Here in lies the problem. Bailey has worth, but I personally think he's unhappy on this team. Maybe it's because he was drafted first round as a playmaking center, and has NEVER been given top 6 ice. Whatever the case, we've all seen glimpses of Bailey "turning it on". The fact that he's been sucking it up, for whatever the reason doesn't mean he sucks. I'd be willing to bet money that if he were traded he'd be that playmaking center the isles drafted (who played first line minutes in juniors).

Bottom line, bailey is not a bottom six forward. I don't buy into the argument that he hasn't earned the top six minutes. He's never played consistently with what the isles consider top 6 talent. That said, if he's not in the top 6 plans (which he isn't) then move on. I'd rather move him for whatever they can get for him, rather than misusing him and "hoping" he turns it around. How many more years are they gonna hope he turns it around??? Cut the chord for the sake of the team and the player. Move on already.
- kindlyrick

Except that he has averaged in the top 6 in minutes played for forwards the last 3 years. He played the 4th most minutes last year out of forwards. To say the guy has never played top 6 is a joke. He has played with JT on the 1st line he has played on the 2nd line as well. The guy is on the 2nd PP unit and has been used on the PK as well. Most would say he gets too much ice time.

Yeah he has. He's had more time in the top six than Grabner has. He just hasn't taken advantage of it, and now he has the next wave of forwards coming in who are taking advantage of the minutes they're getting. It's tougher and tougher to play the "Bailey the poor victim" card. He's disappeared for long enough stretches that would have made him a healthy scratch on most teams, and he didn't even miss a shift here. At some point, his lot is his to own, and personally, I think that point was about two seasons ago.

That said, here's the Standard Bailey Disclaimer: Yes, he has talent, and yes he was handled poorly his first season...six years ago.
- UIF

I agree

Yeah he has. He's had more time in the top six than Grabner has. He just hasn't taken advantage of it, and now he has the next wave of forwards coming in who are taking advantage of the minutes they're getting. It's tougher and tougher to play the "Bailey the poor victim" card. He's disappeared for long enough stretches that would have made him a healthy scratch on most teams, and he didn't even miss a shift here. At some point, his lot is his to own, and personally, I think that point was about two seasons ago.

That said, here's the Standard Bailey Disclaimer: Yes, he has talent, and yes he was handled poorly his first season...six years ago.
- UIF

I'm not playing the poor bailey victim trust me. I will however disagree that he has been a bottom six guy on the isles and he's not a bottom six guy. Whatever the reason is, it's time to part ways.

Here in lies the problem. Bailey has worth, but I personally think he's unhappy on this team. Maybe it's because he was drafted first round as a playmaking center, and has NEVER been given top 6 ice. Whatever the case, we've all seen glimpses of Bailey "turning it on". The fact that he's been sucking it up, for whatever the reason doesn't mean he sucks. I'd be willing to bet money that if he were traded he'd be that playmaking center the isles drafted (who played first line minutes in juniors).

Bottom line, bailey is not a bottom six forward. I don't buy into the argument that he hasn't earned the top six minutes. He's never played consistently with what the isles consider top 6 talent. That said, if he's not in the top 6 plans (which he isn't) then move on. I'd rather move him for whatever they can get for him, rather than misusing him and "hoping" he turns it around. How many more years are they gonna hope he turns it around??? Cut the chord for the sake of the team and the player. Move on already.
- kindlyrick

Im a bailey fan which probably everyone knows by now and even I have to say if hes not happy being on this team good luck, dont let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Hes been given opportunites to succeed. He just hasnt run with it. Ill agree in the sense that I believe that capuano MAY be the worst coach for bailey due to me believing that capuano isnt the kind of coach that gets everything out of his players but come on. I dont agree with how he was developed but how long do you give a prospect whether hes rushed or not? Hes had his time. I have a feeling if hes still here come September we are going to see a more consistent bailey but ive said this numerous times in the past and been wrong. Wouldnt be in the least bit offended if people laughed at me for feeling this way at this point.

