Former NHLer Josh Ho-Sang releases rap album, planning pro hockey comeback

A former NHLer is making waves in a different industry, but is potentially preparing to return to the ice.

On Tuesday, Josh Ho-Sang released an 18-track rap album titled ‘SAME.’ On the tracklist, the former Toronto Marlie released a song titled ‘Papi for MVP,’ which can be connected to the nickname of current Toronto Maple Leafs’ star Auston Matthews.

Ho-Sang announced the launch of the app PUP Sports, a platform that allows people to find events, practices and pick-up games. Also, coaches can use the app to teach, while users can earn cash rewards for using the app.

According to Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek, Ho-Sang is working toward a return to hockey. He reported on Tuesday that he expects the 28-year-old to sign with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, which is in search of a third consecutive Kelly Cup.

It has been a long time since we have seen Ho-San in action on this side of the pond. He joined Salavat Yulaeav Ufa of the Kontinental Hockey League late last year, playing one game in the regular season before making four appearances in the playoffs.

The Thornhill, Ontario native had not played in the 2022-23 season before that, as he was last seen with the Marlies during the 2021-22 campaign under an AHL contract. That season, he received the opportunity to play for Team Canada at the Beijing Olympics, with speculation that he might’ve received a contract with the Leafs if he performed well. Following Canada’s quarterfinal exit, that did come to fruition.

Ho-Sang played 53 games in the NHL, all with the New York Islanders, who selected him 28th overall in the 2014 draft. During a rather tumultuous tenure with the team, he registered seven goals and 17 assists, spending most of the time with the Isles’ primary affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

In 278 professional games in North America, Ho-Sang has scored 53 goals and 129 assists.