Team Canada gets it right by naming Islanders Horvat to Olympic roster

Team Canada’s official roster reveal on Wednesday ended speculation regarding Bo Horvat’s spot on the team. The Islanders’ forward got the nod among the 25 players heading to Milano-Cortina for the 2026 Olympics.

Horvat’s inclusion on the team was met with justifiable excitement from Islanders fans. But Horvat’s spot on the Canadian team goes beyond just getting the honor to represent his country. It’s about what Horvat brings to the squad on and off the ice.

Last season, Horvat was on the bubble for the 4 Nations Face-Off. While Team Canada didn’t select him, it didn’t preclude him from making the Olympic squad. And that’s what ultimately happened.

As Canadian GM Doug Armstrong stated following the official announcement, Horvat’s well-rounded game is what makes him an ideal choice for the team.

Armstrong highlighted how Horvat possesses “the attributes we’re looking for.” In particular, Armstrong praised the fact that Horvat is a 200-foot player.

That’s some lofty acclaim. Indeed, Horvat’s the kid of player who can kill penalties, play with the man advantage, and be a force 5v5. But it’s Horvat’s face-off skills that have also warranted special attention from Team Canada’s brass.

As such, Team Canada likely sees Horvat taking defensive zone draws in crucial situations. But it’s just more than getting Horvat in key situations. It’s that he can do it all. He’s got the capability of breaking games open if need be.

The Olympic tourney will make open ice extremely hard to come by. Teams will want to match up their best players against the opposition’s best. That’s why Horvat’s ability to play in all situations will allow Team Canada bench boss Jon Cooper to deploy Horvat at any point.

But there’s one other thing. Horvat can play center and wing. That’s something extremely important in tight situations. Cooper can stack two lines late in games.

Think about it. A line featuring Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon and Vegas Golden Knights star Mitch Marner with Horvat would be something virtually unstoppable.

If need be, Horvat could play on a top line with Connor McDavid and Sidney Crosby. That’s nothing to sneeze at. It’s precisely the reason why Canada wanted Horvat.

Don’t look now, but Horvat could be a major wild card once the puck drops on the Olympics next February.