Bailey's going to make it hard on Sabres to send him back

[DetDannyWilliams]

Aside from the mega-watt smile and engaging personality, the Justin Bailey of today bears almost no resemblance to the kid the Sabres drafted two years ago. He’s bigger, better, stronger and more confident.

In other words, the kid from Williamsville has become a man, one who is ready to start a career in hockey.

Bailey’s journey from Matthew Barnaby’s cradling arms to Pat LaFontaine’s house to raw Sabres prospect is about to transition to the next phase. After he and the Sabres close development camp Sunday, Bailey will prepare for his first NHL training camp as a professional. He’ll start a three-year contract in September, and there’s no doubt where Bailey wants to spend his rookie year.

“I’m from Buffalo, my family’s in Buffalo, so that’s the plan,” he said. “I’m trying to make that first impression now where I show I can dominate against other prospects, then come September show I can dominate and really compete against men that are in the NHL.”

While a spot in Rochester is more realistic for the 20-year-old, Bailey’s passionate commitment to reaching for the top makes the dream seem possible. For example, while most of the Sabres’ youngsters will return home Monday and tell their buddies what an exciting week they had, Bailey will wake up and head to the gym in First Niagara Center.

Bailey’s energy and hockey skills have made a positive impression on new coach Dan Byslma. The right winger stood out during drills, then upped his stock Friday by scoring in the prospect scrimmage, playing physical and doing important things such as driving the net and fighting for the puck along the boards.

“He’s one of the guys you’re probably looking at and focusing on a little bit more,” Bylsma said. “He played a real good game, showed his speed, showed his size, also had the ability in the offensive zone. He had a couple plays that didn’t turn into goals that I was impressed with as a big guy with his speed being able to make those plays.”

http://sabres.buffalonews.com/2015/0...ing-on-sabres/

[swiper]

His mom is friends with Barnaby? I wonder what his dad has to say about that?

[JATMtheJATM]

I think this kid could have a future on the second line. Size and skill with a nose for the net. Put him aside a skilled pivot, and you got yourself a real solid forward.

[YardRat]

His mom is friends with Barnaby? I wonder what his dad has to say about that?

His dad is Carlton Bailey, former LBer for the Bills. Sounds like he and the mom divorced awhile ago.

I did not know that without looking it up.

[coastal]

Carlton Bailey has absolutely nothing to do with him.

[WagonCircler]

Carlton Bailey has absolutely nothing to do with him.

No, but his genetics have everything to do with him.

[coastal]

True about the genetics.

I happen to play hockey with this kid's cousin and heard that Carlton isn't involved in his life whatsoever.

[ct bills fan]

That's too bad about Carlton, and I guess all to common. I think he plays all the year in Rochester but may be an injury call up.

[swiper]

As long as it wasn't James Anthony Bailey.

[The Jokeman]

True about the genetics.

I happen to play hockey with this kid's cousin and heard that Carlton isn't involved in his life whatsoever.

Sad.