Bo Horvat is Excited for New Beginnings on Long Island

Bo Horvat isn't sure which number he'll wear when he arrives on Long Island, since number 53 already belongs to Casey Cizikas, but he's certain about one thing: his gratitude for a new opportunity as a New York Islander.
"It's been a whirlwind for me and my family," Horvat said in a press conference following the
news of his acquisition
. "We're really excited. I've heard lots of unbelievable things about the organization, the city all the players on the team."
Horvat is having a dominant season, with 54 points (31G, 23A), the second-most in his career, in just 49 games played. His 31 goals are ranked eighth in the league, which ties last season's career-high, meaning his next goal - his first as a New York Islander - will hold up as a new career high.

"You can put me out in any key situation, take a big face off or scoring a big goal," Horvat said. "I think I can add that to this group given the opportunity. I'm going to try my best to do that."
New York Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello said
Horvat's proven goal scoring, as well as his power-play ability
, face-off acumen and versatility will help the Islanders.

"This trade] gave us the ability to now add a player who brings scoring and can play all dimensions and play all positions," Lamoriello said.
It's a big change for Horvat, who has played his entire 621-game career in Vancouver, but he's already familiar with a handful of guys on the team. Horvat played with Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Mathew Barzal, Josh Bailey and Ryan Pulock in the 2018 IIHF World Championships.
"I had great relationships with them there," Horvat said on his previous connection to his new teammates. "I look forward to continue those when I get to Long Island."
[7 FACTS: BO HORVAT
Horvat is proven to be a powerhouse offensively, scoring 201 career goals over nine seasons with the Canucks. While it's unknown how he will fit into the lineup, he said he would enjoy playing with Barzal when asked directly.
"I have a lot of respect for Mat's game [with] his ability to make plays and pass the puck," Horvat said. "He has lot of offensive talent and I think I can complement that. If we do get the opportunity to play with each other, I'd really enjoyed that. But it's not up to me, it's up to the coaching staff. I'm just happy to be here."

Horvat has another Islanders connection in his past, as he was indirectly traded for Cory Schneider back at the 2013 Draft. The New Jersey Devils traded the ninth-overall pick to Vancouver for the goaltender, who has spent the past season-and-a-half in the organization in Bridgeport.
Horvat won't have to wait long for his first game against Vancouver, as the Islanders will host the Canucks on Feb. 9 at UBS Arena. Although the trade is very fresh and many aspects are unknown, Horvat made sure to check the schedule to know when to expect to face his former team.
"That is going to be an interesting game to say the least," Horvat said. "It's going to be a little weird, skating on the other side of the ice from all my ex-teammates, but it's a game that I've already circled on my calendar. I can't wait to play."
Spending his whole career with the Canucks organization - 621 games through nine seasons - Horvat thought he would stay in Vancouver for the duration of his NHL career. However, the 27-year-old center is looking ahead to his future on Long Island.
"Even in the beginning of the year, I thought I'd be a Canuck for life," Horvat admitted. "Things didn't work out that way. But it led me to this opportunity right here... I'm grateful that the New York Islanders really believe in me and I'm proud to be a New Yorker Islander now. Honestly, I can't wait."
"They have a great culture, a great leadership group and hopefully I can add to that."