According to a report in Sport Express, former New York Islanders forward Josh Ho-Sang is reportedly considering retirement and has informed his KHL club, Ufa Salavat Yulaev, that he is still talking to his family about a decision. Ho-Sang was a first-round pick of the Islanders in 2014 and was never able to establish himself as an NHL regular despite possessing a ton of offensive talent.
Ho-Sang signed in the KHL last year with Ufa and in his first game against SKA in September he had an assist. Unfortunately, in that same game, he was injured and missed the remainder of the regular season. He underwent surgery and returned to play in four playoff games, where he went scoreless.
The injury itself isn’t the issue holding up Ho-Sang’s return as according to David Alter of The Hockey News it is possible that Ho-Sang could return to the KHL, but if he were to do this, he would need to become a Russian citizen. While he hasn’t ruled this out, the Thornhill, Ontario native hasn’t said that he has an interest in doing this, which is likely the issue being discussed with his family at the moment.
According to Alter, Ufa Salavat Yulaev has prepared the paperwork for Ho-Sang to become a citizen, should he decide to return to the team this season.
Ho-Sang lasted played in North America with the Toronto Marlies in 2021-22. During his time in the AHL with Toronto, he posted 16 goals and 19 assists in 47 games.
There are a lot of talented prospects that never pan out. He is one more. You only have to look at the first two rounds of the draft for the last 10 years to realize how many valued prospects don’t cut it for one reason or another.
The would be 66 sees his career 86’ed. Darn shame.
Poor dude never had a chance wearing 66.
Pack up and come home Josh. Followed your career and had hopes for you in the NHL. Nothing to prove in the KHL.
Lets go Josh, do it!
Jeez, wasn’t aware that there is a maximum of foreigners on a KHL roster. Imagine being an athlete and your club is trying to persuade you to become a naturalized Russian citizen because they don’t want to use a precious foreigner slot on you.
I can imagine it, and can imagine the next step: go play somewhere else.