Controversial former first-rounder Josh Ho-Sang linked to Maple Leafs
If you're unaware of the saga involving former first-round draft pick Josh Ho-Sang, here's a quick recap. Taken in the 28th overall spot by the New York Islanders in 2014, Ho-Sang did not endear himself to Islanders' management, getting punished for showing up late to practice and reportedly having a pretty bad attitude at times. Now, there's word he may get another chance to prove himself, this time with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
"Josh Ho-Sang is going to get a fresh start this summer as he looks to get back to the NHL," said Dave Pagnotta of the Fourth Period. "Keep an eye on the Toronto Maple Leafs; likely a two-way contract when completed."
Ho-Sang went through waivers while with the Islanders, and the team attempted to find a trade partner for him, but there were no takers. Last season, Ho-Sang went to Europe, where he was cut by Örebro of the SHL after a five games for not being in game shape (not surprising as he had had no opportunity to play hockey for a while due to the COVID-19 pandemic). He was then signed by Linkopings, and played four games for the team while recording two goals.
While drafted six years ago, Ho-Sang has managed just 53 games in the NHL, recording seven goals and 24 points. He has not played in the big league since the 2018-19 season. Partway through the AHL season in 2019-20, the Islanders farm club, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, decided to loan him to San Antonio without getting anything in return. Ho-Sang was not given a qualifying offer from the Islanders by Monday, meaning he'll be a free agent on Wednesday. He is the second second first-rounder from 2014 not to receive a QO from the Isles this week.
| G | A | PTS | ||
| Ryan McLeod | 3 | - | 3 | |
| Connor McDavid | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
| Matthew Boldy | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Ryan Nugent-Hopkins | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
| Brent Burns | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Mats Zuccarello | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Jason Zucker | - | 2 | 2 | |
| Dylan Cozens | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Ryan Hartman | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Zach Hyman | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Martin Necas | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Vasily Podkolzin | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Marco Rossi | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Jaccob Slavin | 1 | - | 1 | |
| Viktor Arvidsson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Evan Bouchard | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Josh Brown | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Connor Clifton | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Leon Draisaitl | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Ty Emberson | - | 1 | 1 | |
| Complete stats | ||||
| STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Capitals | 44 | 29 | 10 | 5 | 63 | |
Jets | 45 | 30 | 12 | 3 | 63 | |
Golden Knights | 44 | 29 | 12 | 3 | 61 | |
Oilers | 44 | 28 | 13 | 3 | 59 | |
Wild | 45 | 27 | 14 | 4 | 58 | |
Stars | 43 | 28 | 14 | 1 | 57 | |
Devils | 46 | 26 | 15 | 5 | 57 | |
Maple Leafs | 45 | 27 | 16 | 2 | 56 | |
Avalanche | 45 | 27 | 17 | 1 | 55 | |
Hurricanes | 45 | 26 | 16 | 3 | 55 | |
| Conference | Cumulative | ||||||