Joshua Ho-Sang, Center/Right-wing, 1st Round

[Sorge Georos]

The similarities I see:
- highly skilled players who fell in their draft year
- questionmarks on work ethic and all-around play
- unspectacular statistics for offense-first players (Ho-Sang scored only 17 goals in the year after he was drafted)
- both are very flashy players, like Schremp-exciting, not exactly prototypical NHL players
- Kabanov is taller, both are small-ish players though that won't be puck-battlers against NHL players.


I know Isles fans may hate the comparison because Kabanov didn't work out, but if you don't see similarities, you aren't looking close enough.

If Ho-Sang makes it as an NHL player, he'll need to be much stronger and needs to produce offensively. 17 goals ain't going to cut it. IMO, Ho-Sang needs to have a big offensive year next year, 100pts or close to it and then turn pro and impress at the AHL level, at least a year (of course, much depends on his performance).

Kabanov was really good in the playoffs and memorial cup, put up big points, scored some big goals. It was at the pro-level where he really disappointed.

You're one of the best posters here so you get a mulligan for this one...

But comparing Ho-Sang to Kabanov/Schremp is about on par with comparing Okposo and every half-black player to Jarome Iginla.

Lazy, lazy comparison.

There are penty of cocky players who fail and plenty of cocky players who succeed. For the latter we call it competitiveness (Michael Jordan) and the former it's just plain bad attitude. The real reason those guys failed? They weren't talented enough. There's nothing inherently wrong with being a flashy stickhandler. They were just not good hockey players who lacked Ho-Sang's speed and athleticism.

Schremp would still be in the league if he were half as fast as Ho-Sang.

 

[BroadwayJay*]

You're one of the best posters here so you get a mulligan for this one...

But comparing Ho-Sang to Kabanov/Schremp is about on par with comparing Okposo and every half-black player to Jarome Iginla.

Lazy, lazy comparison.

Where were you guys back in April when I was the only one defending Josh Ho-Sang?

 

[Lame Lambert]

Where were you guys back in April when I was the only one defending Josh Ho-Sang?

I didn't see it otherwise I would have

 

[IslesRock4]

Where were you guys back in April when I was the only one defending Josh Ho-Sang?

Jay, try reading the interviews. This guy actually WANTS to be a great hockey player.

 

[Sorge Georos]

Where were you guys back in April when I was the only one defending Josh Ho-Sang?

You kind of remind me of Ho-Sang. You're a great poster whom I frequently agree with but also a little arrogant and prone to controversy.

 

[BroadwayJay*]

You kind of remind me of Ho-Sang. You're a great poster whom I frequently agree with but also a little arrogant and prone to controversy.

A+ Brilliantly done.

 

[scott99]

redbull's a good guy - why you gotta do him like that?

..and to be fair, weren't you stressing pretty hard about Ho-Sang's goal totals during the year?

I like red bull, good poster. Just think he was wrong about JHS, JHS is obviously way more talented, all you have to do is watch. As far as JHS and goals, yeah I was concerned. I also feel JHS painted himself into a corner by proclaiming himself as the best player in the draft and ONLY scoring 81 points (still a wonderful season). I think talent wise, he was one of the most talented players from the 2014 season, but he needed to dominate more stats wise to live up to his own proclamation.

As far as Kabanov, you probably won't find a bigger fan, nobody wanted him to succeed and live up to his ridiculous hype more than me. BUT, I feel his ONLY talent was he was a great stick handler. He had a weak shot, was not a great skater, not even above average, not a good passer, just really not good at anything.

JHS has obvious talents. His skating and stick handling are elite, and he's an excellent playmaker, especially his passing. Goal scoring may never be his forte though, I think he will be a setup man playing wing. I think he will always have twice as many assists as goals. Which isn't a bad thing.

 

[seafoam]

Jay Ho-Sang.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

I heard that Brian Strait is going to be Ho-Sang's roommate. He's going to show him the ropes on how to be an NHLer.

