Kind of a spin off of the Okposo thread...what are you guys expecting from him this year? I know hes young but he's been in the league 2 years he went up 10 pts last year.. Do you see him having a significant increase in points this year? Would 50pts be too much to ask?
not too sure what to predict for him. he was using his shot more last year and its actually decent and i think thats why he jumped from 7 goals to 16. i think a moderate improvement in points again (10+) would be expected and an improvement in his defensive game too. last year and this offseason he has been training so he should be coming in stronger which is a plus.
18 goals and 25 assists for me would be my minimum for expectations.
Heard Doug Weight talk about Bailey on Toronto radio last week - he was glowing about him. Said he sees Bailey as a top two way center in the league, maybe not an elite point producer but a leader and reliable player. Also spoke highly of Okposo and Nielsen and Tavares.
Heard Doug Weight talk about Bailey on Toronto radio last week - he was glowing about him. Said he sees Bailey as a top two way center in the league, maybe not an elite point producer but a leader and reliable player. Also spoke highly of Okposo and Nielsen and Tavares.
Okposo said in an interview,that Bailey really hit the weight room this offseason.I'm very curious to see what he does this season.
Probably a year away from a true breakout(fantasy-wise, if that's what you're asking) season but 50 points is well within his reach. From a real hockey perspective, he may turn out to be the best all around player on this team.
Probably a year away from a true breakout(fantasy-wise, if that's what you're asking) season but 50 points is well within his reach. From a real hockey perspective, he may turn out to be the best all around player on this team.
I know you're saying 'may turn out' and not is..but I can't see him ever being more then a 60-70 pt scorer.He doesn't come close to Neilsen's defensive work or Okposo's willingness to do the grunt work along the boards.
Okposo said in an interview,that Bailey really hit the weight room this offseason.I'm very curious to see what he does this season.
If he can comfortably play at 208-212 on his 6'1" frame that would certainly help his puck protection ability and battle level along the boards.
So yeah, I too am anxious to see his physical development for this year.
I know you're saying 'may turn out' and not is..but I can't see him ever being more then a 60-70 pt scorer.He doesn't come close to Neilsen's defensive work or Okposo's willingness to do the grunt work along the boards.
May turn out to be the best all around player. Not better than Neilsen defensively but above average. 70 points on a good line not completely far fetched. As for his play along the wall, he would never have been moved to the wing if he couldn't get it done and he did well last year. My opinion fwiw.
May turn out to be the best all around player. Not better than Neilsen defensively but above average. 70 points on a good line not completely far fetched. As for his play along the wall, he would never have been moved to the wing if he couldn't get it done and he did well last year. My opinion fwiw.
He moved to the wing for a few reasons.
1.Overcrowding at center.
2.With less responsibilty at wing,the struggling youngster could concentrate on his scoring.
Islanders are sort of in a funny position, while I hope Okposo and Bailey have great seasons, both are RFAs and say they both get 70+ points, it will be quite a costly summer next year.
Islanders are sort of in a funny position, while I hope Okposo and Bailey have great seasons, both are RFAs and say they both get 70+ points, it will be quite a costly summer next year.
Truth be told this should be Baileys rookies season in the NHL. We'll see how it goes.
Well one could make arguements for last year being his rookie year but they should have let him stay in Windsor for 1 year(since he was a late birthday he only had 1 year of junior eligibility left). I think in the big picture playing for the World Juniors and Memorial cup would have helped him out alot. In the same breath I hope they let Niederreiter stay in junior at least 1 more year(good chance Portland goes far)
Islanders are sort of in a funny position, while I hope Okposo and Bailey have great seasons, both are RFAs and say they both get 70+ points, it will be quite a costly summer next year.
If they both get 70+ points, the Isles will be contenders...for the Cup. This year.
Personally, I would not hold my breath for such and consider some of the projections for this season's individual point totals to be quite unrealistic.
That said, I would not worry one bit if they produce superb seasons. They will have earned the big paychecks....And the team will succeed as a result. Accomplish something/anything now, worry about contracts later. Or else you never win, period.
Regardless, Bailey, like KO and JT, are the players you "hope" form a winning core up front. I personally believe Bailey has an opportunity to be a valuable NHLer for years to come.
Josh finished last year with 35 points. I expect him to be near 50 this season, but would love to see him come in around 60. He is a guy I expect to open eyes this season.
