Ben Shelley: Reviewing the season (so far): Josh Bailey

The problem with Bailey is the problem with every one of the Islanders top 6. Its call inconsistency.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
1h
Among the answers:
- Pelech expected to be ready for training camp
- 'Every indication' Ilya Sorokin will be here for next season
- He would match RFA offer sheet to Mat Barzal
- 'All indications' Belmont Park arena will be ready for 2021-22 season

Bailey is an enigma wrapped inside a riddle. The reality is/was he was drafted too high and due to that he has always had high expectations which he will never live up to. He was pushed into the NHL way too quickly. He should not have seen NHL ice until 21 or so. He hit the ice sub 20 and it hurt his development.

He is a good team player. He is a type everyone needs. A pass first guy that doesn't hog the limelight but looks out for younger players. It is true there are stretches where you don't even know he is on the team which is maddening but when you look at 3rd line players, he is a good fit. The problem is the Isles are so defensively focuses that a player such as Bailey on the 3rd line is mainly out there to clear the puck and occasionally get on the scoreboard.

Whenever things return to normal what this season should teach LL and Trotz is that they need a lot more offense and better goaltender. If they get that players such as Bailey on the 3rd line will truly shine. But if asked to contribute offensively when put with players such as Dal Colle, Komarov, Johnston and the rookie of the month, he won't thrive.

Ben the biggest question in Islander Country is who can they trade for to play with Barzal. The next question is at what cost?

Bailey is an enigma wrapped inside a riddle. The reality is/was he was drafted too high and due to that he has always had high expectations which he will never live up to. He was pushed into the NHL way too quickly. He should not have seen NHL ice until 21 or so. He hit the ice sub 20 and it hurt his development.

He is a good team player. He is a type everyone needs. A pass first guy that doesn't hog the limelight but looks out for younger players. It is true there are stretches where you don't even know he is on the team which is maddening but when you look at 3rd line players, he is a good fit. The problem is the Isles are so defensively focuses that a player such as Bailey on the 3rd line is mainly out there to clear the puck and occasionally get on the scoreboard.

Whenever things return to normal what this season should teach LL and Trotz is that they need a lot more offense and better goaltender. If they get that players such as Bailey on the 3rd line will truly shine. But if asked to contribute offensively when put with players such as Dal Colle, Komarov, Johnston and the rookie of the month, he won't thrive.
- islesfan1

Thanks for reading!

Agreed, Bailey could work on the third line but he needs players to play with and a good portion of the Islanders' bottom-six doesn't cut it right now.

Ben the biggest question in Islander Country is who can they trade for to play with Barzal. The next question is at what cost?
- Nfdbulldawg

Thanks for reading!

The most obvious option would be to deal Leddy+ to get help but I think they have to be getting fair value back to make that deal and I don't know what kind of forward they'd get in return. I'd love to see them try again in free agency on someone like Hall/Dadonov/Hoffman but now with Pageau on the payroll and Barzal/Pulock/Toews needing new contracts I have doubts in them being able to make a competitive offer.

Andrew Gross @AGrossNewsday
1h
Among the answers:
- Pelech expected to be ready for training camp
- 'Every indication' Ilya Sorokin will be here for next season
- He would match RFA offer sheet to Mat Barzal
- 'All indications' Belmont Park arena will be ready for 2021-22 season


- eichiefs9