Canucks Advent Day 20: Top 25 Players Of The 2010’s

Each day until Christmas I will rank one player until we have the top 25 of the 2010’s. These Vancouver icons will be ranked on their statistics, impact on the city and overall play during their time with Vancouver. Rankings will be based on the player’s Vancouver tenure during the 2010’s only, prior seasons with the team will make little impact to the rankings.

6. Bo Horvat (2015 – Present)

Statistics: 413 GP, 107 G, 143 A, 250 PTS

Reactions were mixed to say the least during the when the Vancouver Canucks announced a trade at the 2012 entry draft. The Canucks had dealt blossoming star goalie Cory Schneider to New Jersey in exchange for the 9th overall selection. Fortunately for Canucks fans, Bo Horvat was selected at number nine. Opinions on the trade were changed Horvat began playing for the team. Horvat would be the first young star to try and rebuild Vancouver’s reputation. Furthermore, Horvat would become the first captain of the Canucks after Henrik Sedin‘s era.

In his inaugural NHL season throughout 2014-14, Horvat was given an opportunity in a depth role. He did not have much pressure placed on him while he played on the bottom six. Horvat would make some mistakes throughout the season, but also took several steps in the right direction. His limited role allowed his mistakes not to impact the team as severely as someone playing top six minutes. Bo recorded 25 points in 68 games to cap of a solid rookie regular season.

Impressively, Horvat put up four points in his six playoff games during the 2014-15 season. These games provided invaluable experience for the rookie that he continues to use throughout his career. In the following season Bo was able to stay healthy. Although the Canucks team did not qualify for the playoffs, Horvat was able to develop his game. He improved his point total to 40.

Taking a Bigger Role

The next several seasons saw a recurring theme take place in Bo’s career. Every season he would come out a little bit better. Better as a leader, stronger physically, Bo simply took positive steps in his development each year. In 2016-17 Horvat became a legit top-six forward. 52 points with 20 goals has fans eager to see more. He was able to continue taking steps forward while playing with injuries in the following season.

Throughout 2017-18 Horvat was able to hit the 20 goal mark once again. This time he did while missing 18 games. Horvat’s offensive pace was better than prior seasons. He proved this and put up 44 points during a shortened season. Horvat’s faceoff ability became high-end this season and he was able to sit above 53% on draws. This season helped prime Bo to become leader.

Although the Canucks did not name a captain for the 2018-19 season, it was pretty clear that Bo was a leader on and off the ice. He was named as one of the four assistant captains. This captaincy gave him valuable experience. This was Horvat’s best full season to date. He won over 1000 faceoffs, recorded 61 points and helped the Canucks have one of their best seasons in years. The team would not make the playoffs, but fans were excited by all of the youthful potential.

During this current season, Bo Horvat was named captain. He has won a career best 55.5% of his faceoffs so far and has even scored his first career hat-trick. Bo has played well on the second line with many different wingers. Although Vancouver sits on the outside of the playoff bubble mid-way through the season, fans are optimistic. This is the best team Vancouver has had since 2014-15 and Horvat is a huge part of that. He has worked tirelessly as a Canuck and has made massive improvements. Bo Horvat is Vancouver’s captain and the 6th most impactful Canuck of the 2010’s.

Who’s Next?

I hope that you have enjoyed this installment of the Canucks Advent Calendar! Be sure to check back tomorrow for the next player on the list!

Previous Rankings: Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6  Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19

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