San Jose Sharks' Just Bailey Enters Season As Underdog Again – Hockey Writers – San Jose Sharks

The San Jose Sharks added several forwards over the summer, and as a result, some of their former roster players are uncertain where they will play in the 2024-25 season. One of the most notable is one of the buzzwords of the organization last season, Justin Bailey.

Overcoming Difficulties

This will be the second straight season that Bailey has had to overcome nearly insurmountable odds to find his way onto the NHL roster. After spending the entire 2022-23 season in the American Hockey League with the Bakersfield Condors and signing an AHL contract with the San Jose Barracuda for the 2023-24 season, it appeared that his days in the NHL were over.

That wasn't true though, as a strong performance at the Tech CU Arena for the Barracuda led to him being awarded a two-man contract by the Sharks and their injury woes allowed him to get a chance with the big team. From there, he never looked back and played an NHL-high 59 games.

Although the 29-year-old didn't have a big role for the Sharks last season, playing just 11 minutes a night under coach Quinn, he was consistent in his effort and made an impact when he was there. snow. Quality depth throughout the program is just as important to the team's success as top-level talent, and Bailey finally seemed to prove he's a serviceable fourth-line player at the NHL level. Another big difference between Bailey's previous seasons in the NHL and now is his physical condition. He has been throwing his body a little, and because of that, even if he doesn't always score points, he is doing something beneficial for the team and helping to recover the ball and win battles. On top of that, he was very productive offensively and his 14 points in 59 games marked a career high.

Bailey's New Beginning

A fresh start is usually a good thing for anyone, but that may not be the case for Bailey. There's no doubt that he impressed Quinn with his performance last season, and if Quinn were to return for another season behind the bench it would put the 29-year-old in a good position to earn a spot in the NHL, whether it be on the fourth line or as a backup forward.

The new Sharks coach, Ryan Warsofsky, was with the team last season, so he knows Bailey and his story, but regardless of where they come from, the new manager always says that things will change in some way. Warsofsky will no doubt have opinions about the players he worked with last season, but as a new coach he should enter training camp with a blank slate and see who stands out. The transition from assistant coach to head coach within the same organization is one of the most difficult things to do successfully, and as a result, Warsofsky will have to make tough decisions and be tougher than ever. That would have a direct impact on Bailey.

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The Sharks have added a few players who could fill that role this summer, either the returning Barclay Goodrow or former Los Angeles Kings Carl Grundstrom. Because of this, there is no clear point about Bailey in the Sharks opening night lineup. Sure, he might be able to pass some of the players who seem to have passed him up on the depth chart, but it will take hard work and effort to pull it off. Had Quinn returned for another season, Bailey would have had a better chance of making the roster on opening night. Now, it looks like he may need to have another short stint with the Barracuda and take advantage when the opportunity arises.