Following a report that the Arizona Coyotes have not expressed interest in New York Islanders forward Josh Bailey, another team has voiced the same.

The New York Islanders may not have a first-round selection at the 2023 NHL Draft next week in Nashville. That doesn't mean it will be "All Quiet on the Western" or should we say "Southern" front.

We see it at every draft. Having all general managers in one spot usually leads to conversations -- and moves -- whether those transactions are used to create cap flexibility, bring in talent, or move up in the draft order. 

If the goal of the Islanders is to retain some, if not all, of their unrestricted free agents -- which general manager Lou Lamoriello said during his end-of-the-season press conference -- then moving Josh Bailey's $5 million cap hit is paramount.

Bailey recorded eight goals and 17 assists in 64 games. 

The 33-year-old winger has been the topic of discussion since he voiced his displeasure come season's end as he was a healthy scratch often during the regular season, watching the entirety of the first round from the player's suite. 

"If I'm going to be sitting in the stands a lot, that is not something I want to do," Bailey said when asked about his future on Long Island. 

Bailey opened up about the importance of his family, and with young kids, it didn't seem like uprooting them was high on his list of things to do this off-season. 

READ MORE: Bailey Opens Up About Tough Season, Future With Islanders Anything But Certain

Parlay that with Lamoriello's words on the Bailey situation, and we are likely to see him moved this off-season, possibly as soon as Day 1 of the 2023 NHL Draft on June 29.

"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, maybe it's near the end 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."

READ MORE: Lamoriello on Bailey: 'Maybe It's Near The End For Here'

It's important to note that Bailey has no say in where he goes, but the expectation is that Lamoriello -- if he decides to move Bailey -- will value Bailey's input, given what he's meant to the organization. 

A report hit the internet a few days ago about teams who have shown interest in Bailey. The Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, and Arizona Coyotes were those three teams.

It was a smart guess, given that all three teams listed may need Bailey's contract to hit the cap floor ($61.7 million) or truly value his leadership skills. 

However, Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports debunked part of the report, as he shared Wednesday, per a source, that the Arizona Coyotes have not shown interest in Bailey.

A source out of Anaheim shared with me earlier this week that the Ducks have not shown interest in Bailey either. 

Realistically, if the Ducks did acquire Bailey, I'm not sure he would make the opening night lineup, regardless. And again, his goal is to play.

I previously wrote a story on why Bailey and the Blackhawks may be a match for those who want to check that out. 

READ MORE: Islanders Veteran Could Help Kickstart Blackhawks Rebuild

But if not the Blackhawks, what other team could acquire Bailey?

It's a team in New York that's on the rise.

With the signing of Zemgus Girgensons on Tuesday, the Sabres have just one roster spot left and have $13.6 million in available cap space. 

If the Sabres wanted to use their final roster spot on restricted free agent Tyson Jost, they certainly could. Jost put up similar numbers to Bailey (8 goals, 17 assists), but the disparity comes in the financial department, with Jost's next deal more than likely over $4 million cheaper than Bailey's deal. 

Although there is a financial burden -- acquiring a pick likely helps the Sabres swallow that expensive pill -- Bailey does provide leadership. And the Sabres are a young team that lacks experience. 

Not to mention, Bailey's former Islanders teammate Kyle Okposo is the current captain, who, by all accounts, he got along with.  

Just because the Coyotes and Ducks aren't interested today doesn't mean things can't change over time. 

But if it's not those teams, and it's not the Blackhawks nor the Sabres, the Islanders may have to go the route of a second buyout window following the draft to get at least some of the $5 million off the books. 

Why would the Islanders wait to buy him out?

It's simple. 

A buyout now would save the Islanders $2.33 million this upcoming season but would carry a cap penalty of $1.166 million in 2024-25, per Puckpedia. 

It makes more sense for Lamoriello to test the waters in Nashville at the draft, and if another team doesn't take the bait, then the Islanders could create another buyout window.

If 25-year-old forward Collin Adams files for arbitration (only player eligible) --whether the Islanders award Adams in arbitration or the two sides settle -- the Islanders will get a second buyout window three days after.

Adams filing for arbitration would allow the Islanders to test the Bailey waters at the 2023 NHL Draft and beyond. If they can't find a suitor to take most, if not all, of his $5 million cap hit, they can go this route.

There's no question that the goal, and the most financially appealing move, is to get Bailey's entire contract off the books. 

But as you have probably figured, via this article, past ones, or your keen understanding of how the salary cap in the NHL works, doing so won't be easy.