New York made an interesting move on Tuesday, recalling prospect Josh Ho-Sang from AHL Bridgeport on an emergency basis, ahead of Thursday’s game in Dallas.
Ho-Sang, 20, was the club’s first-round pick (28th overall) at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft. A gifted offensive talent, Ho-Sang was a polarizing and controversial figure in his draft year, known equally for his skills as he was for his brash, outspoken demeanor.
Controversy followed him to the Isles when, in his first pro training camp, he was sent packing after just one day.
To his credit, Ho-Sang has morphed into a quality AHL scorer and impressed the Isles along the way. He has 10 goals and 36 points in 48 games this year, sitting first on the team in assists and second in scoring.
Because of the timing of this recall -- and the fact the Isles were blasted 7-0 in their last game, on Saturday against the Jackets -- some have speculated this recall could be tied to a pending trade from GM Garth Snow.
Stay tuned.
UPDATE:
Media Question: "Is Josh expected to play?"
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 28, 2017
Dougy: "Bailey? 😏 yes for sure...yes Ho-Sang is here to play."#Isles pic.twitter.com/s9k9Ag9nTe
Update 2:
Well, this is getting interesting. The Isles have now “returned” Ho-Sang to Bridgeport, per Newsday. Isles writer Arthur Staple said he expects the rookie to be recalled tomorrow, and speculation continues to grow these transactions are tied to a potential trade.