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Rumor Mill: Will the Buffalo Sabres trade for Josh Bailey?

By Sion Fawkes

ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: Josh Bailey #12 of the New York Islanders skates with the puck against the Minnesota Wild at UBS Arena on January 30, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
ELMONT, NEW YORK - JANUARY 30: Josh Bailey #12 of the New York Islanders skates with the puck against the Minnesota Wild at UBS Arena on January 30, 2022 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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FanSided’s own Eyes on Isles listed the Buffalo Sabres as a potential destination for New York Islanders center/winger Josh Bailey. 

James Nichols of Eyes on Isles provided an interesting trade scenario that could involve center/winger Josh Bailey coming to the Buffalo Sabres via a trade. Bailey, who will turn 33 when the regular season rolls around in October, could be a good puzzle piece for the Sabres both as a mentor and as insurance.

This past season, they saw Casey Mittelstadt miss extended time, along with Zemgus Girgensons, Kyle Okposo, and Cody Eakin. Someone like Bailey, who scored 44 points in 74 games last season, could hold the fort down should the injury bug strike again. Or, the Sabres could also use him on the middle lines.

Will the Buffalo Sabres acquire Josh Bailey via trade with the New York Islanders?

Nichols cites the lack of veteran leadership on the Sabres as one reason general manager Kevyn Adams could try to pull off a deal for Bailey. And while Adams wants to see the team get younger, he also knows that the more veteran leadership he can provide, the better off this team will be.

Nichols also mentions the cap floor, something the Sabres are light years away from hitting. Adding a puzzle piece like Bailey as a stopgap would also help in this regard. Bailey, who has two years remaining on his contract, requires a $3.5 million base salary. Something that would dramatically help the Sabres reach the floor.

Further, it should go without saying that Bailey would provide a huge help to Kyle Okposo in mentoring a group of young forwards that includes Tage Thompson, Alex Tuch, Casey Mittelstadt, Dylan Cozens, Rasmus Asplund, Peyton Krebs, and possibly Jack Quinn and J.J. Peterka.

Related Story. 3 one-year rentals to help hit the cap floor. light

Finally, Nichols mentions that since the Sabres are looking to improve upon last season, adding both Bailey’s veteran leadership and his fair productivity will help this team take another step forward. This is definitely worth looking into if you are Kevyn Adams.

Article Source: 3 Destinations Josh Bailey Could Land if Traded by James Nichols

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