Joshua Ho-Sang

October 2021 – Ho-Sang accepted a PTO with the Maple Leafs and showed well during the preseason. He impressed the organization enough that they signed him to an AHL deal in order to continue working with him on his road to the NHL. He should play a prominent role for the Marlies and could be in line for an NHL deal at some point during the season if he is able to continue his strong play from the preseason. Nick Richard

September 2021 –After exhausting opportunities with the Islanders, the controversial RW is trying to land a contract from the Maple Leafs with a professional tryout deal. Mark Allan

February 2021 – Ho-Sang packed his well-used suitcase again when the Isles loaned him to Linköping after his loan agreement with fellow Swedish Hockey League squad Örebro expired. His new club has the second-fewest goals in the SHL, and the highly skilled winger should help, although he had just one assist in five outings with Örebro. Linköping said it expects him to remain until the end of the season, although the only sure thing is that RFA Ho-Sang won’t be in the NYI organization afterwards. Mark Allan

January 2021 – The Islanders, who loaned Ho-Sang to the St. Louis Blues last year, have banished him even farther away. Freshly waived through the NHL, he’s been loaned to Örebro HK of the Swedish Hockey League, joining fellow Islanders’ prospect Robin Salo. What’s next? Siberia? Mark Allan

January 2021 – After not inviting him to training camp, the Isles again waived the controversial winger whose attitude keeps overcoming his considerable hockey skill. Drafted 28th in 2014, Ho-Sang overslept on the first day of training camp and was returned to the OHL by GM Garth Snow. It was a rough draft for Snow, who took Michael Dal Colle fifth when players named Pastrnak, Ehlers and Larkin were available. Snow traded up to 28th by sending his second- and third-round picks to the Lightning. Ho-Sang repaid his faith by mustering 24 points in 53 NHL games. Mark Allan

October 2020 – Three days ahead of an arbitration hearing, the Isles and Ho-Sang agreed on a one-year, two-way deal. He’ll get paid based on a $700,000 annual salary for NHL appearances compared to $225,000 when he plays in the minors. The odds of the mercurial former first-rounder rising within the organization are slim, but he’s just 24 and has something to prove. Mark Allan

October 2020 –Ho-Sang filed for salary arbitration. Mark Allan

October 2020 – Although the future of the skilled but controversial winger with the Islanders remains clouded, the team prevented the RFA from becoming a UFA by tendering a qualifying offer. Mark Allan

May 2020 – The highly skilled but erratic winger and looming RFA didn’t do much to earn a new contract after requesting a trade. He worked out on his own as GM Lou Lamoriello tried to work out a deal somewhere (but ultimately failed). Ho-Sang eventually reported to Bridgeport and later the Islanders bizarrely assigned the 23-year-old to the St. Louis Blues’ AHL affiliate. A goal and two assists in six games for the San Antonio Rampage is a small and unimpressive sample size for an offensively gifted player. Uncertainty over the former 28th-overall draft pick’s future extends well beyond the pandemic. Mark Allan

February 2020 – Shortly after the trade deadline, the Isles assigned the headstrong RW to an AHL team – just not theirs in Bridgeport. Ho-Sang scored in his début with the San Antonio Rampage and was named the AHL game’s first star. Still property of the Islanders, the former 28th-overall pick compiled a respectable 19 goals and 65 assists in 122 outings with the Sound Tigers, but just three scores and 14 helpers in 32 NHL outings. It seems the NYIs are edging the dynamic scorer and indifferent defender out of their system. If he keeps playing well for the Rampage, maybe the Blues will make an offer for the pending RFA. Mark Allan and Dobber

August 2019 – Ho-Sang signed a one-year contract as a restricted free agent. The 23-year-old recorded eight goals and 43 points in 56 AHL contest last season but was held to just 10 NHL games. This after playing 20-plus contests for the Islanders in each of the previous two campaigns. The former OHL star is no longer free to move up and down from the American League without waivers. It will be time to secure a full-time job on Long Island or try his luck in another organization – if one will have him. Ho-Sang remains an intriguingly skilled player but has yet to put it all together and at his age, time is running out. Cam Robinson

December 2018 – Ho-Sang was called up from the Bridgeport Sound Tigers this weekend after putting up two goals and 18 points in his last 17 games. The Islanders’ faithful have been glamouring for this moment for quite some time however he may not be slotted into the line-up right away. There is speculation that his return to the Island may just be as a filler for practice as the coach has been murky regarding his deployment. That being said, the call-up itself is a step forward for the much maligned skater and if a roster spot opens due to injury, Ho-Sang will finally be given the chance to prove he belongs in NHL. Jesse Sherman

September 2018 – Ho-Sang will be returning to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the Islanders’ AHL affiliate, as the preseason comes to an end in Long Island. It was believed that Ho-Sang would be on the opening night roster this campaign given the New York Islanders’ General Manager Lou Lamoriello’s statements regarding giving his players a clean slate. Contrarily, he made the following comments: “Thought he worked hard, gave us everything he had… He just needs to go to the minors, he’s got ability, go there and get over all these issues that I haven’t seen, that transpired in the past. He’s been excellent in camp. Just go grow and get better.” His inability to crack the roster after having put up 12 points in 22 games last year has to be a concern for Ho-Sang’s future with the team. Jesse Sherman

