NY Islanders alum Josh Bailey earns New York State Hockey Hall of Fame honor

Former New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey added another milestone to his decorated hockey career Sunday night, earning induction into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame.

Bailey headlined a class that also included former New York Islanders and New York Rangers general manager Neil Smith, recognizing two men whose careers left lasting marks on hockey across the state.

For Bailey, the honor comes less than three years after his 15-season tenure with the Islanders came to an end following the 2022-23 campaign. That final season was memorable in its own right, as Bailey became just the third player in franchise history to skate in 1,000 regular-season games with the Islanders, joining franchise legends Denis Potvin and Bryan Trottier.

The ninth overall pick in the 2008 NHL Draft developed into one of the longest-tenured players in franchise history. Bailey appeared in 1,057 regular-season games for the Islanders, recording 184 goals and 396 assists for 580 points while establishing himself as one of the organization's most durable and dependable players.

His finest offensive season came in 2017-18, when he earned his lone NHL All-Star selection after posting a career-high 71 points.

Bailey also elevated his game in the postseason. He appeared in 71 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Islanders, totaling 16 goals and 34 assists for 50 points. Among his biggest moments were overtime winners against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the opening round in both 2019 and 2021, two goals that helped define the Islanders' run of playoff success under coach Barry Trotz.

Ahead of Sunday's ceremony, Bailey reflected on what spending his entire NHL career with one organization continues to mean to him.

"It's special. I feel very proud to have played my whole career there," Bailey told Matthew Blitner before the ceremony. "I know that fan base inside and out. I think we went through some tough times and some good times. Just a great place to play hockey."

Bailey also spoke about remaining connected to Long Island through his family and watching the game continue to grow in the community.

"Now my kids are kind of coming up through the ranks of the minor hockey there," Bailey said. "I feel like hockey's really grown in general on Long Island. It's fun to see. I've loved the game for a long time, and I'll get to share with my kids and see it grow. Just to have been a part of the team for as long as I was is nothing but good memories."

And now, those memories include an induction in the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame

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