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Bailey Selected 9th Overall
Islander fans were clamoring
for Nikita Filatov to be picked. When the team passed, they were
shocked, confused, and enraged. They played it safe and stockpiled 2nd
round draft picks in this years draft. After an hour of waiting, the
Islanders got their man, choosing Windsor Spitfires center Joshua Bailey
with the 9th overall selection in the draft.
New York had their eye on
Bailey the entire draft. Apparently, their need for a playmaking center
outweighed the speed and excitement Filatov could have brought, and also
the presence of a shutdown defender that Schenn would have been. Their
affection for Bailey allowed them to collect 2 more second round picks
in this year by moving down twice, as well as a conditional 2nd
or 3rd rounder in the 2009 draft. Trades with Toronto and
Nashville netted the Isles the 40th and either the 60th
or 68th choice. New York will now have 4 second round
choices heading into tomorrow.
Don’t be down on Bailey,
though. Most scouts had him penciled in between the 10th and
15th pick. This playmaking center ranked second in the OHL
last season in points (29-67-96), trailing only the consensus #1 Steven
Stamkos. Bailey has drawn comparisons to solid two-way forwards in the
league such as Jamie Langenbrunner and Andrew Brunette.
Here’s what the scouts and
experts have to say about Josh:
Red Line:
"Heart-and-soul type player every good team needs. Has excellent
leadership intangibiles and was a big key in the massive turnaround by
the Spits this season. We've always liked his work ethic, leadership and
sound defensive game, but he elevated his offensive game in a big way
this year. Terrific playmaking centre with the ability to get his
wingers the puck in good scoring positions - has a knack for holding
onto it that extra split second to his mates time. Good vision and can
saucer touch passes through traffic off either wing. Plays with poise
and smarts in all three zones. Strong in puck pursuit on the forecheck,
but would boost his stock if he'd add a physical element to his game and
finish off more checks."
NYI.com:
“Bailey is the quarterback on the
power-play, from down low, for the Windsor Spitfires and is going to
continue to be that. He is a good play-making centerman with the ability
to feed his linemates when he needs to and shoot the puck when the play
requires that.”
NHL Central Scouting’s Chris
Edwards: "Josh is a really hard
working up and down guy who has great puck skill and play-making
ability. He has the ability to pass through any type of traffic and is
an energy guy for Windsor. He's not a fighter but he's not one to be
afraid of anyone or back down and he doesn't get knocked around. The
biggest component of his game that needs improvement was his
competitiveness, but he stepped it up down the stretch and really showed
that next level."
Windsor Spitfires coach Bob
Boughner: "Joshua is a highly skilled
player who can play on both ends of the ice as well as on the penalty
kill and power-play units. He has the unique ability to make players
around him better."
ISS:
Size/Strength: Good
Skating: Very Good
Shot/Scoring: Good
Puckhandling: Excellent
Hockey Sense: Excellent
Leadership: Excellent
Poise: Excellent
Defense: Good
Strengths
1. Work Ethic
2. Playmaking
3. Two way game
Areas For Improvement
1. Competitiveness
2. Skating
Scouting Report:
Bailey broke into the OHL
with the Owen Sound Attack and was traded to the Spitfires mid way
through the 06-07 season. Bailey, who Windsor in scoring this past
season with 96 pts, is a hard working forward with very good puck skills
and playmaking ability. With Spitfires, Josh takes a regular shift and
is used during power play and penalty killing situations. Since breaking
into the OHL, Josh has shown improvement in skating and overall speed.
Heading into the 08-09 many observers feel the Spitfires will be the
team to beat in the OHL and Bailey will play a key role in Windsor's
drive towards an OHL Championship.
NHL Potential: Top 6-
Hard working player who can contribute offensively without sacrificing
defence.
Style compares to: Andrew
Brunette
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