{"id":3631,"date":"2016-12-12T16:59:25","date_gmt":"2016-12-12T21:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonhockey.com\/?p=3631"},"modified":"2016-12-14T13:17:42","modified_gmt":"2016-12-14T18:17:42","slug":"bo-horvat-canucks-offensive-driver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2016\/12\/12\/bo-horvat-canucks-offensive-driver\/","title":{"rendered":"Bo Horvat Becoming Vancouver Canucks Offensive Driver"},"content":{"rendered":"

Vancouver Canucks<\/strong> fans have been asking\u00a0for something that could represent a changing of the guard offensively. The transition away from Henrik<\/strong><\/a> and Daniel Sedin<\/strong><\/a> as the team’s primary offensive producers looks to be a tough one. Despite his recent cold streak, Bo Horvat<\/strong><\/a> has emerged as\u00a0the Canucks offensive\u00a0driver.<\/p>\n

Bo Horvat Becoming Vancouver Canucks Offensive Driver<\/h2>\n

In 29 games this season, Horvat has put up eight goals and eight assists, ranking second on the team in goals, and third in points. The\u00a0Sedins remain the primary producers of the team with 19 points for Daniel, and 18 for Henrik. However, this is the first time in a long time that anyone has challenged their reign at the top of the Canucks scoring ladder.<\/p>\n

Critics questioned Horvat’s offensive capabilities after the Canucks selected him ninth overall in the 2013 NHL Draft<\/strong>.\u00a0While strong, many were sceptical as to whether or not they would translate to the big leagues. Many deemed his likely projection to be that of a very good third-line center, or a respectable second liner.<\/p>\n

Now, the second line appears to be his floor. Some even speculate as to if he could possibly be the team’s number one for years to come. While his ceiling remains to be seen, the development in Horvat’s foot speed, raw skill, and general dynamic ability has been tremendous, and looks to only improve as time continues to pass.<\/p>\n

Continuing an Upwards Trajectory<\/h3>\n

These developments should not come as too much of a surprise to anyone. Throughout the back half of the \u00a0treacherous 2015-16 campaign, Horvat was the team’s best player. He led the team in scoring from January onward, taking home the team’s Most Exciting Player award at the end of the season.<\/p>\n

His 16 goals and 40 points in all 82 games last year ranked third on the team in both categories. This cemented his sophomore year as a big success for the now 21-year-old. This came on the heels of a 68-game rookie season that saw the former\u00a0London Knight<\/strong> score a very respectable 13 goals and 25 points in largely fourth line duty.<\/p>\n

Now skating alongside veteran Alex Burrows<\/strong><\/a> and former\u00a0Calgary Flames\u00a0<\/strong>winger Sven Baertschi<\/strong><\/a>, Horvat’s trajectory has made him the\u00a0Canucks offensive driver. He is largely seen as the team’s most valuable player. While his acclaim in junior largely came from his stalwart two-way ability and enviable leadership skills, he is now seen as the Canucks most dangerous player on most nights.<\/p>\n

It seems unlikely that Horvat will ever challenge for an Art Ross Trophy<\/strong>, or even hit point-a-game numbers. Canucks fans can be thankful that a young players\u00a0seems to have the ability\u00a0to put up top-line\u00a0numbers . It’s possible that the hockey community has largely underestimated Horvat, but he’s been exceeding expectations.<\/p>\n

Main Photo.<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n