Buffalo Sabres: Justin Bailey Ready for Next Step with Hometown Team

After making his NHL debut last season, Justin Bailey is full of confidence and ready to take on a bigger role with the Buffalo Sabres.

With the start of development camp, there are a lot of storylines and angles to cover with the Buffalo Sabres. In this respect, one of the most intriguing stories revolves around Justin Bailey.

As most local residents are aware, Bailey was born and raised in Buffalo. Throw in the fact he is the son of a certain Carlton Bailey, and it is understandable why a lot of people are rooting for him to succeed with the Sabres.

The 21-year old was drafted in the second round of the 2013 draft and this is his fourth appearance at development camp. In truth, you could argue his progress has been slightly slower than expected.

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Regardless, Bailey finally made his NHL debut last season, making eight appearances and recording a -2 plus/minus rating. As you’d expect, he looked good in some games and not so effective in others.

At this point, the winger feels the sense of urgency to prove himself. Speaking to WGR550’s Paul Hamilton, he said: “I think every training camp I try to come in here and show them something they haven’t seen from me.

“I think having a pro season under my belt, they’ve seen what I can do at the pro level…(However), it’s huge for me to make an impact this year, especially with all the new guys here.”

One thing that is noticeable this year, is Bailey has a quiet air of confidence about him. Undoubtedly, finally getting some experience in the NHL contributed to this increased level of belief.

To his credit, the United States under-18 international is looking to share his experience with the younger players. Speaking to Amy Moritz of The Buffalo News, he said: “Three or four years ago I think I was a quiet kid who was definitely trying to take it all in, trying to prove myself.

Feb 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Justin Bailey (56) moves around Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux (28) and shoots against goalie Steve Mason (35) during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

“I’m coming in this camp as one of the leaders, one of the guys helping the young kids who might be visibly more nervous. And to come out there and prove myself as a leader and try to take guys under my wing.”

As commendable as this is, Bailey has to make sure he doesn’t compromise his efforts to establish himself on the Sabres roster. He skates well and has excellent all-round ability, but needs to fill out his frame and improve his defensive instincts.

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Admitting he has to show more consistency, the Williamsville native knows he needs to better exploit his strengths: “Speed is a huge part of my game so being able to the faster player on the ice, making plays quickly, using my body, my size to create scoring chances for myself as well as others.

“For me, I’m a person who scores goals, likes to score goals, and that’s something I pride myself on. So if I’m playing fast and getting chances I think that will fall.”

Overall, Bailey is a raw talent, who takes any pressure about playing for his hometown team in stride: “I think there’s always pressure whether I’m here or someplace else.

“It’s obviously a little extra pressure (playing in Buffalo), but I think when you’re on the ice, there’s no sense of pressure for me. I just feel like I’m doing something I’ve been doing for 21 years.”

Next: Development camp starts countdown to promising season

Does the fact Bailey is a local boy make you route harder for him, or does it not influence you either way? That aside, what are you expecting from him in the upcoming season? Let us know in the comments section below.

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