28-year-old forward has NHL career highs in points, assists this season
Josh Bailey reached an agreement with the New York Islanders on a six-year contract on Friday, though financial details were not revealed. The 28-year-old forward is currently in the final year of a five-year deal and was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
“At the start of the year, my family and I wanted this,” Bailey expressed. “Finalizing it now is both exciting and a relief. We’re thrilled to be able to stay in New York.” He emphasized his commitment from the beginning of the season to explore every opportunity to remain with the team.
This season, Bailey has recorded 62 points (15 goals, 47 assists) in 58 games, ranking third on the Islanders, just three points behind Mathew Barzal and two behind John Tavares. He has achieved personal bests in points and assists and is one goal shy of matching his career high from the 2009-10 season. Additionally, he participated in the NHL All-Star Game for the first time this year.
“I’ve had a significant role these past couple of seasons, and I’ve really enjoyed it,” Bailey noted. “It’s been a lot of fun playing alongside great players and being given plenty of opportunities to succeed.”
Tavares, who plays alongside Bailey and Anders Lee and is also in the final year of his contract, expressed his happiness about Bailey’s extension. “He’s been with the team for a long time and has grown into an all-star and a leader in the locker room. Players look up to him, including me. It’s fantastic to see him rewarded and remain an Islander for years to come. I know he’s excited, and I’m sure his game will continue to improve.”
Drafted by New York with the ninth overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft, Bailey has amassed 368 points (121 goals, 247 assists) over 697 NHL games. He is the longest-serving player on the Islanders.
“Josh has become a core member of the New York Islanders,” said general manager Garth Snow. “He has grown within our system over the years, and it’s exciting to see him evolve into the player we always believed he could be. Watching him set new career highs each year has been impressive, and we look forward to him continuing this success with the organization.”
The Islanders (29-26-7) are set to face the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on Saturday (6:15 p.m. ET; MSG+, MSG+2, NHL.TV), sitting tied with the Columbus Blue Jackets (30-26-5) for the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs.
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