Amidst the Canucks embarrassing offensive output as of late, there is one player who has separated himself from the rest. That player is rookie centerman Bo Horvat, and no, it’s not just a case of “he’s been less horrible than the others.” Horvat has played some legitimately excellent hockey at both ends of the ice, and as of right now, it’s probably safe to say that fans and management alike are fairly satisfied with their return for goaltender Cory Schneider (now of the New Jersey Devils.)
Ever since joining the Canucks, Horvat has come as advertised on the defensive side of the puck, boasting a faceoff percentage of 52%, and lining up against some of the finest the NHL has to offer, including Penguins superstar Sidney Crosby, and Selke winners Jonathan Toews and Patrice Bergeron. While Horvat’s Corsi and Fenwick numbers are hardly all-world, he does generally play a simple, low-key style of game.
As much as spectators have enjoyed Horvat’s defensive play, what’s even more impressive is his recent ability to pile up the points. Throughout the last eight games, the 19-year-old has put up six points, and has eight points in his last 12. His 14 total points ranks as the 17th highest total among rookie skaters, while playing a handful of games less than others within his point range. It’s not just the raw totals that have fans and media excited, it’s also the general confidence the former London Knight has been playing with. On a nightly basis, we witness Horvat trying things one wouldn’t have considered plausible for the young center at the beginning of the season. Driving the net, toe-drags, you name it. Not only that, but he’s done it all without sacrificing his strong, structured defensive play.
For an organization that had been lacking in blue-chip prospects for the longest time, Horvat is a revelation in Vancouver. Fans, media, and the entire organization are high on the youngster, many even speculating his possible future as captain of the club. Here are a few examples of the excitement surrounding Bo:
Dear Jim Benning: Please keep Bo Horvat forever.
— Nucks Misconduct (@nucksmisconduct) February 12, 2015
Bo Horvat is like a veteran already, clearing the crease with snarl. Kid is impressive.
— Satiar Shah (@SatiarShah) February 15, 2015
https://twitter.com/87ASandhu/status/566469503320875008
You get the picture. Everybody’s excited about the guy. As for what the future holds, it seems likely that he’ll take over for pending UFA Brad Richardson as the third line center next season, and slowly progress from there. Will he ever be a big-time point producer at the NHL level? That doesn’t seem likely, because, as much as we’ve enjoyed this recent point-streak, his game is built upon a foundation of being a defensively responsible player, but that doesn’t mean he’s not capable of putting together seasons in the 60-70 point range on a consistent basis. Canuck fans, prepare yourselves, for we may just be seeing a transition into the Bo Horvat era of Vancouver hockey.
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