of consistency. The 31-year-old has scored at least 28 goals in each of the past five seasons. His career high remains 38 goals in 2022-23, the season in which he was traded from Vancouver to the Islanders.

That consistency makes another 30-goal season a reasonable expectation.

Horvat has also shown that he isn't a one-dimensional player, and adds other value to the team, including in the face-off circle. He won 690 faceoffs last season, making him one of only three NHL players to combine at least 30 goals, 650 faceoff wins and 200 shots on goal. The other two were Dylan Larkin and Nathan MacKinnon.

There will always be questions about whether Horvat can maintain his production as he moves deeper into his 30s, but nothing in his recent history suggests a major drop-off is imminent.

If he stays healthy, Horvat looks like a safe bet to once again finish among the Islanders’ leaders in goals, shots and overall offensive production.

Another solid season should be coming and perhaps a career year if he can stay healthy.

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