As we approach the start of the 2020-21 regular season, a rather large contingent of players have made their way onto the waiver wire on Sunday, but, in my humble opinion, none more intriguing than 24-year-old Islanders prospect Josh Ho-Sang.
Ho-Sang, a former 1st-round draft pick (28th overall in 2014), is quite the loud personality, which has not exactly endeared him to his coaches and old school GM Lou Lamoriello in Long Island, as is evidenced by the multiple demotions he has endured since his draft year.
This is not the first time that the Islanders have held a 1st-round pick back due to issues relating to their attitude/personality. The club was in a similar position with 2010 5th overall pick Nino Niederreiter, which resulted in Niederreiter being dealt to the Minnesota Wild for Cal Clutterbuck and a 3rd-round draft pick back in 2013.
Despite Ho-Sang's inability to grasp the concept of being humble and representing your club the right way, through respect and hard work, he has actually been a fairly productive player everywhere he's played, which begs the question; is Ho-Sang an NHL player?
His 24 points in 53 NHL games, with limited ice-time, would suggest that he might be. Listed at 6'0" and 173 lbs, he is a bit slight-of-frame for sure, but if I've learned anything over the years, it's not to judge a book by its cover.
Ho-Sang's .45 points per game in his NHL career equates to 37 points over a full 82-game season, respectable production for a bottom-six player in the NHL. It is worth noting that there are questions surrounding some of Ho-Sang's defensive inefficiencies as well, but it doesn't exactly seem like the Isles are investing a lot of time into developing the player and addressing some of these issues to put him in a position to succeed.
Personally, I hope that the Toronto, Ontario native is claimed by another team and receives a true chance to show what he has to offer at the NHL level. At worst, Ho-Sang doesn't change, provides his new club with above average production in their bottom six and winds up back on waivers. Best case, he is a relatively young NHL player with offensive upside that could be of use to another organization.
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