The New York Islanders re-signed pending free agent right wing Josh Bailey. The team announced on their twitter account that it is a six-year deal. TSN’s Bob McKenzie reports that the deal is for $30 million for an AAV/cap hit of $5 million.
#Isles Transaction: Josh Bailey has agreed to terms on a six-year contract.
Details: https://t.co/A9RJVpR4Sb pic.twitter.com/gUxa5enaOI
— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) February 23, 2018
Josh Bailey Re-Signs With the Islanders
Bailey was originally drafted in the 1st round, 9th overall of the 208 NHL draft by the Islanders. And over his ten-year NHL career, Bailey has put up 121 goals and 247 assists for 368 career points in 696 career games.
This season so far, he scored 15 goals and 47 assists for 62 points. He also added 13 minutes in penalties. His possession numbers are 46.2 percent Corsi and a relative Corsi of -1.6.
The Canadian’s current contract, an expiring five-year deal, carries a cap hit of $3.3million
“Josh has become one of the core members of the New York Islanders,” Islanders president and general manager Garth Snow said in a team release. “He has developed within our system for several years and it’s exciting to see him mature into the player we always had confidence he would become. To come into the past few seasons and see Josh set new career highs each year, has been impressive and we’re excited to see him continue to do that with the organization as we move forward.”
What This Means for the Future
The Islanders have surprised many this season, their early season push gives them a 29-26-6 record so far. Bailey has been part of that initial effort, he currently stands second for assists (47) and points (62). In previous years he has shown glimpses of his talent, this season he has emerged as one of the best forwards in the team along with John Tavares and Anders Lee. This line combination has been lethal this season and its partly why Islanders want to keep him.
Some show fears that the 28-year-old will pass his prime in the next few years. However, Bailey shows no signs of slowing down on what can potentially be a career high. This present has its own problems for the Islanders. Looking to the future re-signing Bailey may be too costly. Lee and others will be due for an extension after the 2019 season, this contract may not give the Islanders much room for manoeuvre. The team must hope that Bailey’s production is not a one-season wonder.
Main Photo: BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 30: New York Islanders Right Wing Josh Bailey (12) with the puck during the second period of a regular season NHL game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the New York Islanders on October 30, 2017, at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. (Photo by David Hahn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
