Ho-Sang, Knies and Abruzzese have all been eliminated at the Olympics. What's next for them?
Josh Ho-Sang and Team Canada lost to Sweden 2-0 early this morning eliminating Team Canada in the quarter finals of the 2022 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, prospects Matthew Knies and Nick Abruzzese's Team USA were upset in the shootout and eliminated by Slovakia. All three of the Leafs prospects were eliminated in the 1st round of the knockout stage and will now be heading back to North America to finish their seasons.
It's no secret that Josh Ho-Sang wants to play in the NHL and the Olympics were definitely a showcase for the Toronto native. He performed just okay for Team Canada with 3 assists in 5 games, but wasn't as visible as some hoped he would be.
Ho-Sang showed that he can provide some extra offence to an NHL team's bottom 6 this season. Despite not getting the gold medal he was hoping for, Ho-Sang was looking to prove in this tournament that he belongs in the NHL. It's not a foregone conclusion that he has done that.
Whether Ho-Sang returns to the Leafs' AHL affiliate or signs an NHL deal with another organization is still unknown but the 26-year-old has shown During his time with the Marlies that he can bring a lot of skill and creativity to the table.
Nick Abruzzese had a great tournament. The Leafs' 2019 4th round pick had a goal and 3 assists in 4 games for Team USA. Abruzzese has been one of the Leafs most under the radar prospects and has emerged in recent years as a 4th rounder with a legitimate shot at playing in the NHL. Abruzzese has 21 points in 17 games for Harvard this season. He still has another year of NCAA eligibility but with Harvard not likely to make the NCAA playoffs, Abruzzese could turn pro after the NCAA season.
Meanwhile, Matthew Knies was incredible for Team USA at the Olympics. He had strong overall performance at the Olympic Games, despite only having a goal and an assist in 4 games. He looked like one of Team USA's best forwards on a daily basis and looked dangerous whenever he was on the ice and nearly ended the game against Slovakia in the dying seconds of overtime.
Knies has had a very strong season at the University of Minnesota and has shown that he could be a steal in the second round for the Leafs. He has legit NHL size and is very mobile for his size. Knies plays like a modern day power forward. Some have even suggested that he could be ready to turn pro as soon as next season.
All three of the Leafs prospects played their hearts out for their countries at the Olympics. Although they didn't win a medal, the three have proven that they can be valuable pieces moving forward.
