Quoting: Db1899
I'm saying Josi is a great two way defenseman at even strength, but PK is different than defending at even strength . He's just not good at PK, takes too many risks and gives up too many shots.
Reilly isn't elite. He's a solid puck moving two way defenseman. He's a #4 caliber defenseman.
Also IK we have discussed Bailey before, so it’s worth mentioning that Kurz put this in his mailbag today.
Is there a team out there that you think would take on Josh Bailey? Would the Isles get anything in return or would they have to give up additional assets to get someone to take him? He’s still a solid middle-six player. This isn’t an Andrew Ladd situation. — Jonathan W.
I touched on what I think of Bailey in the last mailbag (shockingly there were questions then, too, about whether the Islanders should trade him). But I’ll repeat that I have little doubt that there would be teams interested in him should he become available, even though his $5 million salary is a bit inflated. That contract now has just two seasons remaining, making it a bit more palatable.
This year’s Stanley Cup playoffs so far have offered a reminder of just how valuable a player like Bailey can be, because when you look at teams like Dallas, Edmonton and Calgary, especially, all of them have depth issues up front. Bailey is still a responsible two-way player that has a tendency to raise his game in the playoffs, and that’s a big reason I think there’s a very strong possibility he’s wearing another uniform in the fall. And, no, it wouldn’t just be a salary dump. I think the Islanders could get at least a serviceable player in return while also clearing some cap space for a potential high-end free-agent forward to help replace him.