When forward Josh Bailey left in the middle of the first period in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on January 5, New York Islanders fans were reasonably concerned. Over this season and last, Bailey had transformed into the winger that everyone had hoped he’d become, even earning his all-star status in 2018. Losing him indefinitely would be a huge blow to an offensively reliant team.
Josh Bailey has yet to return since then. Although his injury came just before the NHL’s mandatory bye week, only causing him to miss three games so far, the Islanders seem to be floundering for a worthy replacement.