A day after signing the undrafted Nikita Shoshnikov out of the KHL, the Maple Leafs have landed 23-year-old college free agent forward Casey Bailey, signing him to a two-year entry level contract.
TOR has signed Casey Bailey. Announcement coming.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) March 21, 2015
Here’s a good in-depth read on Bailey from SB Nation’s College Hockey website.
One of the things a bad team can offer young undrafted free agent talent out of college is the advantage of not having to wait or scratch and claw so much for opportunity at the NHL level. Look no further than the example of former University of Denver free agent forward Tyler Bozak, whose agent Pat Morris said as much last month:
[pull_quote_center]I think, when I was negotiating for Tyler Bozak, one of the things that was easy to sell was opportunity. Tyler has had a good career and has been a good Maple Leaf because of that opportunity. That probably presents itself this summer going forward as they can offer opportunity while overhauling their lineup.[/pull_quote_center]
Throughout the lean years during Brian Burke’s tenure the Leafs signed Tyler Bozak, Ben Scrivens, Christian Hanson, Brayden Irwin, Tyler Brenner, Simon Gysbers and Spencer Abbott as FAs out of college. Only two have really worked out, and in general these 23-24 year old college FAs don’t turn into much, but a 6-foot-3 forward (has played some center) who put up 22 goals in 36 games isn’t a bad flyer to take. From the sounds of the scouting reports, the biggest question mark is his skating, and he’ll need to take full advantage of the Barb Underhill resource if he’s to become an NHL regular.
The ability to attract undrafted UFAs like a Bailey with opportunity is obviously something a bad team like the Leafs should always be exploring; while there’s a several more Bryaden Irwins than there are Matt Reads, you never know. As a comparison, Read (a Flyers signing in 2011) scored 19 goals and 41 points in his junior college season as a 22-23 year old.
After a really good freshman season with 25 points in 23 games, Bailey put up a meagre 13 points in 32 games in 2013-14 as a sophomore on a poor Penn State team, but did lead his team in shots that year, suggesting an element of bad luck. He experienced a breakout in 2014-15 with 22 goals and 40 points in 36 games, leading an improved Penn State team to the Big 10 Quarterfinals and a 18-15-3 record, which was double their win total from the season previous.
Quick notes on Bailey: Great as frosh, so-so as soph, scoring machine as jr. 23yo, 6-3, 195. Heck of a shot. 22 G, 40 pts in 37 GP this year
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) March 21, 2015
Some additional info: Bailey leads country with 211 shots on goal, average of 5.70 per game. 17 goals at even strength.
— Chris Peters (@chrismpeters) March 21, 2015
From SB Nation’s College Hockey:
“Bailey’s heavy shot and a willingness to unleash it from anywhere makes him a dangerous offensive threat. He’s also a physical force on the defensive end of the ice.”
From Nucks Misconduct:
“Bailey had flown under the radar during his first two seasons at Penn State but he has blown the roof off in his third season. Bailey has 40 points through 35 games and plays both center and wing for Penn State’s top line. He’s huge (6’3″) and plays a power forward game.”
Bailey will join the Leafs looking to get a few NHL games to end the season so as to burn one year of his entry-level contract and bring him closer to free agency, which is not uncommon with these 23/24-year-old college signings.
Any team signing Bailey had to agree to burn 1st yr of contract now, Bailey immediately going to NHL club and playing games this season.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) March 21, 2015
As we understand it, Bailey will not be eligible to play for the Marlies until next season.
