Former long-time New York Islanders winger Josh Bailey was released from his professional tryout with the Ottawa Senators on Sunday, the team announced.
The 34-year-old, who ranked third in Islanders history with 1,057 games played, was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this offseason along with a second-round draft pick as a salary dump to get his $5 million off the books. The Blackhawks proceeded to buy out Bailey, making him a free agent. and was signed to a PTO by the Senators on Sept. 14.
Bailey had one year left on his deal following his 15th season with the Islanders in 2022-23 where he was benched down the stretch after recording just eight goals and 17 assists in 64 games. During his exit interview in May, he implored that he intended to play the final year of his deal — suggesting that he had no plans of retiring.
Now as a free agent and with the regular season beginning in less than a week, though, his playing future in the NHL certainly appears in jeopardy.
Bailey’s 394 assists rank fourth in Islanders history and his 580 points rank seventh.
For more on the Islanders, visit AMNY.com
Read more: Knicks Explore Towns Trade Options as Trade Talks Heat Up
