Justin Bailey Signs One-Year Contract with KHL’s Barys Astana

In a significant move for his career, former Buffalo Sabres forward Justin Bailey has signed a one-year contract with Barys Astana in the KHL. This transition marks Bailey’s first venture into overseas hockey, a new chapter following a solid season in the AHL.

Last season, Bailey showcased his skills with the San Diego Gulls, where he played 71 games and netted 25 goals along with 17 assists, totaling 42 points. At 31 years old, he aims to bring that momentum to Barys Astana, looking to make a notable impact in the KHL.

Bailey, who was selected by the Sabres in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, saw action with Buffalo from the 2015-16 season to the 2017-18 season. During his tenure with the Sabres, he recorded five goals and three assists, accumulating eight points and 54 hits across three seasons.

After his time in Buffalo, Bailey continued his NHL journey with the Philadelphia Flyers, Vancouver Canucks, and San Jose Sharks. Over the course of eight seasons in the NHL, he played in 141 games, scoring 10 goals and adding 13 assists for a total of 23 points, while also contributing 157 hits. Now, Bailey gears up for a new challenge in the KHL, eager to leave his mark on the ice in Kazakhstan.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.