Justin Bailey
Position: Right Wing
Age: 20
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 202 lbs.
2014-15 team: Kitchener Rangers/Sault St. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
Acquired: Drafted in the second round (52nd overall) in the 2013 draft
Last year’s ranking: Not Ranked
Last year Justin Bailey was not on our Top 25 list. That was probably a mistake. We are certainly correcting that this go-around. He’s the second highest player on this year’s list who doesn’t have NHL experience, behind only Jack EIchel.
Bailey had a monster year in juniors, besting his previous career high by 26. He was more than a point-a-game player during the regular season, and continued to produce as a point-a-game player in the playoffs. He’s now considered one of the top prospects in the Sabres‘ system.
Hockey’s Future has Bailey ranked as the Sabres top right wing prospect. Kris Baker has him a bit lower, in the 9th spot on his prospect rankings.
He started the year with the Rangers, where he was an assistant captain. The year prior he was named Kitchener’s MVP, tied for the team lead in goals. He was moved to the Greyhounds for four picks and a player, allowing him to be a part of a very successful squad. Sault St. Marie finished first in the West Division.
Bailey has wonderful size at 6’3″ and looks the part when you watch him. At development camp he looked like a man among boys at points, and is clearly ready to move to the AHL this season. He’s big and fast enough that he’s very difficult to bring to a halt. He isn’t the most physical player on the ice, but projects as a power forward in the NHL. The hometown product (and former Canisius High School player) is primed to become a fan favorite.