On the same day that the Islanders locked up their future star John Tavares, more good news has been delivered to the Isles’ fans in the form of Josh Bailey.The 21 year restricted free agent has signed a 2 year $2.1 million deal, and in doing so has avoided the consequence of not putting pen to paper. Last week Bailey told ESPNNewYork.com he wasn’t too concerned about the impending deal.
"No question," Bailey said. "I don't even consider the other side of things. My focus is here. I'm an Islander and that's the way I want it to stay."
The team imposed deadline of 7:00 a.m. tomorrow states that if any player owned under the rights of the New York Islanders does not agree to terms by this time will forfeit their season and be sent down to the minors.
Under the expired Collective Bargaining Agreement, there was no signing deadline applicable to player contracts. However, under the current CBA, restricted free agents who do not sign contracts by December 1 of a given year will be ineligible to play in the league for the balance of that season.
This fact makes the whole situation on Long Island that much sillier. The New York Islanders are in no position to deny players (especially talented ones) the ability to play for their club. Why impose a rule that already exists under the NHL’s current substructure?
Bailey is a good example of what the Islanders could have lost out on, and for no reason. The 2008 1st round draft pick of the Islanders (9th overall) played 70 games for the Isles notching 11 goals and 17 assists for 28 points with a -13 rating. He played 11 games down in the AHL for Bridgeport scoring 6 goals and 17 points with a +5 rating. In 211 NHL games, all with the Isles, he has posted 34 goals and 54 assists for 88 points with a -22 rating.
Regardless of how ridiculous the situation is; the Iles have their man signed and provided Bailey plays to his potential, we do in fact get to see Bailey on the ice this year. Let’s just be thankful for that.
- Kendall Grubbs
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