Controversial former NHLer Josh Ho-Sang hits new career low
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Josh Ho-Sang soap opera has finally moved to the basement of Russian hockey, and it is a brutal reminder of how fast the hype train can derail.
He was the kid who wore #66 and was poised to be a longtime NHLer. Now? He's been terminated while playing in the VHL.
That is the Russian second tier for those keeping track at home. It is a staggering fall for a guy who was once a can't-miss prospect.
He spent the last couple of seasons playing for the Florida Everblades in the ECHL. He actually looked very solid there, helping them win a Kelly Cup.
But the NHL door has been welded shut for years. You can’t teach the hands he has, and his motor on the ice is still undeniable when he is dialed in.
Yet he only ever managed 53 NHL games and 24 points. Teams simply got tired of the 'what-ifs' and the locker room drama.
The talent is still there but the professional bridge is burned
At 30 years old, he isn’t a prospect anymore. He is a journeyman trying to find a reason to keep his skates sharp.
Going back to Russia on a two-way deal felt like a last gasp to save his career. If he can’t even dominate in the VHL, the dream is officially dead.
He used to be a big ticket name that fans would pay to see. Now, he is just a name on a transaction wire that people scroll past without blinking.
It is a tough pill to swallow for someone with that much raw skill. But in this league, skill only gets you so far if you can't stay on the right side of the coaching staff.
He isn't chasing a roster spot anymore. He is just chasing a paycheck in a league most fans couldn't find on a map.
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