Horvat becoming go-to guy for Canucks

Everything looks to be coming together for Bo Horvat.

The Vancouver Canucks made him their guy in 2013, trading netminder Cory Schneider for the right to pick him ninth overall, and halfway through the third season of his career, he's a budding star.

With a team-leading 13 goals and 29 points through 42 games this season, Horvat is on track to become the first player not named Sedin to lead the Canucks in scoring since 2005-06, when Markus Naslund recorded 79 points.

While Henrik or Daniel - second and third in team scoring, respectively - can surely assume the team lead before the season ends, it remains important to recognize the strides Horvat has made.

The 21-year-old is three goals shy of the career-high 16 tallies he established in 82 games last season, and just 12 points shy of reaching a new best in that regard.

What's more, the Canucks are winning, owners of a 7-3 record in their last 10 games, and unexpectedly in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.

Over Vancouver's impressive stretch, Horvat's leading the way, currently riding a seven-game point streak and manufacturing 13 points in his last 13 games.

Horvat has also set new highs in ice time (17:26) and owns the highest faceoff win rate of his career (54.2%).

The increased success couldn't come at a better time for Horvat, either, as he's scheduled for restricted free agency - and likely a hefty raise.