Brief

Islands evaluate Bo Horvat after illegal head check by Frank Nazar

Bo Horvat's condition is being checked after an illegal head‑to‑shoulder hit by Frank Nazar in the Islanders' win over Chicago.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 10 Oct 2026 22:01:57 GMT

The New York Islanders are awaiting an update on captain Bo Horvat's condition after Frank Nazar delivered an illegal head check late in Thursday night’s 3‑1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks at UBS Arena.

Horvat was removed from the game by the league’s concussion spotters and did not attend the optional practice on Friday, according to the New York Post. Coach Pete DeBoer said Horvat would be examined by the team's medical staff that morning. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced a hearing for Nazar on Friday, which could lead to a suspension.

With 1:33 left in the third period, Horvat was upended by a shoulder to the head area after shooting into an empty net. The Islanders’ players reacted, with Kyle Palmieri stating, “I definitely think [the hit] was over the line.” Palmieri added that the hit was “out of our hands now” and expressed hope for Horvat’s quick recovery.

DeBoer noted the team’s uncertainty about Horvat’s return, saying, “We’re not even having those conversations yet,” when asked about a timeline. Horvat has tallied four goals in four games this season and was the only Islander named to the Olympic team.

Key facts

Bo Horvat was knocked out of the game by an illegal head check from Frank Nazar. (nypost.com)
Horvat was removed by concussion spotters and missed Friday's optional practice. (nypost.com)
Coach Pete DeBoer said Horvat would be examined by the team's medical staff the following morning. (nypost.com)
The NHL Department of Player Safety scheduled a hearing for Frank Nazar on Friday. (nypost.com)
Kyle Palmieri called the hit "over the line" and expressed hope for Horvat's recovery. (nypost.com)