New York Islander Josh Bailey Heads Overseas

Josh Bailey is the the latest Islander to take flight to Europe for the remainder of the lockout.

Katie Strang of ESPN tweeted this morning  that Josh Bailey had signed in Germany with the Bietigheim Steelers, in the same league as Rick DiPietro.

Bailey was selected ninth overall in the 2008 draft and has had some success, but nothing like the 96-point season he had in the Ontario Hockey League during his draft year.

Last season we saw Bailey have some moderate success in the last few months. He wrapped up with 32 points, scoring 13 goals and 19 assists. 

Perhaps play overseas will help the young man build some confidence. There is often reference to him being rushed up to start in the NHL in his draft year, and whether that destroyed his play. That earned him a trip back down to the American Hockey League for a stint.

Once again, the Islanders are in a situation where one of their players might just benefit from low-pressure play across the pond. It gives a chance for confidence building, an area where Bailey has been criticized.

Talks have been moving forward in the lockout realm, so who knows how long Bailey will be staying in Germany. It probably would have been better if he had made the move a few weeks ago, giving him some time back on the ice.

We can only hope Bailey finds some success overseas, and comes back with renewed drive to produce a bit more for the Islanders.