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Islanders have a big question to answer about Bo Horvat scoring pace

The New York Islanders have gotten a much welcome offensive boost from Bo Horvat, but there is one question about his overall pace.
ByNestor Quixtan
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Oct 17, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) reacts as New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) celebrates his goal during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Oct 17, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly (44) reacts as New York Islanders center Bo Horvat (14) celebrates his goal during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

There is no question that Bo Horvat has been the real deal. If there was any doubt about him living up to his role as captain, well, the early returns have shown there’s nothing to worry about.

Through 10 games, the Islanders captain has five goals and five assists for 10 points. That's a point-per-game pace, and not really surprising for anyone who knows Horvat.

But the big question is: Is that sustainable?

Just by looking at the history, it’s doable. Horvat set a career-high in points during the 2022-23 season, scoring 38 goals and 70 points in 79 games. That season, Horvat split time between the Vancouver Canucks and the Islanders, suggesting that he can score at a point-per-game pace.

But then again, Horvat hasn’t really played under a system that could foster him as a bona fide high-end scorer.

Throughout his career, coaches have deployed Horvat as more of a defensive forward. That’s not surprising, considering his top-tier, two-way skills. But under Peter DeBoer, he’s had a bit less defensive responsibility and has focused more on being the Islanders’ top-line center.

And under those circumstances, Horvat could very well become a point-per-game player.

Bo Horvat on pace for career-highs in 2026-27

Even if we assume that Bo Horvat won’t be able to keep up a point-per-game clip this season, he’s well on track to eclipse his career highs across the board.

Given the way he’s maintained a consistent 30-goal rate per season, there’s no reason to think that he can’t score 40 goals. Added to that, Horvat has been playing well with whatever wingers are on his line.

So, is it realistic to see Horvat truly become the sort of player that can top, say, 80 points? That’s certainly within the realm of possibility. In fact, it wouldn’t be completely out of the question to think that Horvat could even get close to 100 points, given a more consistent style of play from the club and two extra games this season.

We might be getting ahead of ourselves here. But the last few games have given Islanders fans some hope. The scoring hasn't been quite as hard to come by this season, even if some games have been a grind.

The one thing to keep in mind is the return of Mathew Barzal. There will certainly be a temptation to load up that top line with Horvat and Barzal. And if that’s the case, it could be conducive to a scoring explosion that could lift the Islanders to the top of the Metro Division.

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