The Islanders were busy in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Originally slated for the fifth overall pick, the Islanders ended up choosing center Joshua Bailey, ninth overall.

"Josh was the player we targeted from the beginning," said Islanders GM Garth Snow. "He's a center who makes those around him better. He's the type of center we need in our system. Josh has great offensive instincts and can make things happen with his superior vision, character and leadership."

Continued Snow, "We kept trading down because we believed we would be able to grab Josh at nine, while also stocking up on more draft picks."

Islanders assistant GM and Director of Amateur Scouting Ryan Jankowski had this to say about the player he saw many times this season.

"Josh has been a tremendous playmaker in the OHL," said Jankowski. "He ranked second in points in the OHL this season among draft eligible players, behind only Stamkos. Josh has impeccable character and will be a top center for the Islanders for a while."


Bailey Videos

• VIDEO 1
• VIDEO 2
• VIDEO 3
• VIDEO 4

Articles on Bailey

• HARD WORK HELPS BAILEY GRAB THE SPOTLIGHT
• Spitfire could be a first-rounder

Additional Reporting by John Hill