Josh Bailey Inducted into New York State Hockey Hall of Fame
In a recent announcement made during the second intermission of the Game 4 clash between the Montreal Canadiens and the Buffalo Sabres, it was revealed that Josh Bailey, a former player for the New York Islanders, will be honored with induction into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame this summer. This news came as ESPN also disclosed that broadcaster Steve Levy would be joining this year’s inductee class, which consists of eight individuals including Bailey.
Bailey’s Career Highlights
Bailey, who was selected as the ninth overall pick during the 2008 NHL Draft, has been a steadfast member of the Islanders, making his debut on November 11, 2008, and playing an impressive 1,057 games with the franchise. Over his 15 seasons, he amassed 184 goals and 396 assists, totaling 580 points, positioning him among the top in Islanders history—fourth in assists and seventh in points.
His performance in the playoffs particularly distinguished his career; in 71 playoff games, he scored 16 goals and provided 34 assists, helping lead the team to two appearances in the third round. Notably, Bailey contributed two overtime goals during this time, including a memorable Game 1 goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019 during the team’s return to postseason play at Nassau Coliseum.
Transition and Current Role
Bailey’s tenure with the Islanders concluded on June 29, 2023, when he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks along with a second-round draft pick. Shortly thereafter, his contract was bought out, and although he signed a professional tryout contract with the Ottawa Senators for the following preseason, he did not play another game in the NHL.
Today, Bailey is seen in the broadcast booth, collaborating with Alan Fuehring on Islanders Radio Network broadcasts. His upcoming induction will mark him as the fifth player from the Islanders franchise to be honored in the Hall of Fame, following in the footsteps of notable figures such as John Tonelli, Ken Morrow, Denis Potvin, and Ed Westfall, with Hall of Fame journalist Stan Fischler also being recognized in 2023.
Induction Ceremony Details
The induction ceremony is set to take place on July 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, New York, with additional details provided by the Hall of Fame.
Fans and supporters from the Islanders community expressed their excitement about Bailey’s well-deserved recognition, highlighting the enduring legacy he has created for the team.
