Confirmed Signing with Link: [NYI] Josh Bailey extends with the Islanders (6 years, $5M AAV)

[LordNeverLose]

I view this as a good sign regarding JT

1. Don't know if they'd be interested in re-signing Bailey if they didn't think JT was gonna return
2. JT will view keeping Bailey as a positive

 

[Lemontree]

He was exclusively a 3rd line player for his first 8 seasons?

 

[SLAPSHOT723]

I was there when you were pushing Snow on Bailey at a season ticket holder event.

Ha yes! I told him Bailey sucked and Garth gave me the "you're looking at his draft position" crap.

 

[BMOK33]

5m cap hit is cheap for his production this year. Nice to see not all players go for the juggular when negotiating contracts. Deal is fair for both parties.

NYI need to try convince Tavares still. Is Snow going to make a big time splash at the TDL? Got lots of picks he could use

No point. They aren’t going anywhere this year and only one playoff spot is in essence open at this point. I guess the Devils may still collapse late but I don’t like the Isles chances fighting Columbus for that final spot

 

[hockeyguy1967]

He was exclusively a 3rd line player for his first 8 seasons?

No lol, he played like 18 minutes a game.

 

[SLAPSHOT723]

He was exclusively a 3rd line player for his first 8 seasons?

Around 2011-12 he was, yes. I remember our third line was Rolston-Bailey-Comeau. I was (and still am) convinced that Rolston turned Comeau into a malcontent in the Islanders locker room, and that's why Comeau was waived 16 games into the season. Bailey's game suffered, but he took FOREVER to recover.

Bailey stayed as a third liner until mid-way through the 2015-16 when they tested the Lee-Tavares-Bailey line for the first time. Then in 16-17 that line played together a bit more, then this year they became a permanent line (after a few games with Eberle on the first line).

 

[LordNeverLose]

No lol, he played like 18 minutes a game.

Last season was the first time he averaged at least 18 min/game

 

[PWJunior]

This deal terrifies me.

If Tavares stays, it's better. They clearly have chemistry and Bailey has been an offensive catalyst the last 1.5 years. But it took him EIGHT AND A HALF SEASONS for him to get his **** together. He also has barely succeeded outside of playing with JT, so I'm not holding my breath that he can keep this up.

If JT leaves, this is really REALLY scary. Not only does this prevent bringing a better player to take his spot, but Bailey could be named our next captain. It's amazing the short-term memory this league has.

I'll give Bailey credit for really turning things around, but this year could be an anomaly, not the new norm.

I'm not a fan of this at all.

When are you going to get over Bailey kicking your dog? You've always had it in for him, even now.

 

[SLAPSHOT723]

When are you going to get over Bailey kicking your dog? You've always had it in for him, even now.

I think he has been AWESOME the last 1.5-2 years. Like, seriously awesome. I just associate him too much with the shit years between 2008-2014 and I'd like to move on from him.

 

[Macch]

Ha yes! I told him Bailey sucked and Garth gave me the "you're looking at his draft position" crap.

What an embarrassing moment for you...

 

[SLAPSHOT723]

What an embarrassing moment for you...

Not really. It was a nice Q&A.

 

[72hockey guy]

When are you going to get over Bailey kicking your dog? You've always had it in for him, even now.

PW, you don't comment on the main boards enough. You and Kevin27 . You're intelligence and rationality are needed more than you know. Codee and crew99 can't do it alone

 

[CREW99AW]

Big question is if the isles get this deal done, without giving a ntc or nmc.

 

[PWJunior]

Big question is if the isles get this deal done, without giving a ntc or nmc.

I would think Bailey wants to stay and the security of a NTC/NMC is paramount for him and his family with the rumored numbers. He's got 2 young kids and for those of us that are familiar with LI, they probably love it here and $5M/year sets him up.

 

[PWJunior]

PW, you don't comment on the main boards enough. You and Kevin27 . You're intelligence and rationality are needed more than you know. Codee and crew99 can't do it alone

You're pissing off enough people for me and Kevin.

 

[LordNeverLose]

I'll guess 6 years, 5.25 AAV w/ 3-year NMC that becomes limited NTC for last 3 years

 

[72hockey guy]

You're pissing off enough people for me and Kevin.

Ain't that the truth. But somebody needed to fill the Clark Gillies role otherwise too many liberties are taken.

 

[72hockey guy]

And if you think I'm bad you'd have loved Darth in his early days. The man was a God

 

[justafan22]

Bailey is a good comparable for JVR right?

 

[72hockey guy]

Bailey is a good comparable for JVR right?

Sure, but I'm biased. I see Bailey as better

 

[PWJunior]

Bailey is a good comparable for JVR right?

Very different players, different roles.

 

[LordNeverLose]

Bailey is a good comparable for JVR right?

I don't think Bailey is a good comparable for anyone. Very unique situation.

 

[justafan22]

Very different players, different roles.

Contract wise. I know he's not the same stylistically at all

 

[SI90]

This is huge!!!

 

[72hockey guy]

Contract wise. I know he's not the same stylistically at all

I knew what you meant. And yeah they are. The better Bailey does the more it helps the leafs keep JVR.