Lou Lamoriello Accused Of Spitefully Destroying Player's Career

Lou Lamoriello is well respected by his peers but has a reputation for being a shrewd businessman. He is willing to end trade talks over media leaks and approaches contract negotiations with a 'no nonsense' mentality. Some are now accusing him of taking it too far after his treatment of a player in the New York Islanders organization.

Josh Ho-Sang was selected 28th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the New York Islanders. Many analysists believed he was a top 5 talent, but his attitude off the ice was questionable. He was traded by the Windsor Spitfires to the Niagara Ice Dogs during his time in the OHL because the team was trying to "change their locker room culture."

Ho-Sang did not do himself any favours after sleeping in during his first NHL training camp in 2015. It appears that Ho-Sang has matured and made great personal strides since this time. However, Lamoriello apparently does not forgive or forget and is accused of spitefully destroying Ho-Sang's career.

Ho-Sang cleared waivers after not making the Islanders roster in 2019 but did not report to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. He demanded a trade from the Islanders, but Lamoriello chose not to honor the request. Instead he felt it best that Ho-Sang sit out, despite not formally being suspended by the team.

Fast forward to 2021; Lamoriello is back at it again. Ho-Sang and the Islanders settled on a one-year deal that carries an NHL salary of $700,000 and an AHL salary of $225,000. The Islanders chose to invite 35 skaters to their training camp, including two players who are yet to be resigned. Despite being signed, Ho-Sang was not invited to the Islanders training camp by Lamoriello and will therefore not play in the NHL again this season. Ho-Sang is widely regarded as being a top 6 talent, but his window is getting shorter as he is nearing age 25. Perhaps the KHL is on his radar.

Mercurial forward Josh Ho-Sang, who was somewhat curiously re-signed to a contract in October, was not invited to #Isles training camp: https://t.co/R8QGcl09ur | @ColinSNewsday pic.twitter.com/vdQHGmGyt7
— Newsday Sports (@NewsdaySports) January 1, 2021