Bo Horvat’s Injury Update: Islanders Adjust Plans for Road Trip

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The New York Islanders have made a significant change regarding Bo Horvat’s participation in their recent seven-game road trip. Instead of traveling with the team, Horvat will stay back in New York to receive treatment for his lower-body injury. General Manager Mathieu Darche confirmed this decision prior to the Islanders’ 2-1 shootout loss against the Nashville Predators.

Injury Management Focus

Darche emphasized that this alteration in Horvat’s plans should not be viewed as a setback. The team remains optimistic that he might still join the trip later or even return to play before it concludes.

“I definitely expect him back way before the Olympic break,” Darche mentioned, highlighting the importance of cautious recovery. Horvat is slated to represent Team Canada in Milan and the Islanders want to ensure he makes a full recovery.

Expected Return Timeline

• Short-term: Horvat could potentially rejoin the team in the latter half of the trip.
• Long-term: Darche is confident Horvat will be fit before the upcoming Olympic break.

Injury Details

Horvat’s current issue seems to be linked to his left side and is relatively similar but not directly connected to an earlier injury that sidelined him for five games in December.

“Our doctors think there’s a strong chance it would’ve happened either way,” Darche explained, asserting that Horvat did not return too soon from his previous injury.

Other Player Updates

• Isaiah George: The defenseman is expected to make his return this weekend after dealing with a lower-body injury while at Bridgeport.

• Alexander Romanov: Although he has not yet begun skating, Darche indicated that Romanov is “progressing really, really well,” and there is potential for him to return for a playoff push.

Goaltending Situation

The status of Semyon Varlamov remains uncertain as he continues to recuperate from a knee injury. He has started to engage in individual drills but is not currently part of the team’s goaltending strategy.

“His situation won’t affect what I do with David [Rittich] right now because we don’t have an endgame with Varly,” said Darche, indicating a cautious approach to player management.

David Rittich in Action

David Rittich took the net for the Islanders against the Predators, a decision made by Coach Patrick Roy before Ilya Sorokin’s return from injury. Rittich’s performance and the overall goaltending strategy remain under review as the team navigates injuries.

Conclusion

As the Islanders continue their road trip, the focus will be on managing player health, particularly with key players like Bo Horvat potentially returning soon. The Islanders are committed to ensuring that Horvat recovers fully to contribute effectively. Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops and the team aims for success on the ice.

For more details and live updates about the Islanders, visit NHL.com and stay connected with the latest developments in player health and team performance.