TAMPA, Fla. — The first All-Star selection could not have come at a better time for Josh Bailey.
The Islanders’ pending unrestricted free agent made his first appearance at the event Sunday at Amalie Arena, where his Metropolitan Division team lost in the preliminary round to the Atlantic Division, 7-4. But for the 28-year-old forward, it represents a step forward in his career that for so long seemed stagnant.
“Any year would have been nice,” Bailey said. “I’ve just approached this year as I would any other year. An honor like this, I would have enjoyed it any other season, too.”
Bailey is wrapping up his five-year, $16.5 million contract, which carries an annual salary-cap hit of $3.3 million. He is likely due a raise, and his 42 assists — tied for third in the league — will surely back him up.
But for the time being, he was focused on enjoying this weekend. During Saturday’s skills competition, he had his 2-year-old son, Wyatt, out on the ice to watch. And a picture of father and son is likely going up on a wall pretty soon.
“Down the road it will be a good picture to have, for him and for me,” Bailey said. “Cool moment for him. He’s getting to that age where he can experience those things.”
Bailey also took part in the fastest skater competition, not exactly his strong suit. He finished last in the field of eight.
“I wasn’t exactly enthused about doing the fastest skater,” he said, “but it is what it is. Tried to make the most of it.”
Bailey has benefited this season by the decision from coach Doug Weight to play him alongside captain John Tavares. As Tavares has racked up 26 goals and 51 points through the first 50 games — bringing with it consideration for the Hart Trophy as league MVP — he has also helped pad Bailey’s stats.
With it has come confidence for Bailey, who has always had the skill but has struggled to produce with consistency.
“I feel the same,” he said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to play with great players, shift in and shift out, it does a lot for your confidence. On an off night, those guys are there to pick you up. When your confidence is up, the better you feel, just tried to carry last year into this year.”
The Islanders took Bailey with the No. 9-overall pick in 2008, and he is in his 10th year in the league. It’s a long time to be with a team that has won one playoff round since 1993. But the franchise is in a time of transition, setting up to move to its new arena at Belmont Park by the 2021-22 season.
With Bailey’s contract situation, he is in a bit of transition, as well. Good timing to show what he is capable of.
“It feels good,” Bailey said. “It’s a nice feather in your cap. It’s something to be proud of and an honor to represent your organization.”