Former San Jose Sharks forward Justin Bailey has signed an American Hockey League contract with the San Diego Gulls for the 2025-26 season.

Bailey joined the Sharks organization ahead of the 2023-24 season, when he signed an AHL deal with the San Jose Barracuda. Shortly after the season began, general manager Mike Grier upgraded Bailey’s contract to an NHL contract, and the forward was eventually recalled to the NHL.

During the 2023-24 season, Bailey played 59 games for the Sharks and recorded 14 points, including five goals, while playing for then-head coach David Quinn.

At the end of the season, Bailey was named the Sharks’ nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy, which was ultimately awarded to Connor Ingram of the Arizona Coyotes.

Bailey re-signed with the Sharks for the 2024-25 season, but was unable to make the NHL roster and returned to the Barracuda. Eventually, he was traded to the Anaheim Ducks and was assigned to the Gulls.

With Bailey’s new deal being an AHL-level contract, it puts him back in a situation he’s been in previously. Now he’ll have to have a strong performance with the Gulls and earn the attention of Anaheim’s general manager Pat Verbeek this season if he wants to get another shot in the NHL.

Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

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