Yeah he has. He's had more time in the top six than Grabner has. He just hasn't taken advantage of it, and now he has the next wave of forwards coming in who are taking advantage of the minutes they're getting. It's tougher and tougher to play the "Bailey the poor victim" card. He's disappeared for long enough stretches that would have made him a healthy scratch on most teams, and he didn't even miss a shift here. At some point, his lot is his to own, and personally, I think that point was about two seasons ago.

That said, here's the Standard Bailey Disclaimer: Yes, he has talent, and yes he was handled poorly his first season...six years ago.
- UIF

Guess you beat me to it

Im a bailey fan which probably everyone knows by now and even I have to say if hes not happy being on this team good luck, dont let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. Hes been given opportunites to succeed. He just hasnt run with it. Ill agree in the sense that I believe that capuano MAY be the worst coach for bailey due to me believing that capuano isnt the kind of coach that gets everything out of his players but come on. I dont agree with how he was developed but how long do you give a prospect whether hes rushed or not? Hes had his time. I have a feeling if hes still here come September we are going to see a more consistent bailey but ive said this numerous times in the past and been wrong. Wouldnt be in the least bit offended if people laughed at me for feeling this way at this point.
- Cptmjl

Without dissecting the Bailey situation we can all agree that he's underproduced. He has talent and I've said that on a different team you'd most likely see a different player.

I don't think he's found his niche on this team. For whatever the reason the isles drafted a first line playmaking center in juniors and he ended up playing bottom six minutes on the wing with the isles.

The only time Bailey had success was playing with Fran's and Okposo at the end of 2012 I believe. Other than that line, the isles have had Bailey with a revolving door of third liners. It's time to cut ties at this point because I don't believe Bailey should be playing wing, and I don't believe he's a "checking line" guy.

Without dissecting the Bailey situation we can all agree that he's underproduced. He has talent and I've said that on a different team you'd most likely see a different player.

I don't think he's found his niche on this team. For whatever the reason the isles drafted a first line playmaking center in juniors and he ended up playing bottom six minutes on the wing with the isles.

The only time Bailey had success was playing with Fran's and Okposo at the end of 2012 I believe. Other than that line, the isles have had Bailey with a revolving door of third liners. It's time to cut ties at this point because I don't believe Bailey should be playing wing, and I don't believe he's a "checking line" guy.
- kindlyrick

I remember him being projected as a second line center. His point totals were high. I believe he had five less points than stamkos his last yr in junior but his knock was what we are seeing now. Not giving his all and lack of consistency. Probably why he didnt project as a first line center.

I remember him being projected as a second line center. His point totals were high. I believe he had five less points than stamkos his last yr in junior but his knock was what we are seeing now. Not giving his all and lack of consistency. Probably why he didnt project as a first line center.
- Cptmjl

I agree but again, drafting a top line playmaking center, who's playing 3rd line wing might be the problem.

Time on ice is a skewed stat and doesn't represent clearly his play. Baileys time on ice is padded with pk and pump 2 minutes. Whatever the case it's time to cut ties if he's not part of the isles plans in the top 6 which he isn't.

I agree but again, drafting a top line playmaking center, who's playing 3rd line wing might be the problem.

Time on ice is a skewed stat and doesn't represent clearly his play. Baileys time on ice is padded with pk and pump 2 minutes. Whatever the case it's time to cut ties if he's not part of the isles plans in the top 6 which he isn't.
- kindlyrick

You keep saying top line but he wasnt projected to be a top line player which was the point of my post. Also, not all players that are projected to be top line players turn out playing on the top line for their respected teams. Youre making it sound like if that's what Mackenzie says during the draft that's what theyll be. Unfortunately couldn't be further from the truth. There are plenty of top ten picks playing on the third or fourth line. Unfortunately bailey hasnt shown enough consistency to warrant a first or second line role. If he did we wouldnt be having this conversation. I like the kid but at this point im beginning to question my own judgement.

I agree but again, drafting a top line playmaking center, who's playing 3rd line wing might be the problem.

