NHL.com:
NHL Director of Central Scouting, E.J. McGuire:
Strengths: “Josh is the quarterback on the power-play, from down low, for the Windsor Spitfires and I think he is going to continue to be that. He is a good play-making centerman with the ability to feed his linemates when he needs to and shoot the puck when the play requires that.”
Areas to improve: “He needs to add a little bit more grit to his game, he is a tireless worker and if he can get in there and grind it out with some of the other players that he currently plays against in the OHL, that will be good experience for when he reaches the NHL.”
Outlook: “He is a skilled centerman who is going to be on your power-play, if not the first power-play, certainly part of a good second power-play unit. He is going to be a skilled play-making player in the NHL and good things are going to happen for him at the next level due to his hard work.”
NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Edwards:
“Josh is a really hard working up and down guy who has great puck skill and play-making ability. He has the ability to pass through any type of traffic and is an energy guy for Windsor. He’s not a fighter but he’s not one to be afraid of anyone or back down and he doesn’t get knocked around. The biggest component of his game that needs improvement was his competitiveness, but he stepped it up down the stretch and really showed that next level.”
Windsor Spitfires head coach Bob Boughner:
“Joshua is a highly skilled player who can play on both ends of the ice as well as on the penalty kill and power-play units. He has the unique ability to make players around him better.”
Youtube (not the best quality): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGHvRrF8BQE
Habster:
There’s no question that Joshua Bailey (ranked #14 NA by CSS) will be a solid late first round selection (#20-30) and could be a prospect the Canadiens will consider drafting when their 25th selection is called to the podium.
Bailey had a very solid season (GP- 67 G-29 A-67 PT- 96) with the Windsor Spitfires this past season and is considered a solid two way player with very good speed and on ice vision/creativity. He also isn’t afraid to skate into the high traffic area of the ice. He’s a solid 6’0″ 200lbs and could easily add another inch and 10 pounds to his frame in the next year or two.
Just a note:
I will try to post scouting reports, videos and/or articles concerning draft eligible prospects the Habs could potentially consider selecting at the June 20th and 21st NHL draft. I will be focusing on the players who are ranked in the #10-40 positions on the North American or European player lists.
Habster,
I’ve seen Joshua Bailey play a couple of times against Kitchener and was very impressed with his speed. He has a very high skill level that’s for sure.
I’m not sure he’ll be available at the #25 spot though.
Hey Mike,
It’s nice to hear from someone who has actually seen Joshua Bailey play.
My friend who scouts the OHL says Bailey is a very hard worker who is a tireless skater. He also staed that some scouts think he has a similar game as another Habs prospect, Ben Maxwell but without as many injury problems.
As far as Bailey still being available at the #25 position, your guess is as good as mine.
Every NHL draft, there are some surprise picks in the first round. Some teams will make a pick off the charts and follow their scouting staff opinion while others will be hesitant about taking any Russian players without a tranfer agreement in place.
There is also the worry of Russian players staying in Russia and making better money with the new pro league.
Anyhow, the draft will have tons of emotions and drama……..will teams make trades or try to move up to a higher selection position…….great stuff!!!!
Mike, thanks for your comments
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