In the fourth installment of the “One to Watch” series, we’re going a little bit off the board.
In Hogberg, Englund and Perron we were focused on some of the team’s younger prospects. Each of those players has the potential to be an important part of the future of the Ottawa Senators.
This time, we’ll take a look at a player that will be a key piece of the team in Binghamton and a player that could get a look with the big team if injuries strike.
Casey Bailey is a 24 year old native of Anchorage, Alaska. Undrafted, Bailey was signed as an NCAA free agent by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in March of 2015. At the time, he was coming off of three productive seasons with Penn State including 45 goals and 80 points through 96 games.
Plenty of teams were lined up for his services after an impressive 22 goal season in his third year at Penn State.
And while he was only able to find his way into six games with the Leafs, all in the 2014-2015 season, Bailey always made a pretty strong impression in the chances he did get with the Leafs.
He scored his first NHL goal in a game late in the year against the Montreal Canadiens.
Bailey ultimately landed with the Ottawa Senators as part of that massive Dion Phaneuf trade.
At the time, he was a player the Senators targeted as a throw-in in that deal. Losing Lindberg hurt but having Bailey come back the other way helped fill the spot in the organization.
Bailey would go on to put up 21 points in his 30 games with the Binghamton Senators.
At 6’3 and 195 lbs, Bailey has the size to be an NHLer. His shot is probably is most impressive trait but this description on Eliteprospects.com shows exactly what it was the Senators liked about him when they picked him up in last season’s trade.
A competitive power center who brings to the table ruggedness and determination. Works hard to get the puck when he doesn’t have it, and is always productive with his ice time. Is able to come up big when his team needs him most, elevating his game to heightened levels at both ends of the ice. Possesses a tremendous shot, with the focal point being its accuracy. Decent hands and skating ability, but could be worked on. All-in-all, that one player who, by the end of the game, you definitely want to have had on your side.
Bailey signed his qualifying offer with the Senators on July 1. He’ll make $70,000 in the AHL and $874,125 if he plays in the NHL.
Silver Seven Sens also just featured Casey Bailey in their 25 under 25 series. He came in at number 18 on that list.
Obviously Bailey is a long-shot to make the team in Ottawa. He’s the type of player that will make an impression at training camp and is going to standout in the preseason but would need a bunch of injuries to actually get a look with the big team.
With that said, don’t be surprised if you see Bailey near the top of the scoring leaders in Binghamton all season. Whether it’s enough to get a call up during the season remains in doubt.
“One to Watch” Series
