New York Islanders: Plan For Josh Ho-Sang In 2019-2020

The New York Islanders have some intriguing RFA’s including, Josh Ho-Sang. What should they do with him for the 2019-2020 season?

One of the more intriguing names in the New York Islanders system is Josh Ho-Sang. Fans either love or hate the lightning-rod-esque Ho-Sang. For the third year in a row, JHS spent a little bit of time in the NHL this past season.

This time wasn’t nearly as productive as the first two stints. In a 10 game sample size, Ho-Sang had two points (one goal, one assist). While those numbers certainly don’t jump off the page there’s no denying the offensive game that he added to Brock Nelson, Leo Komarov, and Val Filppula over the last couple of year.

Naturally, Josh Ho-Sang isn’t without flaws though. He still at times can be a liability defensively and can get careless with the puck which is a big no-no for Barry Trotz.

The Islanders have a decision to make with Ho-Sang who is now an RFA. A likely scenario seems to be a Devon Toews like deal, two-year term with a low AAV. Something like two-years at $800,000 AAV is probably a fair bet.

Ho-Sang is going to get signed by the Islanders, it’s just a matter of what the term and money is at this point. His trade value is absolutely shot, so that’s out of the question. Whether you want to blame Ho-Sang or the Islanders organization is up to you but it’s honestly probably a little of both to blame here.

That’s why a bridge deal with a low cap hit is the smart play. As the roster sits right now, the Islanders still need help in the top-six, and possibly the most experienced in-house prospect candidate is Ho-Sang.

I’d be surprised if the Isles started Ho-Sang out on the opening night roster, but as currently constructed their best lineup probably looks like this:

Lee – Barzal – Eberle

Bailey – Nelson – Ho-Sang

Beauvillier – Cizikas – Dal Colle

Martin – Komarov – Clutterbuck

Putting Ho-Sang with Bailey and Nelson who are both offensive and good defensively should be the best NHL scenario for Ho-Sang. As we know, see 2016-2017, Ho-Sang is at his best when he can carry the puck and play an offensive-minded game.

This scenario doesn’t seem likely though. Ho-Sang seems destined for Bridgeport again. Last year he put up really solid numbers in the AHL. In 56 games he had 43 points (8 goals, 35 assists) with the Sound Tigers.

The last three years for Ho-Sang has been a lot of ups and downs and clearly, he has lost favor with the Islanders but any and all trade value is completely gone. Best case scenario, you have someone with second-line upside on an $800,000 cap hit.

Worst case scenario, Ho-Sang is back in the A and putting up numbers with Oliver Wahlstrom, Otto Koivula, and Kieffer Bellows. There’s no losing here for Lou Lamoriello and the New York Islanders