Time on ice is a skewed stat and doesn't represent clearly his play. Baileys time on ice is padded with pk and pump 2 minutes. Whatever the case it's time to cut ties if he's not part of the isles plans in the top 6 which he isn't.
- kindlyrick

You keep saying he plays bottom 6 minutes when that's not true. Ice time is not a skewed stat. Bottom 6 players don't get PP time and that reflects in their total ice time. With this current roster he is set up as a 3rd line player but the last 3 seasons he has been getting top 6 minutes and given every chance to succeed. Im not giving up on him yet but its getting close.

I remember him being projected as a second line center. His point totals were high. I believe he had five less points than stamkos his last yr in junior but his knock was what we are seeing now. Not giving his all and lack of consistency. Probably why he didnt project as a first line center.
- Cptmjl

The Bailey draft when Snow was trading down to accumulate more picks has helped start the prospect pool of talent. With that being said, instead of drafting an offensive player in Bailey, isles should of drafted a dman instead to start the rebuild. I believe that draft was the year for Dmen and Garf knows well enough that D takes longer to develop. My only gripe w/Bailey is that he's been rushed & not properly developed bc this organization was/is a mess. So in all honesty, I can understand if Bailey has lost his confidence but his passion & desire to succeed is what's lacking.

You keep saying top line but he wasnt projected to be a top line player which was the point of my post. Also, not all players that are projected to be top line players turn out playing on the top line for their respected teams. Youre making it sound like if that's what Mackenzie says during the draft that's what theyll be. Unfortunately couldn't be further from the truth. There are plenty of top ten picks playing on the third or fourth line. Unfortunately bailey hasnt shown enough consistency to warrant a first or second line role. If he did we wouldnt be having this conversation. I like the kid but at this point im beginning to question my own judgement.
- Cptmjl

Nobody was thinking 1st line center when Bailey was drafted. If anything people were thinking who the fack is Josh Bailey

Do not agree with this, I think he needs to be part of a deal to bring back a solid D-men, but not get rid of him just for the sake of getting rid of him.

XxNYIxX
- XxNYIxX

I'm not going to back track but I have to point out that the at the end meant I was playing devils advocate. Just a bit.

I hate giving anyone away for nothing. And as you point out. Adding Bailey to a package to bring in a solid "D" is what everyone here is hoping and praying for.

I was pointing out that IMO he has over stayed his welcome. It's time to send him packing. If keeping Bailey prevents Strome or Lee or some other young player from making this team. Its a crime! Bailey shows no heart. He plays like he wants off the team.

If we shop him and all he fetches is a 2nd or 3rd rd pick. Im happy.

If we have no takers at all. Is it better to keep and play him at the expense of another player. Or just part ways? Its a quandary.

Nobody was thinking 1st line center when Bailey was drafted. If anything people were thinking who the fack is Josh Bailey
- Vukota

Yep!

You keep saying top line but he wasnt projected to be a top line player which was the point of my post. Also, not all players that are projected to be top line players turn out playing on the top line for their respected teams. Youre making it sound like if that's what Mackenzie says during the draft that's what theyll be. Unfortunately couldn't be further from the truth. There are plenty of top ten picks playing on the third or fourth line. Unfortunately bailey hasnt shown enough consistency to warrant a first or second line role. If he did we wouldnt be having this conversation. I like the kid but at this point im beginning to question my own judgement.
- Cptmjl

I'm not going off Mackenzie I'm going off memory. If my memory serves bailey in his last year in juniors led the spitfires in pts playing center on the top line. I wanna say Taylor Hall was his linemate.

Point is, the experiment for whatever reason should be done. Time to move on.

You keep saying he plays bottom 6 minutes when that's not true. Ice time is not a skewed stat. Bottom 6 players don't get PP time and that reflects in their total ice time. With this current roster he is set up as a 3rd line player but the last 3 seasons he has been getting top 6 minutes and given every chance to succeed. Im not giving up on him yet but its getting close.
- Vukota

He's been a third line guy on the isles. Minus the few times he's played with okposo and Fran's. Okposo has been playing with Tavares for a few years now.

