By J.J. Pavlick | Elmont, NY | September 14, 2026 |
ELMONT, N.Y. — The New York Islanders officially ushered in a new leadership era today, naming forward Bo Horvat the 16th captain in the organization’s history.
The announcement fills the structural vacancy left by longtime captain Anders Lee, who departed Long Island during the offseason. For Horvat, this marks the second time he has been chosen to lead an NHL locker room, having previously served as the captain of the Vancouver Canucks from 2019 until his blockbuster trade to New York in January 2023.
“It definitely caught me by surprise, but again, I just couldn’t be more honored to be wearing that letter and representing Long Island,” Horvat said during the team’s training camp media availability. “Knowing what it felt like [in Vancouver] makes it a little bit easier, but it’s still always such an honor, such a privilege.”
Bo Horvat
Since arriving on Long Island, Horvat has established himself as a baseline pillar for the franchise, showcasing the clinical work ethic and tactical reliability required of a foundational leader. Head coach Peter DeBoer noted that while the team evaluated multiple strong voices inside the dressing room, elevating Horvat to wear the “C” was ultimately a straightforward decision.
Horvat will head a newly structured leadership contingent for the campaign, supported by a veteran leadership core and teenage defensive phenom Matthew Schaefer.
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