1057 game NHL veteran's career may be over after being cut by team already lacking depth
PUBLICATION
TJ Tucker
October 8, 2023 (11:23)
Some tough news for a veteran of more than 1000 NHL games. The Ottawa Senators have announced that 34-year-old Josh Bailey has been released from a professional tryout contract with the team.
Oddly enough, Bailey has had a good preseason, scoring 6 points (1 goals, 5 assists) in six games. There's a chance another NHL team may sign him, but it seems doubtful.
Bailey was drafted by the New York Islanders 9th overall in 2008, and it remains the only NHL team he's suited up for. Following a sharp decline over the past few years, he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks this past offseason, along with a 2nd round pick in 2026, for future considerations. It was a salary dump move, with the Blackhawks immediately putting Bailey on waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract.
In February of 2018, Bailey was signed to a new six-year contract with the Islanders that carried a $5 million per season cap hit. Former Isles GM Garth Snow negotiated the deal, and it serves as a good example of why he's no longer with the organization.
POLL |
Will another NHL team sign Bailey for the 2023-24 season? |
Yes | 27 | 58.7 % |
No | 13 | 28.3 % |
Not sure | 6 | 13 % |
List of polls |
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