A former coach of Josh Ho-Sang believes he can be good for the Leafs: ''You can't teach what he has''

Josh Ho-Sang has become somewhat of a polarizing figure in hockey since being drafted 28th overall back in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. Still, the PTO that the winger signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs this summer could end up paying dividends for both sides, if Ho-Sang can work hard enough to earn himself an NHL contract in training camp.

On one hand, Ho-Sang possesses all of the tools to become a star player in the NHL. On the other, he seems to have a penchant for getting in his own way with rumours of a poor attitude surrounding him wherever he goes.

As far as pure hockey skill goes, Ho-Sang was said to be among the top offensively gifted players in his class. There is some evidence of this in the fact that, despite only playing 53 career NHL games, he still ranks 48th in scoring in the 2014 draft class.

A coach who had previously worked with Ho-Sang told the Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons that, given the level of talent Ho-Sang possesses, he's shocked that he hasn't become a household name in the NHL.

"You can't teach what he has. It's ridiculous how much talent he has. It's wild, really. Hopefully, this time he gets it right. This time he figures it out.

"Honest, it has forever puzzled me just as it has puzzled others how this kid hasn't made it big."

Another hockey source close to Ho-Sang told Simmons that the 25-year-old's issue is more related to the way he thinks than to his actual attitude.

"You have to understand, he's not a bad person, he just thinks differently than you and I do. And hockey's not meant for those who think differently If there's a team that might get him, it might be the Leafs.

"Josh has a good soul. I'm really hoping this is his time."

The Leafs do seem to think outside of the box fairly often, so perhaps this partnership could end up being beneficial for both sides.

Ho-Sang will need to come ready to play in what is expected to be a very competitive Leafs training camp if he hopes to earn himself an NHL contract.

Source: Toronto Sun

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