Bo Horvat set to bolster the NY Islanders lineup Saturday afternoon versus Sabres

Bo Horvat is finally back where he wants to be — on the ice with his teammates — and all signs point to the Islanders’ top center making his return Saturday afternoon against the Buffalo Sabres.

After not playing since Jan. 1 against Utah due to a lower-body injury, Horvat rejoined the group at practice this week and sounded eager, relieved, and ready to go.

“It felt good to be back with the guys and back in a regular routine,” Horvat said. “It was lonely back here, skating by yourself and stuff, so it felt good to be back with the guys and hopefully be good to go tomorrow.”

The 30-year-old made it clear the time away wasn’t about rushing back — it was about getting it right.

“I just want to make sure it’s right. I want to make sure I’m ready to go 100% and be at my best when I come back,” Horvat said. “I owe that to the guys, to the team, to come back and be ready to go. I’m feeling better and better as the days go on.”

Horvat watched from home as the Islanders battled through a grueling seven-game road trip, going 3-3-1 despite missing their offensive leader. New York’s resilience stood out to him.

“Anytime somebody’s gone down, somebody’s stepped up and carried us in a big way,” he said. “Whether it’s goaltending, somebody on the back end or even up front — guys are contributing. Different guys are stepping up at different times and we’re going to need that going forward.”

The timing of Horvat’s return is ideal, not just for the Islanders but for his own Olympic ambitions. As the lone Islander selected to represent Canada at the Winter Games in Milan, Horvat wants game reps before heading overseas. “It’s super important not only for me, but for the team as well,” he said. “Get back into the swing of things, get back into game shape. I’m just really excited to be back.”

Horvat leads the Islanders with 21 goals and has added 12 assists this season. His presence immediately stabilizes the top six and the power play as the Isles push deeper into the season and the playoff race. Saturday’s opponent won’t make it easy. Buffalo enters the matinee scorching hot and sitting in a playoff spot.

“We expect a tough game,” Horvat said. “They’ve been playing really well as of late, scoring goals, doing a lot of good things. Their record shows it.”

After weeks of lonely skates and rehab sessions, Horvat finally gets his moment.

“It sucks not being on the road trip,” he admitted. “But it was for the best for me to heal up the right way, get the proper treatment and be ready to go when the guys got back. Feeling good and can’t wait to play again.”

For the Islanders, getting Bo Horvat back isn’t just good news — it feels like perfect timing.