New York Islanders 2018-19 Season Right-Wing Depth Chart

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NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 07: Joshua Ho-Sang #66 of the New York Islanders passes the puck against the Buffalo Sabres in the first period at Barclays Center on October 7, 2017 in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)

Josh Ho-Sang

2017-18 Stats: 2G, 10A, 12P (In 22 games)
Cap Hit: $863,333 | 1 Year

Josh Ho-Sang should have been in the NHL with the New York Islanders last season. At the end of the 2016-17 season, he showed everyone just how electric with the puck he was. In 21 games he scored ten points (four goals, six assists).

He wowed everyone every single time he touched the puck. But after a 22 game stint that saw him put up 12 points, putting him on pace for 45, he was sent back to the AHL to work on his defensive play.

To be fair Josh Ho-Sang gives the puck away a lot. A lot more than he should. But that’s what happens with puck carriers, they inevitably lose the puck. Both John Tavares and Mathew Barzal lead the Isles in giveaways last season. Barzal had 88 and Tavares had 78.

Josh Ho-Sang should rank above Cal Clutterbuck on this list. He’s got all the skill and talent in the world. He’s also got an ego to match those abilities. And because of that we still don’t know if he’ll actually make the team or not.

We know he’s getting a clean slate from new President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello. But that could mean absolutely nothing come October when Josh is back in Bridgeport and not in the NHL where he belongs.

Ho-Sang is still the fourth most important right-wing player for the Islanders going into 2018-19. On that merit alone he should make the team. But with two-time Stanley Cup winning and defensively responsible Tom Kuhnhackl is on the roster it’s no guarantee Ho-Sang makes the team.