The San Jose Sharks have signed forward Justin Bailey to a one-year, two-way deal with an NHL salary of $775,000 and a $300,000 salary at the AHL level.
Earlier, Bailey converted his Sharks professional try-out into an AHL contract with the San Jose Barracuda, the team's affiliate. He showcased his skills in 16 AHL games, leading the Barracuda in scoring with six goals and five assists.
"In my career, I've gone up and down a bunch, and coming into this year, whether it was a PTO, whether it was an NHL or AHL deal, my goal stays the same — to play in the NHL as long as I can," Bailey said.
"Coming into camp I've just been taking it day by day, kind of controlling what I can control. That's my foot level and my pace and going down to the minors, making sure that my presence was felt on a daily basis."
Bailey's career includes playing with the Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres. Over his nine-year professional career, he has contributed five goals and four assists and accumulated nine points in 82 career NHL games.
Bailey last played in the NHL for the Vancouver Canucks in February 2021. He injured his shoulders while facing the Calgary Flames. He had to undergo two surgeries to repair torn labrums in his shoulders.
Failing to secure an NHL contract as a free agent, Bailey opted to sign a deal with the Bakersfield Condors, the AHL affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers, in September 2022.
"It's definitely difficult in the summer at times, not having a deal," said Bailey, as he became a free agent in the summer.
"But I'm happy where I am now. Everything kind of happens for a reason."
Replacing the injured Filip Zadina, Bailey is now set to play against the Washington Capitals at SAP Center as the Sharks conclude a three-game homestand.
Zadina's injury setback
Following his departure from Friday night's game against the Montreal Canadiens, Zadina did not return for San Jose's game against the Canucks on Saturday night. The former sixth-overall pick was sidelined due to an upper-body injury and has been designated for Injured Reserve (IR).
According to Sharks coach David Quinn, the 24-year-old had been contending with the injury for an extended period before exiting Friday's game after the first period.
"Under the circumstances, he's done a really good job," said Quinn of Zadina. "I think every player is trying to find out what they're going to be in the National Hockey League.
Zadina had signed a one-year deal with the Sharks during the offseason, aiming to rejuvenate his NHL career after a challenging five seasons with the Detroit Red Wings.
However, his tenure with San Jose has presented challenges. In 20 games, the Czechian player recorded just three goals and two assists, carrying a -19 rating and averaging 14:00 of ice time per game.
Assessing Zadina's performance under the circumstances, coach Quinn praised his efforts. He acknowledged the ongoing process every player faces in determining their role in the NHL.
"No matter how old you are, as your career goes on from year to year, you're trying to figure out who you're going to be at this level and what's going to allow you to have a long, successful career. And I think at his age he's still figuring that out," he said.