Bailey's preseason performance has been surprisingly strong, tallying 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists) in six games. While there's a possibility that another NHL team may pick him up, the prospect appears uncertain.
Josh Bailey was originally drafted 9th overall by the New York Islanders in 2008, and he has exclusively played for them throughout his NHL career. However, his performance has seen a decline in recent years, leading to his trade to the Chicago Blackhawks in the last offseason, along with a 2nd round pick in 2026, in exchange for future considerations. This move was primarily a salary-cutting maneuver, with the Blackhawks immediately placing Bailey on waivers to buy out the final year of his contract.