2014 Draft Eligibles: Is Josh Ho-Sang the most talented ’96 born forward?

Windsor's Josh Ho-Sang, right, is top prosepect for the 2014 NHL Draft (Photo by Ryan Pfeiffer/Durham News)

To say Josh Ho-Sang’s family lineage is unique is an understatement. 

The 18-year old Canadian’s father is a black Jamaican of Chinese ancestry, while his mother is Chilean with Russian and Swedish roots. Ho-Sang celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah. While Ho-Sang’s heritage is diverse, his talents on the ice are multi-faceted as well.

The Windsor Spitfire was given an ”A” rating among all North American skaters for NHL Central Scouting’s ”Ones to Watch” list. Central Scouting listed Ho-Sang as their 18^th best North American skater in their midterm rankings. ISS Hockey has the diminutive center/rightwing as their ninth best prospect in their February rankings. TSN’s Bob McKenize lists the former Toronto Marlboro as his 29^th overall prospect in his midseason rankings.

Ho-Sang may have the sickest pair of mitts of any player in the 2014 draft class. Not too many 96's have his hand-eye skills. He illustrated this in 6-5 victory over the North Bay Battalion last month. Ho-Sang chipped the puck over a defender’s stick, tapped the puck to himself, and roofed a shot past the netminder all while falling down I might add.

Here is video proof. (Fast forward to the 2:03 mark)

He was selected fifth overall by Windsor in the 2012 OHL Priority Draft after two stellar years with the prestigious Toronto Marlboro’s midget program where he was teammates with Connor McDavid. Last year, Ho-Sang had 14 goals and 30 assists for 44 points in 63 games played with Windsor. Not too bad for his rookie campaign.

Ho-Sang continues to grow as a player. He has excellent hands, and his ability to make plays in tight is fun to watch. Currently, Ho-Sang sits 14^th among all OHL players with 29 goals and 52 assists for 81 points in 61 games played.

The downside on Ho-Sang is that he’s small. He’s listed at 5’11, 160 pounds soaking wet. What he lacks in size, he sure does make up in talent. I’ve seen a lot of players over the years come through the OHL and Ho-Sang is one the most deadly players I’ve seen one-on-one versus a goaltender. I’m not saying he’s as polished overall as the Taylor Hall’s and John Tavares’ of the world were at the age of 18, but pure talent wise, Ho-Sang is special.

Here is a highlight video of his skill.

He reminds me of Nazem Kadri. Ho-Sang is a much better skater than Kadri was at his age. Like Kadri, Ho-Sang can be stubborn and cocky at times. His defensive game needs some work and he does get caught making too many one-on-one selfish plays.  Right now, he’s clearly not NHL ready. (Not many in this draft are). From what I have observed, Ho-Sang plays too much on the perimeter and his puck management is subpar. He‘s giveaway prone and soft on the puck.  

That being said, his phenomenal skating and his ability to generate zone entries is among the best in the OHL. I can't see him lasting past pick number 40 and I would personally take him somewhere in the mid-late 20's. A good franchise like the Ducks or the Canadiens would benefit from drafting Ho-Sang. They don’t need to worry about rushing him along. They could get him on an NHL weight and conditioning program to boost his stature and let him sit for 4-5 years.

He’s a high boom or bust type of player. Ho-Sang has all the talent in the world but I think it’s a question of how much he wants it. He could be as good as Patrick Kane if he so desires but that all hinders on his attitude. 

If he can straighten out his work ethic, he’ll be a steal. If not, then I think we’re looking at Angelo Esposito part deux.