Josh Bailey locked up long-term to remain with New York Islanders

The New York Islanders finally do something smart, locking up Josh Bailey for six years and $30 million.

The New York Islanders, as busy as they’re about to be *sarcasm*, have done something smart and productive this season. They’ve re-signed winger Josh Bailey to a six-year, $30 million deal.

Bailey took a while to produce but thank goodness he finally got there. He’s having a career-year for the Isles. He’s a big reason the Isles are staying afloat in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Named an All-Star just this season, Bailey is deciding to not even test the market and stay put with the organization that gave him a chance.

An Islander since 2008, Bailey has been a staple in New York’s lineup. Although the numbers and playoff success are not quite there, the Isles have gotten a lot of games out of No. 12. He has yet to play under 60 games in an NHL season with the exception of the lockout-shortened season in 2012-2013.

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Bailey picked a great time to produce. He already has a career-high in points and there is plenty of season left. Bailey has formed an awesome connection with fellow first-liners John Tavares and Anders Lee.

The six-year, $30 million deal also seems like a very team friendly contract. The Isles will owe him around $5 million annually.

The cheapness of the contract is ideal. Bailey still has to prove to everyone that his career-year so far is not a fluke. He needs to keep up production. But something going under the radar with this contract is the money they can give to John Tavares.

Perhaps, Bailey’s contract is done knowing JT makes him better and by taking a little less, it helps the Isles go all-in on Tavares.

Regardless of the motive, it must be encouraging for Islanders fans to see a player want to stay. It is a good look for the fans that Bailey wants to stay aboard the Isles for the foreseeable future.

Next: Analyzing the Islanders as season hits 61 games

It’ll be difficult for this contract not to be worth it, but hopefully, both sides get way more out of it than we all think right now.

Thank you for staying aboard this mess, Josh.