News broke today of a trade for Josh Bailey between the New York Islanders and the Chicago Blackhawks. Along with Bailey, the Islanders are sending a 2026 2nd Round pick in exchange for future considerations. Josh Bailey is a serviceable NHL veteran, so this appears to be a salary savings plan by General Manager Lou Lamoriello.
#Isles have traded Josh Bailey and a 2026 2nd Round pick to the #Blackhawks for future considerations.
Pure salary dump.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) June 29, 2023
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The New York Islanders Have Traded Forward Josh Bailey
Josh Bailey broke into the NHL in his draft season in 2008-09. Since that time, he has played 1057 games over a solid 15-year NHL career. Moreover, it may be a bittersweet move, as Bailey has played his entire career with only the Islanders. His production is not where it once was, as his career high in points came back in 2017-18. That season he had 18 goals, 53 assists for 71 points in 76 games. This past season he recorded eight goals, and 17 assists for 25 points in 64 contests. All the while he logged 15:08 of ice time. He remains a reliable bottom six guy.
What Does This Mean for the Islanders
For the Islanders, this is an opportunity to save some money. In terms of cap space, they do have some money, so it is more of an example of pure savings. They do have a couple of players they would like to re-sign. Names like Semyon Varlamov, Scott Mayfield, or Oliver Wahlstrom fill valuable roles. So, if GM Lou decides to not re-sign them, they would leave holes that require replacing.
What Does This Mean for the Blackhawks
On to the Blackhawks, and dare we say it, things are looking up. Last night they called the highly-coveted Connor Bedard’s name first overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft from Nashville, Tennessee. In addition, they had just acquired two nice pieces in trade from the Boston Bruins, Taylor Hall, and Nick Foligno. It appears that Chicago GM Kyle Davidson is doing the right things and making the moves to make Bedard happy. Bringing in the veteran Bailey, a guy who played in the NHL right out of his draft, will help Bedard learn the ropes. So far, it seems they are doing a good job of protecting him. Now we will see if he is allowed the opportunity to develop through power play time and other favourable situations.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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