TOI is skewed because Bailey has been playing on the "third line" and has been playing PK and PP minutes.

I'm not really sure where the argument is, as I've said it's time to move on.

Nobody was thinking 1st line center when Bailey was drafted. If anything people were thinking who the fack is Josh Bailey
- Vukota

Yep. Exactly. I was throwing shat at my tv bcs we didnt draft filatov

Here in lies the problem. Bailey has worth, but I personally think he's unhappy on this team. Maybe it's because he was drafted first round as a playmaking center, and has NEVER been given top 6 ice. Whatever the case, we've all seen glimpses of Bailey "turning it on". The fact that he's been sucking it up, for whatever the reason doesn't mean he sucks. I'd be willing to bet money that if he were traded he'd be that playmaking center the isles drafted (who played first line minutes in juniors).

Bottom line, bailey is not a bottom six forward. I don't buy into the argument that he hasn't earned the top six minutes. He's never played consistently with what the isles consider top 6 talent. That said, if he's not in the top 6 plans (which he isn't) then move on. I'd rather move him for whatever they can get for him, rather than misusing him and "hoping" he turns it around. How many more years are they gonna hope he turns it around??? Cut the chord for the sake of the team and the player. Move on already.
- kindlyrick

It's time.

Get as much as you can for him. If he winds up finding his game in another city. It doesnt neccesarily mean he would have found it here with the Isles.

If he fetches a "D" in a package great.

If he fetches a 2nd or 3rd rd pick. good to.

If he starts the season and stinks up the Ice again. Addition by subtraction.
Take anything you can get.

Yep. Exactly. I was throwing shat at my tv bcs we didnt draft filatov
- Cptmjl

You've lost all crediblity Capt.

The Bailey draft when Snow was trading down to accumulate more picks has helped start the prospect pool of talent. With that being said, instead of drafting an offensive player in Bailey, isles should of drafted a dman instead to start the rebuild. I believe that draft was the year for Dmen and Garf knows well enough that D takes longer to develop. My only gripe w/Bailey is that he's been rushed & not properly developed bc this organization was/is a mess. So in all honesty, I can understand if Bailey has lost his confidence but his passion & desire to succeed is what's lacking.
- Ur Not Me

I believe that was the draft with pietarengelo who snow was high on and rightfully so. Once he was off the board im guessing he went to plan b.

You've lost all crediblity Capt.
- SCLI

Just being honest. I was way off on that one.

He's been a third line guy on the isles. Minus the few times he's played with okposo and Fran's. Okposo has been playing with Tavares for a few years now.

TOI is skewed because Bailey has been playing on the "third line" and has been playing PK and PP minutes.

I'm not really sure where the argument is, as I've said it's time to move on.
- kindlyrick

Okposo has been playing good with tavares and on the first line consistently for one full yr. Not a few. I dont think hes arguing as much as hes saying your post isnt accurate.

Just being honest. I was way off on that one.
- Cptmjl

So were a lot of other Isles fans

It's time.

Get as much as you can for him. If he winds up finding his game in another city. It doesnt neccesarily mean he would have found it here with the Isles.

If he fetches a "D" in a package great.

If he fetches a 2nd or 3rd rd pick. good to.

If he starts the season and stinks up the Ice again. Addition by subtraction.
Take anything you can get.
- SCLI

I think the problem is just that. Snow is worried that he'll find his game elsewhere. So what. He's not finding it on the isles.

In 2011/2012 (I think) they had Bailey playing with Trent hunter and Blake Comeau. That's not really a spot for a guy you drafted 9th overall as the first pick in the rebuild.

Get whatever you can and move on.

I believe that was the draft with pietarengelo who snow was high on and rightfully so. Once he was off the board im guessing he went to plan b.
- Cptmjl

Yea I believe it was Doughety, Pietrangelo, Bogosian plus I think Karlsson & Myers were drafted after Bailey ugh