Islanders’ Bo Horvat could return Jan. 24

Bo Horvat is very close to returning to the lineup.

The New York Islanders centre has been skating for about three days and is a possibility to play in the team’s first game back from their current road trip on Jan. 24 against the Buffalo Sabres, said general manager Mathieu Darche on Friday.

Horvat has been sidelined since suffering a lower-body injury on Jan. 1, a day after he was named to Team Canada’s Olympic roster. Darche added that despite the Islanders being cautious with Horvat’s return, he is expected to play well before the Olympic break.

The 30-year-old has amassed 21 goals and 12 assists on the season while being a plus-four.

The Islanders are second in the Metropolitan Division with a 26-16-5 record.