Bailey happy to stay with Islanders

In the midst of a career-year and sitting firmly within the NHL's top-20 scoring leaders, Josh Bailey's services would have likely been in high demand had he reached unrestricted free agency this summer.
But Bailey's focus wasn't on testing the market, it was on re-upping with the New York Islanders and on Friday, he made it official, signing a six-year extension to stay with the team.

"I thought right from the beginning, I wanted to give it every opportunity to stay. Going into the year that was my focus, I said that from the beginning and meant it," Bailey said on Friday. "My family and I wanted to get it done here. Now it's an exciting time for us and a relief at the same time."

PRESS RELEASE: BAILEY SIGNS SIX-YEAR DEAL

Bailey is having a career-year, with 62 points (15G, 47A) in 58 games, earning a trip to his first All Star Game in February and posting an 11-game point streak in December. His offensive production has taken a dramatic upswing over the past two seasons and he feels he has an important role on the team, playing on the top line and first power-play unit. That's an attractive situation for a player.
"I've been given a big role in the past couple of seasons and really enjoy it," Bailey said. "It's been a lot of fun, I get to play with great players and get put out in a lot of good opportunities and they really put me in a good position to succeed."

Bailey said he appreciated the support and belief from General Manager Garth Snow and the organization throughout his Islanders career.
"Josh has become one of the core members of the New York Islanders," Snow said in a statement. "He has developed within our system for several years and it's exciting to see him mature into the player we always had confidence he would become. To come into the past few seasons and see Josh set new career highs each year, has been impressive and we're excited to see him continue to do that with the organization as we move forward."
John Tavares, the Islanders' captain who is in the last year of his current deal with the team, said he was happy to see Bailey rewarded for his play. The two all-stars have formed some nice chemistry together, earning points on the same goal 61 times over the past two seasons.

READ: BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT BAILEY'S FIRST ALL-STAR GAME

"He's been here a long time and has developed into an all-star and a great player and a leader in the locker room," Tavares said. "Guys really look up to him, including myself. So great to see him get rewarded and continue being an Islander for a long time. I know he's excited and I'm sure his game will only continue to get better."
Bailey said his life off the ice factored into his desire to sign his extension. Bailey has been with the team for 10 years, coming in as an 18-year-old and is now a father of two. He likes Long Island and felt it suited his family.
"It's a great place to raise your kids, a great place to live, so that side of it was easy," Bailey said.
Instagram from @ny\_islanders: Catching up with Bails on being an Islander for 6 more years! #Isles
At 697 games, Bailey was already the longest-tenured Islander on the current roster, eighth on the franchise's all-time games-played list. At the end of Bailey's six-year deal, he could mathematically surpass Bryan Trottier (1,123) for the most games played in franchise history and would trail only Billy Smith for the most seasons played in franchise history (17).
"You don't see it happen too often, but it would be an honor if that happens," Bailey said. "You need some luck on your side, you have to stay healthy. Hopefully that keeps up, but that's a long way away, six years is a long time. I'm just focused on right now and we'll see where it goes."
Now with his contract settled, Bailey has what he wants and can focus on helping get the Islanders into the playoffs.
"It's a fun time of year to be playing hockey and it's kind of nice to have this done with and make the sole focus be on this stretch run," Bailey said. "It's nice to have it done with and obviously we are happy and excited that we get to stay in New York.