The Pittsburgh Penguins could still use help in their bottom six, and Josh Bailey could be the perfect fit.

As the NHL trends past the quarter mark of the 2023-24 season, there are still a number of veteran skaters available on the free agent market, and one name in particular should be catching the eyes of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Through their first 21 games, the Penguins are still struggling with certain areas of their bottom six forward group and a certain rival may be a big help.

Josh Baily is a veteran of over 1,000 games with the New York Islanders, and at 34-years-old might still have the chops for the bottom six role he’s played so well over the years.

In 15 NHL seasons, Bailey has recorded 184 goals and 396 assists for 580 total points; Penguins fans will remember quite a few of them very well.

In 65 career games against the Penguins, Bailey has scored 44 total points (15G-29A).

The Islanders have always been known as a defensive team with four shutdown lines on offense, and Bailey was a huge piece of that mindset.

Kyle Dubas did a great job of finding depth forwards that can play defense and shut opposing teams down, but there’s still a lack of scoring touch from most of the bottom six.

Bailey would not only add in the shutdown game, but can also be a key contributor chipping in during crucial situation.

The Islanders traded Bailey to the Chicago Blackhawks this past summer and was soon bought out and released by the team.

The Ottawa Senators swooped in with a professional tryout, but was released before the season kicked off.

When thinking about the contract, one has to assume he would make far less money against the salary cap than a recent veteran free agent signing.

Patrick Kane signed with the Detroit Red Wings for under $3 million; it isn't really clear how much Bailey could demand, but it certainly isn't near Kane's $2.75 million and anything under that can be affordable for the Penguins.

If Bailey is still interested in playing in the NHL and settling in to a role with a former rival, there is no reason why the Penguins should give him a call.

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