REPORT: Islanders closing in on contract extension with Josh Bailey

Nov 25, 2017; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders right wing Josh Bailey (12) skates with the puck in the first period against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

The Islanders are nearing a multi-year contract extension with pending unrestricted free agent Josh Bailey, TSN’s Bob McKenzi reported on Thursday.

The contract extension is expected to have an AAV of around $5 million for a term of five or six years. Bailey is in the final year of his five year, $16 million deal he signed in 2013.

Bailey’s 47 assists are leading the team and his 62 points are tied for second on the Islanders this season. Both marks are a career best for the 10-year NHL veteran.

The 28-year-old forward also appeared in his first career NHL All-Star Game last month.

The reported price tag of the deal is a potential bargain for the Islanders, who also have to worry about re-signing star forward John Tavares this offseason. Considering the year Bailey has had this season, he could have commanded a higher payday on the open market.

A new deal for Bailey could also be positive news in the team’s quest to re-sign Tavares, who has repeatedly said he wants to remain a New York Islander but has not signed an extension.

Arrow to top