Calling this is a make-or-break training camp for Josh Ho-Sang would be sounding like a broken record.
This is, after all, the forward’s fifth camp with the Islanders, including the 2015 camp when he was late the first day and promptly returned to his junior club. And if you think the fickle-but-talented 23-year-old forward is going to change now, think again.
Speaking Thursday about his 10-game NHL stint from last season, Ho-Sang said, “I was up for 10 games. We went 9-1. I think I helped,” according to The Athletic.
Ho-Sang, always one to say exactly what’s on his mind, played 21 NHL games in 2016-17 and 22 the following season. He couldn’t crack the opening night roster last year in Barry Trotz’s first season with the Isles.
“It’s up to me to create and them to give me a chance,” said Ho-Sang, who recorded two NHL points last season while putting up eight goals and 35 assists in 56 games with AHL Bridgeport.
Ho-Sang signed a one-year, two-way deal as a restricted free agent that will pay him $874,125 if he’s in the NHL. A 2014 first-round pick, Ho-Sang has often flashed offensive flair, but has found himself buried in Bridgeport because of overall inconsistency.
One thing is certain: Ho-Sang is still as candid as ever.