Blackhawks To Buy Out 15-Year Veteran

His time in Chicago was brief. After being acquired earlier in the day by the Chicago Blackhawks in what was a pure salary dump by the New York Islanders, 15-year veteran Josh Bailey will now blow out of the Windy City on a buyout, which was really the plan all along.

Josh Bailey (CHI) has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purpose of a buyout.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 29, 2023

Bailey has been placed on unconditional waivers just hours after the trade. The 'Hawks did get a 2nd round 2026 pick out of the deal, at the cost of a buyout of $2.7 million this year and $1.2 million next season. Another team could still claim him on waivers to save Chicago from the buyout, but with a $5M salary for the coming season, it's highly unlikely. 

Since his career-best 71-point season in 2017-18, Bailey's career has taken a downturn. The 33-year-old forward notched just 25 points in 64 games last season with the Isles, his lowest point-per-game showing (0.39) since his rookie season in New York back in 2008-09. 

Islanders GM Lou Lamiorello had said he wanted to do right by Bailey, and by sending him to a team that was preparing to buy him out, it allows Bailey to hit the open market and decide on his own future.

Photo: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports