Josh Bailey to Join New York State Hockey Hall of Fame This Summer

In an exciting announcement during the second intermission of the Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabers’ Game 4 matchup, it was revealed that former New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey will be inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame this summer. This recognition comes alongside the news that ESPN broadcaster Steve Levy will also join this year’s prestigious class of inductees.

Bailey, who spent his entire NHL career with the Islanders, was drafted 9th overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. Making his debut on November 11, 2008, he quickly became a key player for the franchise, amassing 1,057 games played—one of only three players to reach that milestone with the team. Over his 15 seasons on Long Island, Bailey recorded an impressive 184 goals and 396 assists, totaling 580 points, ranking fourth in assists and seventh in points in Islanders history.

However, it was in the playoffs where Bailey truly shined. In 71 postseason games, he tallied 16 goals and 34 assists, contributing 50 points and helping lead the Islanders to two third-round appearances. His playoff legacy includes a pair of overtime winners against the Pittsburgh Penguins, highlighted by his unforgettable Game 1 goal in 2019 during the team’s first postseason game back at Nassau Coliseum.

Bailey’s time with the Islanders came to an end on June 29, 2023, when he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks along with a second-round pick for future considerations. Later that day, his contract was bought out, and he did not play another NHL game, despite signing a pro tryout with the Ottawa Senators in the following preseason.

Now, Bailey has transitioned to the broadcast booth, partnering with Alan Fuehring on Islanders broadcasts for the New York Islanders Radio Network. His upcoming induction will mark him as the fifth Islanders player to receive this honor, following forward John Tonelli’s enshrinement in 2023, along with Islanders legends Ken Morrow, Denis Potvin, and Ed Westfall, as well as Hall of Fame journalist Stan Fischler, who was also inducted last year.

The 2026 Induction Ceremony is set to take place on July 12 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy, with more details to be announced.

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