Why Senators Are Prime Landing Spot For Former Islander Josh Bailey in Free Agency

NASHVILLE -- On Thursday morning, the New York Islanders did what to be done, sending longest-tenured Islander Josh Bailey and their 2026 second-round pick to the Chicago Blackhawks for future considerations.

The Blackhawks were a team that started the day $5.8 million away from the salary cap floor, and with Connor Bedard coming aboard, it couldn't hurt to add someone with not just NHL experience but a player who held a leadership position for quite some time.

But soon after the trade between the Islanders and Blackhawks was completed, there was a development.

Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson didn't see a spot for Bailey in the lineup, so he decided to waive Bailey for the purpose of a buyout. 

Bailey will become an unrestricted free agent on Saturday, as he will have more of an opportunity to choose where he goes. 

So, where does the 33-year-old continue his career?

While there will certainly be more than one option, especially if Bailey is willing to play at league minimum ($775k), the Ottawa Senators make too much sense.

Besides having $17 million in cap space and a lack of NHL forward depth, Bailey has a few relationships he can rekindle in Canada's capital.

Bailey played his junior hockey for the OHL's Windsor Spitfires from 2006 to 2008. While there, current Senators head coach D.J. Smith was an assistant.

Also, current Senators associate head coach Jack Capuano served as the Islanders' head coach from 2010 to 2017.