Injuries and a grueling season sideline the Olympic silver medalist. Horvat prioritizes rest over representing Canada at the upcoming World Championships.
New York Islanders forward Bo Horvat, who won a silver medal with Team Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, will not be representing his country at the 2026 World Championships, per industry sources.
It shouldn't come as a shock, given what transpired with Horvat this season.
The 31-year-old, who recorded a team-leading 31 goals with 26 assists for 57 points, was limited to just 68 games due to back-to-back lower-body injuries before the Olympics.
While he was healthy to play, it didn't seem like he was 100% -- no one is -- come the end of the season, as the Islanders tried to sneak into a playoff spot.
They ultimately weren't able to, with Horvat scoring just two goals and four assists over the final 10 games of the season.
On locker room breakup day, we asked Horvat about potentially playing Worlds.
"It's always something to consider," Horvat said. You never want to rule it out. But, yeah, it's been a lot, not only physically, but mentally. It's been a long year, so I think just spending time with the family and resetting here for the next couple of weeks is going to be good for me. I think, obviously, I'd rather be playing in the playoffs right now, and that's no question. It's definitely been a long year."
Horvat just finished the third season of an eight-year deal worth $8.5 million annually.