The New York Islanders have honoured one of their key offensive players with the'C' for the upcoming season.
The Islanders announced on Monday that Bo Horvat will serve as the 16th captain in franchise history.
Horvat is filling the vacancy left by former captain Anders Lee, who left the franchise in free agency to join the Utah Mammoth on a three-year, $16.2-million contract.
The London, Ont., native was acquired by the Islanders from the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 30, 2023 in exchange for Anthony Beauvillier, Aatu Räty, and a 2023 first-round pick.
Horvat previously served as captain with the Canucks before being traded and was named an assistant captain with the Islanders ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Horvat was originally drafted ninth overall by the Canucks in the 2013 NHL Draft and was in the midst of his ninth season with the franchise when he was traded. The 31-year-old led the Islanders with 31 goals and finished with 57 points in 68 games last season.
It was the fourth time in the last six seasons that Horvat has reached the 30-goal mark, leading the Islanders in goals (99) and points (198) since joining the organization.
Before entering the NHL, Horvat played three seasons with the London Knights in the OHL, winning the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the league's most valuable player in the 2013 playoffs.