 

[Lame Lambert]

I heard that Brian Strait is going to be Ho-Sang's roommate. He's going to show him the ropes on how to be an NHLer.

For what exactly? If Strait is still with this team by the time JHS is ready I'll shoot myself.

 

[Doshell Propivo]

For what exactly? If Strait is still with this team by the time JHS is ready I'll shoot myself.

I was joking.

And by the time Ho-Sang is a regular, Strait will be Cappy's assistant.

 

[Lame Lambert]

I was joking.

And by the time Ho-Sang is a regular, Strait will be Cappy's assistant.

Thank god. The sad part is that I could see Wang hiring him to be an assistant as one last "**** you" to the fans before he's gone

 

[A Pointed Stick]

Thank god. The sad part is that I could see Wang hiring him to be an assistant as one last "**** you" to the fans before he's gone

I could see Strait making Edmonton his next home.

 

[Lame Lambert]

I could see Strait making Edmonton his next home.

I'd rather see him torture Buffalo

 

[YearlyLottery]

I think YearlyLottery was saying that this is why people in organizations had a negative view of him. Not that this is why he views Ho-Sang negatively.

I will never add the because I do not need it. EVERYTHING I say is serious and that's the bottom line.


Now ironically on a more serious note...

How can somebody not like Ho Sang? He is a good player and entertaining. It should be fun to watch his development.

 

[YearlyLottery]

You're one of the best posters here so you get a mulligan for this one...

But comparing Ho-Sang to Kabanov/Schremp is about on par with comparing Okposo and every half-black player to Jarome Iginla.

Lazy, lazy comparison.

There are penty of cocky players who fail and plenty of cocky players who succeed. For the latter we call it competitiveness (Michael Jordan) and the former it's just plain bad attitude. The real reason those guys failed? They weren't talented enough. There's nothing inherently wrong with being a flashy stickhandler. They were just not good hockey players who lacked Ho-Sang's speed and athleticism.

Schremp would still be in the league if he were half as fast as Ho-Sang.

This may be the most clever name on these boards now (besides mine). I don't mean to take this thread off course but WOW what a name.

 

[Sorge Georos]

I will never add the because I do not need it. EVERYTHING I say is serious and that's the bottom line.


Now ironically on a more serious note...

How can somebody not like Ho Sang? He is a good player and entertaining. It should be fun to watch his development.

I rarely use the sign because it sort of devalues the point of sarcasm. That being said you kind of have to use it because people will get angry.

 

[Sorge Georos]

This may be the most clever name on these boards now (besides mine). I don't mean to take this thread off course but WOW what a name.

Thanks buddy

Amid all the furor of the Song pick I thought it was pretty funny at the time. Now I'm kinda iffy on it but oh well...

 

[BroadwayJay*]

I could see Strait making Edmonton his next home.

Dellow is in the front office now. That won't happen, sadly.

Strait is going to get an 8x8 offer from the Isles and you'll find me sitting cross-legged in front of the barclays dousing myself in gasoline.

 

[scott99]

Dellow is in the front office now. That won't happen, sadly.

Strait is going to get an 8x8 offer from the Isles and you'll find me sitting cross-legged in front of the barclays dousing myself in gasoline.

Wow, didn't know you were a monk as well.

 

[Lame Lambert]

Dellow is in the front office now. That won't happen, sadly.

Strait is going to get an 8x8 offer from the Isles and you'll find me sitting cross-legged in front of the barclays dousing myself in gasoline.

Sign me up too

 

[YearlyLottery]

Dellow is in the front office now. That won't happen, sadly.

Strait is going to get an 8x8 offer from the Isles and you'll find me sitting cross-legged in front of the barclays dousing myself in gasoline.

With the crazy contracts being given out, I would be excited with that contract.

