The New York Islanders have traded forward Josh Bailey and a second-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations, the teams announced Thursday.
Bailey had eight goals and 25 points in 64 games with the Islanders last season.
The 33-year-old has one more year left on his deal with a $5 million cap hit, which the Blackhawks will buy out. With Bailey's deal off the books, the Islanders will get some much-needed cap space to make additions this off-season.
Islanders general manager Lou Lamoriello hinted that Bailey's days with the team were numbered.
"Loyalty will never get in the way of impeding progress or making whatever decisions I have a responsibility to make. Never," Lamoriello said. "In Josh's case, it looks like maybe it's near the end for here. In our situation, Josh and I have, I think, a man-to-man relationship as far as honesty, and we will work with him -- whatever -- to help him, but my priority is doing what's best for the team."
This is Chicago's second trade this week after acquiring Taylor Hall and Nick Foligno from the Boston Bruins.
