No. 1: Josh Ho-Sang
The 25-year-old was a former first-round pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft and has not lived up to his potential.
Ho-Sang averaged a point-per-game in junior hockey and seemed like a player who could develop into a Nazem Kadri type of role. Someone who could score, but also be a pest against the other team.
However, once he was drafted, his character was quickly questioned with the New York Islanders and he was never able to crack a regular roster spot. In 53 career games, Ho-Sang has 24 points (stats: hockeydb.com), so he has shown some offensive flare at the highest-level, but his attitude is what pushed him out of the organization.
Based on his age and the fact that he hasn’t played an NHL game in two seasons, this is probably his last chance at becoming an everyday NHLer. Also, as a Toronto native, you’d have to think that Ho-Sang will bring his best attitude and skillset forward, as he looks to make his hometown team’s roster.
Since Ho-Sang was signed to a PTO, he’ll be in desperation mode to make the roster and live out his dream of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs. As such, that could propel him to making the Leafs opening night lineup.
Toronto doesn’t have a ton of scoring in their bottom-six, so if Ho-Sang can showcase that in training camp, he could very well make the team and get a second chance at living his NHL dream.