New York Islanders: Five Best Non Isles Landing Spots for Josh Ho-Sang

Josh Ho-Sang has been deemed surplus to requirements by the New York Islanders. But he might be exactly what another team is looking for. Who would benefit the most by plucking Josh Ho-Sang off the waiver wire?

The New York Islanders needed more “pop” up top. But they didn’t bring anyone in during free agency, though they certainly tried. They didn’t trade for anyone. And the only top-six player in their system that is ready they just sent back to the AHL through the waiver wire.

It’s a confusing situation, but Josh Ho-Sang again finds himself looking at playing AHL hockey. For the fourth season. Maybe Ho-Sang just isn’t that good?

I doubt it. He may not be the best player in his draft, something he promised just before being taken 28th overall by the Islanders. But he’s certainly a good player. Now that he’s available, a team that could use some more “pop” upfront would do well to land him for free.

So who are those teams?

Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton’s depth on the right-wing is shameful. James Neal is their top line RW followed by Zack Kassian, Alex Chiasson, and Josh Archibald. To be fair the left side of the center isn’t much better for the Oilers.

Adding Josh Ho-Sang to the mix would immediately give them more offensive flair. James Neal is coming off his worst season ever with 19 points. And Zack Kassian’s best year was back in 2013-14 with a 29 point return.

Josh Ho-Sang would be a welcomed addition. Plus he and McDavid go back, way back, to the Toronto Marlboros where they were teammates.

Ho-Sang would get to play with McDavid, that’s a plus. He’d get power-play time with him and 50-goal scorer Leon Draisaitl. That’s another plus. And he’d get top-six minutes. Check, check, check!

Ottawa Senators

At this point, the Ottawa Senators are destined for the bottom of the league. You’d think after the situation the New York Islanders were in I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying any team is destined for the basement. But just look at the Ottawa Senators lineup.

They don’t have much in terms of quality in any position so why not add a guy who could net you 40-50 points? Maybe even more.

All for the low-low cost of $874,000. I know Eugene Melnyk has had a hard time paying his bills of late, but even he could pony up the money to see what Ho-Sang could do.

Who knows, maybe he helps them escape the basement?

Los Angeles King

Unlike the Senators and Oilers, the Kings have depth on the right side of the ice. Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter, and Tyler Toffoli are good pieces. But then again, Brown and Carter are 34 years old going on 35. We already saw Jeff Carter take a dip last season with 33 points. And Brown went through a five-year production dip between 2012 and 2017, who know when it happens again.

The Kings are going to have to find replacements, and soon.

Who better than a 24-year-old Josh Ho-Sang? He could return what both already generate in terms of production. He’s a decade younger and for less than a million on the cap. What’s not to love?

Arizona Coyotes

This seems like the perfect move for the Coyotes. Ho-Sang’s advanced analytics clearly show that when he’s playing in the NHL he’s an impact player. Something ‘Yotes have in short supply.

Playing on the Coyotes second line with Nick Schmaltz and Michael Grabner is an ok situation for him. But you know he’ll get a ton of power-play time with Clayton Keller, Phil Kessel, Derek Stepan, and Oliver Ekman-Larsson.

They technically don’t have any cap space, but they’ve got that $5.275 million from Marian Hossa‘s contract on LTIR.

Want your voice heard? Join the Eyes On Isles team!

Write for us!

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have space on the roster with only 12 forwards currently under contract. They also run an internal cap so squeezing as much value out of contracts as possible is key. What better value than a 40-50 point player for $874,000?