Josh Bailey ready to show consistency next season with New York Islanders –NHL offseason Update
Josh Bailey might be one of the highest scoring players that were drafted in the 2008 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft, other than Steven Stamkos, but he certainly has not showed consistency which placed him at a critical position last season.
Picked ninth overall by the New York Islanders in round-one, Bailey was expected to turn around the weak franchise and create a new face for the club all around the league.
There is not any doubt about his playing capabilities. It is only his consistency that remains a problem for New York.
Competing against New York Rangers, Islanders faced a tough time, making a bigger impression than them, which is why it drafted players like Bailey.
As the new season comes closer, Bailey has his eyes set on making not only a big impression on his team and fans, but a lasting one as well.
"I came up and started well again and then I was just inconsistent the rest of the season. I think consistency is something I want to work on. But I'm not really thinking too far ahead. I'm excited for next season and I'm excited for training camp. Every
year's a new year. Whatever happens the year before, you come in and it's a clean slate. I've had that approach since my first year in juniors", Bailey said about his renewed energy to perform better.
At a young age of 21, Bailey finished off his third season with New York. He recorded 28 points in 70 games, including 11 goals and 17 assists, but looking at his consistency, there is a reason why he has a plus-minus rating of -13.
Islanders added a number of new players to its line-up in the previous draft in St. Paul Minnesota, including one of the best, Ryan Strome from the Niagara franchise in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
This puts Bailey in a fight for his position, and with positive thinking, he takes it as something to motivate him.
"It's obviously motivation. It pushes you to be better”, said Bailey about new inductees.
Bailey pulling off a better season is something he hopes for, but is not certain until the next season begins.
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