June 2018 – It was a frustrating year for Ho-Sang and that frustration bubbled over into the press. From producing 12 points in 22 games in the NHL to being a healthy scratch in the AHL, the 2014 first round pick has been the enigma that many thought he might be. He doesn’t have much to work with in terms of his level of talent and speed in Bridgeport (AHL) and that holds him back a bit. His flashy and flamboyant style also can lack the necessary pro ingredients to make an impact even when not scoring. That said, it stands to reason that Ho-Sang will be in the Isles lineup for much of next season at the least. His speed, skills and stick-handling have game-breaker upside but the bottom-end of the scale for him is enough to get him on a coach’s bad side quickly. The NHL game is played in tight near the net and Ho-Sang struggles to get there and/or be effective there with his size and style – he’ll need just the right combination to have an impact that matches his skill set. Michael Farkas

July 2017 – After an energizing NHL showing at the tail end of 2016-17 (4 G, 6 A, 21 games) following up a solid rookie AHL campaign in Bridgeport (10 G, 26 A, 50 games) Ho-Sang is a surprising Mini-Camp participant. Brought in to mentor less experienced players as well as refine his game, his four-point Blue-White Scrimmage performance featured slick playmaking and finishing skills that should help him land an increased role with the Isles. Kevin Wickersham

November 2016 – Joshua Ho-Sang -. Many people will be quick to criticize Ho-Sang as a selfish player with a chip on his shoulder. To me, all offensive players are a bit selfish. They have to be. They want the puck on their stick because they have the confidence to know that they can make a good play. In Junior, this method has a bit more success than in Pro. Many high scoring junior players learn the hard way that the transition is not as easy, and you must use the players around you more to have success. Ho-Sang was ultimately released from the Islanders during camp, and sent to the AHL Bridgeport Sound Tigers. Six points in 10 games suggests that he is adjusting nicely to the level he is at. He is a dynamic offensive talent with the ability to make defenders look silly. This is typical ‘boom or bust’ as they say. If Ho-Sang can figure out a complete game, and learn the ins and outs of Professional Hockey then he has the talent to be a scorer at the NHL level. The tough part will be predicting when, and if, that opportunity is given to him. Kevin Pedersen

July 2016 – In his second season playing junior since being drafted by the Islanders, Ho-Sang was just okay. He posted 58 primary points in 66 games played, good for twenty-first in the OHL. Ho-Sang only managed 19 goals on 131 shots, numbers far below what one would expect from a top prospect in their 19 year-old season. It is concerning how Ho-Sang’s goal scoring and shot production rates have slipped dramatically since his draft year. It will be very interesting to see how Ho-Sang fares in his first pro season, presumably with Bridgeport. Perhaps he just needs a new challenge. Brent Craswell

Nov 2015 – Since being demoted on the first day of Islanders training camp, Ho-Sang has again been impressive in the OHL for the Niagara IceDogs. He has registered 26 points in 17 games, 20 of those points being assists as he prefers to set up plays rather than finish them. Ho-Sang is again a top OHL player, and past antics aside, should be on any keeper squad. Pat Quinn

Oct 2015 – As everyone knows by now Ho-Sang was sent back to Junior after showing up late for the first day of Islanders training camp. It will be a big time wake up call for the kid with the “trouble” label attached to him. He is still a very smart and skilled player and his past should have no bearing on his future outlook as he is one to own in keeper leagues. He currently has four points in two games for the Niagara IceDogs of the OHL. Pat Quinn

April 2015 – With 19 points in 11 games Ho-Sang was traded from the Windsor Spitfires to the Niagara Icedogs where he put up 62 points in 49 games. This season he worked on using his teammates more as he put up 64 assists in total this season, more than any other. It explains his low goal totals (17), but it was an area he wanted to show the Islanders he could improve in this season. While he remains selfish at times he is improving all over the ice and should keep progressing well. Pat Quinn

October 2014 –Windsor forward Josh Ho-Sang has been named to the OHL’s roster for the upcoming Subway® Super Series and will compete in the November 17^th game in Kingston. Since serving his six-game suspension to start the season, Josh Ho-Sang has rifled off three goals and seven points in his first three games back. The Subway Super Series will provide Ho-Sang with an opportunity to finally show Hockey Canada that he can impact the 2015 U20 WJC team after being left off summer orientation camp rosters. Brendan Ross

June 2014 – The New York Islanders selected Josh Ho-Sang 28^th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Brendan Ross

April 2014 – Josh Ho-Sang was suspended 15 games for a dangerous play that resulted in Knights defenseman Zach Bell breaking his leg in Game 3 of the first round series versus London. The suspension has been one of the most debated disciplinary actions of the season and the video can be viewed below. Ho-Sang will start serving his 15-game suspension at the start of the 2014-15 OHL season. Brendan Ross

April 2014 – Josh Ho-Sang had a successful sophomore season recording career highs in goals (32), assists (53), points (85), plus/minus (+26) and penalty minutes (44) topping his team in scoring. He improved his defensive commitment and attention to detail but remains a high-risk style of player who relies on dangerous passing plays all too often. Heading towards the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, Ho-Sang is one of the draft’s top skaters and a player with big upside but he does come with some concerns – mainly, his size and carefree offensive game. Brendan Ross

August 2013 – The Windsor Spitfires quickly snapped up Joshua Ho-Sang at 5^th overall after he experienced a slight fall at the 2012 OHL Priority Selection Draft. Ho-Sang, a former star of the Toronto Marlboros of the GTHL, is a highly skilled, dynamic forward with elite skating ability. It’s not uncommon to witness Ho-Sang dancing his way down the ice showcasing impressive puck skills in ultimate confidence. Opponents are forced to give him extra space to ensure he doesn’t make them look silly by accelerating or dangling past them. However, while Ho-Sang’s offensive prowess is certainly captivating, too often he is guilty of playing too much like an individual forcing plays and looking off teammates. Assumming Ho-Sang can learn to best utilize his teammates and improve his team game, he has the chance to develop into a true star.  Brendan Ross