 

[Hipster Doofus]

I like red bull, good poster. Just think he was wrong about JHS, JHS is obviously way more talented, all you have to do is watch. As far as JHS and goals, yeah I was concerned. I also feel JHS painted himself into a corner by proclaiming himself as the best player in the draft and ONLY scoring 81 points (still a wonderful season). I think talent wise, he was one of the most talented players from the 2014 season, but he needed to dominate more stats wise to live up to his own proclamation.

As far as Kabanov, you probably won't find a bigger fan, nobody wanted him to succeed and live up to his ridiculous hype more than me. BUT, I feel his ONLY talent was he was a great stick handler. He had a weak shot, was not a great skater, not even above average, not a good passer, just really not good at anything.

JHS has obvious talents. His skating and stick handling are elite, and he's an excellent playmaker, especially his passing. Goal scoring may never be his forte though, I think he will be a setup man playing wing. I think he will always have twice as many assists as goals. Which isn't a bad thing.

Kabanov had some off ice family issues (absurd dad). Whenever I watched him I got a PAP feel. Could make the basic carry ins, even help on the cycle with his size/hands, but only seemed to look for the explosive play if it was handed to him on a silver platter. Ho-Sang forces ****, Kabby just sort of played too much to the system. Very Bailey-esque minus the defense and backchecking. That was in Juniors, never seen him in the AHL.

As for JHS, he reminds me of PMB when PMB was good. Deadly in transition and the ability to dance through the whole team with strong passing/distribution skills. He might be gritier; often goes into traffic and cycles well. As for Schremp, he couldn't skate; if he could hed be in the NHL still. Guy was given a a solid 6ft radius to work with cause no D man wanted to get near him and end up on the highlight reel but his poor skating meant he could get boxed in and forced into "safe" plays.

 

[rockhouse15]

Kabanov had some off ice family issues (absurd dad). Whenever I watched him I got a PAP feel. Could make the basic carry ins, even help on the cycle with his size/hands, but only seemed to look for the explosive play if it was handed to him on a silver platter. Ho-Sang forces ****, Kabby just sort of played too much to the system. Very Bailey-esque minus the defense and backchecking. That was in Juniors, never seen him in the AHL.

As for JHS, he reminds me of PMB when PMB was good. Deadly in transition and the ability to dance through the whole team with strong passing/distribution skills. He might be gritier; often goes into traffic and cycles well. As for Schremp, he couldn't skate; if he could hed be in the NHL still. Guy was given a a solid 6ft radius to work with cause no D man wanted to get near him and end up on the highlight reel but his poor skating meant he could get boxed in and forced into "safe" plays.

This right here is what separates JHS from Kabanov or Schremp or PAP or any other small skilled forward that you want to bring up that hasn't done too much in the NHL. From what I have seen of him in juniors he drives the play for Windsor and then Niagara and he was looking to do so all the time. When there is a chance to breakout of the zone at 5v5 or PP his teammates are always looking to him to lead the rush and make plays. When he has the puck in the O-zone he's looking to not just beat his man or make the pass but beat his man to a dangerous spot or make a pass to create a scoring chance.

Does he need to sometimes make the safer play? Yes but what makes him so productive is his ability and willingness to make the play other players can't or won't to get chances and goals. Just look at the scrimmage. Some fans I talked to said they weren't happy that Ho-Sang probably led all players in turnovers during the game. However, he also led all players in assists too. He doesn't just make high risk plays bc they are high risk. He does it bc they are high reward. If he can start making more of his "dangerous" or "risky" passes going toward the net rather than away and shoot more when given the chance he will become much more of a net positive player than he already is and will limit the potential negative consequences of his turnovers since there will be fewer odd-man rushes against.

 

[A Pointed Stick]

Strait is going to get an 8x8 offer from the Isles and you'll find me sitting cross-legged in front of the barclays dousing myself in gasoline.

Sign me up too

With the crazy contracts being given out, I would be excited with that contract.

The only way he will stay with this club past two years is if a major injury happens. Manchuks, Leddy, Hamonic, CdH, Pulock, Mayfield, & Hickey. There is no more room.