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Update: Welp...
#Isles Transaction: Josh Ho-Sang has been returned on loan to Bridgeport (emergency conditions not terminated).
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 28, 2017
Would expect Ho-Sang to be called up again tomorrow once the dust has settled. Not sure if a trade is imminent, but certainly possible.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) February 28, 2017
The NHL Trade Deadline is tomorrow and news is coming out fast and furious across the league. But here’s something we didn’t expect: the Islanders have had recalled forward Joshua Ho-Sang from Bridgeport under emergency conditions.
No, really:
#Isles have recalled Josh Ho-Sang on an emergency basis.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) February 28, 2017
And two whole announcements, too. One from the Sound Tigers and one from the big club.
So what could this mean? Literally any number of things. The Islanders have been beset by injuries for a while and, as of yesterday’s big bag skate, Cal Clutterbuck and Shane Prince looked like they might be inching back toward playing a regular shift again. But Andrew Ladd (back) and Alan Quine (upper body) took the day off and while Ladd is “probable” for Thursday’s game in Dallas, Quine might be out this week, according to interim coach Doug Weight.
After a slow start to the season, Ho-Sang has 36 points (10 goals, 26 assists) in 48 games, all with Bridgeport. The 2014 first round pick has had an eventful rookie season in the AHL with healthy scratches, highlight reel plays and a lot of tough love from Sound Tigers coach Brent Thompson. Wherever he goes, Ho-Sang makes news. But he’s an honest kid and an electric player that many of us are rooting for.
A recent profile via Sound Tigers beatwriter Michael Fornabio details Ho-Sang as a young player maturing and growing on and off the ice. I’m twice as old as this kid and I couldn’t read a book on investing.
Two-thirds of the way through his rookie year, Ho-Sang’s all-around game is coming together.
“It’s not necessarily doing more or less,” Ho-Sang said. “It’s doing the right thing, continuing to trust in my coaches.”
They’ve asked for passion, defensive responsibility, stops and starts in his skating. They’ve got it, and they’ve given him more responsibility with it. He’s adapting to the pro life on and off the ice, filling his time away by reading more (on investing, right now).
Does this mean a TRADE is in the works? Only Garth Snow knows for sure. Jenny willl have more on possible Islanders trade targets a little later this morning.
#Isles still talking to various teams, I'm hearing. JHS recall doesn't mean a deal is imminent or that they're standing pat.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeNewsday) February 28, 2017
A lot could happen between this recall and the Islanders next game, which is Thursday in Dallas. But, finally, the kid will be closer to being an Islander than he ever has.
Looks like Josh Ho-Sang will be on the flight to Dallas today. Recalled under emergency conditions. #ISLES
— Brendan Burke (@brendanmburke) February 28, 2017
Post-Practice Update: Oh my. A top-6 role for No. 66?
Weight says JHS expected to play Thursday in "top-6, top-9 role." #Isles
— Brian Compton (@BComptonNHL) February 28, 2017
And sounds like Alan Quine is the first odd man out:
Doug Weight: Alan Quine won't be traveling with the team (day-to-day upper body). #Isles
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 28, 2017