Ho-Sang open to being traded by Islanders

Josh Ho-Sang wouldn't be opposed to a change of scenery.

The much-maligned New York Islanders forward - a former first-round pick who's spent most of this season in the AHL - admitted Thursday that he'd be on board if the Isles use him as trade bait before Monday's deadline.

"I don't know what they want to do with me. I'm not opposed to (being traded) if it helps the Islanders get better," Ho-Sang told The Athletic's Arthur Staple.

"They’re a good team this year. For me, obviously I want to play in the NHL, that’s my main focus. For them, if they need to trade me for pieces to go further in the playoffs, improve the great team they have, then I'm all for it."

Ho-Sang has made plenty of headlines, but mostly for the wrong reasons, since being selected 28th overall in the 2014 draft. As a 19-year-old, he showed up late to training camp and was subsequently sent back to the OHL. His maturity has since been publicly questioned by Islanders employees on multiple occasions.

The 23-year-old's skill set, on the other hand, has never been brought into question. He's recorded 32 points in 39 AHL contests this season, but picked up just two points in a 10-game stint with the big club earlier in the campaign.

The Islanders currently sit atop the Metropolitan Division and are in a prime position to buy on deadline day.