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New York Islanders Draftees: Current v Playing Elsewhere

Apr 17, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (6) celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers with New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) during the second period of game three of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock (6) celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers with New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) during the second period of game three of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; New York Islanders goalie Jaroslav Halak (41) is congratulated by forward Josh Bailey (12) after the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The New York Islanders defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

Right Wing: Josh Bailey/Kyle Okposo

It took nine years but the real Josh Bailey has finally stood up. We hope. Taken 9th overall in the 2008 Draft – and drafted as a center- Bailey is becoming that top line NHL winger.

With 56 points on the season, Josh Bailey was the most consistent Isles forward this season. Bailey was putting up points before Anders Lee woke up at the end of November, and when Tavares was having his first half blues.

Isles fans have been nothing but patient with Bailey…well most have. For years Bailey was the epitome of failed expectations. Hopefully, his 2016-17 form morphs into his 2017-18 form and so on and so forth.

Like Frans Nielsen, the Islanders miss Kyle Okposo. Not just on an emotional level, but on the scoresheet.

Sure Josh Bailey picked up his production since Okposo’s departure. But he wasn’t supposed to replace the Isles first round draft pick in 2006. That was Andrew Ladd’s job. And in year one of seven, Ladd failed.

With his new Buffalo outfit, Okposo put up 45 points in an injury shortened season. Okposo is still that dynamic offensive force he was in New York. But at least the Isles saved $500,000. Win-win right?

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