NY Islanders Daily Dose: Ooh Ahh - Bailey writes a goodbye note; George inks ELC

Good Morning, Islanders Country.

Josh Bailey penned a goodbye to Islanders fans in The Player’s Tribune on Wednesday, providing closure for a player who started his Islanders journey as a 19-year-old kid and ended it as a 33-year-old man. We watched Bailey grow up as many of us did ourselves throughout 15 sometimes tumultuous seasons, sometimes thrilling seasons. In the letter entitled “To Long Island,” Bailey recounts humorous times during his career when he was the center of fan’s attention, but not necessarily in a good way.

"Some nights, if I was starting, the national anthem could be a vulnerable 90 seconds standing there at the blue line. (I heard it all — the encouragement and the “encouragement.”)"

- Josh Bailey

It was a complicated relationship, but even if he didn’t win over everyone on the ice, no one could dispute that Bailey represented the organization and community in a way that made those who root for this team and live on Long Island proud.

He signed off “until next time,” and you know there will be one.

Whether he’s back for an alumni weekend or honored in a more significant way, he will be serenaded again by the Isles Faithful.

Coming up, Isaiah George inks his ELC, Hudson Fasching still has something to prove and the candidates to fill Zach Parise’s void. Plus, devastating Isles injuries, DiPietro’s landmark deal, and the Islanders’ ice has been painted.

Let’s dive in.

NEXT UP: On The Fly