Josh Bailey Broke The Trend That Defined The Islanders For Decades

Josh Bailey's playoff heroics helped define an era of Islanders hockey, but his greatest contribution came in 2018 when he chose to stay on Long Island while so many others did nor.

PHOTO: Sam Johnston / New York Islanders

This past weekend, the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame inducted Josh Bailey into its 2026 Class, in what was a special moment for the career New York Islanders forward.

Bailey’s legacy with the Islanders is often reduced to a few things: The playoff overtime goals, The Josh Bailey Song, and the inconsistencies early in his career.

But Bailey’s biggest contribution to the Islanders organization wasn’t any of those things. It was one decision he made on Feb. 23, 2018.