it was clear when the Ho-Sang signed a professional tryout contract with the Leafs that his attitude had changed. In training camp, Ho-Sang looked like a hard working player who excelled at moving the puck through the neutral zone. Many expected him to earn an NHL contract right out of camp. Instead, Kyle Dubas offered him an AHL deal to learn the system with the Toronto Marlies. Ho-Sang ran with the opportunity, even making the Canadian Olympic team, but as of yet has not earned his coveted NHL contract.
Today it was announced that Ho-Sang had signed on with Gold Star Hockey. At first glance, it seemed that he had left his agent, Patrick Bedell, for a bigger agency. A closer look revealed that Bedell may have signed on with Gold Star and brought Ho-Sang with him. Ho-Sang appears to be Bedell's only client, according to PuckPedia.
What this means for Ho-Sang and the Leafs remains unclear. It could easily be as simple as a business deal, but it could be an indicator that Ho-Sang may sign an NHL deal soon.
Ho-Sang signing an NHL deal would come as no surprise. He's played well, payed his dues and his skills would make him a valuable player for the Leafs or another team to utilize in their bottom six. If Matthew Knies doesn't sign with the Leafs at the conclusion of his NCAA season, Ho-Sang could easily fill in as a fallback option for some added playoff depth. As it stands, the Leafs only have enough contract slots for one of them.
POLL | ||
AVRIL 6 | 407 ANSWERS Josh Ho-Sang moves to Gold Star Hockey; could he be pushing to sign an NHL deal? Should the Leafs sign Ho-Sang to an NHL deal? | ||
Yes, he�s earned it | 191 | 46.9 % |
No, he�s still hasn�t earned it | 60 | 14.7 % |
No, sign Matthew Knies | 41 | 10.1 % |
Only if Knies stays in the NCAA | 115 | 28.3 % |
List of polls |