New York Islanders Josh Bailey Nominated for Masterton Trophy

The New York Islanders nominated Josh Bailey as their pick for the Bill Masterton trophy. It’s a nice gesture from his team. He won’t win the award, but it’s a nice gesture.

Josh Bailey has been nominated by the New York Islanders as the team’s nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy. A trophy that is given out to a player that exemplifies “perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.”

It’s yet another year where Josh Bailey puts up career numbers it makes sense. Before the 2016-17 season, Josh Bailey’s best NHL season was in 2014-15 when he put up 41 points. Four nine NHL seasons Bailey eclipsed the 40 point mark just once.

For a player taken ninth overall int he 2008 NHL draft, it wasn’t a great return. By then some fans had labeled Bailey a bust. And a player that would never live up to expectations.

And Then 2016-17 Happened

That was until 2016-17 when Josh Bailey exploded for 56 points. Surpassing his previous mark of 41 points in a single season by 15. Some still weren’t convinced that Bailey had turned a corner. And that’s fair.

They only had eight years of NHL data to back up their claim.

And then this year Josh Bailey proved the remaining doubters wrong.

In 72 games played this season, Bailey has 69 points to his name. With another six games to go, Josh Bailey is on pace to total 75 points this season. Surpassing his previous career high by 19 points. Josh Bailey’s dedication has paid off.

Now, does all of that win him the award? No way. With Brian Boyle’s chronic myelogenous leukemia diagnosis and his ability to come back and be an effective player for the New Jersey Devils who are in an unlikely playoff position, the award is his. And rightfully so.

Every team submits a nominee, and the Professional Hockey Writers Association votes on which deserves it. Typically the award is given to a player who’s overcome a lot more than “trying to live up to his draft status”. Like Boyle.

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And to be fair, Josh Bailey already got his “award” it came in the shape of a six-year $30 million contract extension for his play. Without these last two seasons, there’s no way Bailey is given an extension. The nomination is great recognition for what Bailey has been able to do from his team. And that’s it.