Bailey is from Alaska and played in the BCHL, so he is almost Canadian.
The main thing is that the Sabres will play him in the NHL this year. With the Flames almost certainly battling for playoffs until the last game of the season, he is unlikely to play with Calgary this season.
It's amazing how much Bailey has improved since last July. He wasn't a standout in the camp much at all. He was good, one of the better walk ons, but not really contract worthy, especially compared to a bunch of the other Flames forwards. I hope the Flames can somehow ink him to a deal, but I don't know if we're a good fit for him.
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We will see if the Flames battling to stay in a playoff spot eliminates them from consideration of some of the college UFAs.
Being in the playoff race kind of prevents them from playing any of the college free agents this year; unless they prove to be really exceptional (or a really unfortunate string of injuries depletes the roster), Hartley won't dress them.
HF put a list of 10 potential free agents. Some of them already mentioned:
It's amazing how much Bailey has improved since last July. He wasn't a standout in the camp much at all. He was good, one of the better walk ons, but not really contract worthy, especially compared to a bunch of the other Flames forwards. I hope the Flames can somehow ink him to a deal, but I don't know if we're a good fit for him.
Treliving admitted that Bailey caught his eye at last summer's development camp
After this week's gathering, Treliving and the rest of the Flames brass will make some determinations as to who among the 18 free-agent invitees will be pursued or followed closely next season.
He did list a couple of those players who caught his eye.
One being Jason Fram, a 19-year-old, 6-foot, 195-lb. right-handed defenceman who played for the Spokane Chiefs last season.
The other was Casey Bailey, a 22-year-old, 6-foot-3, 205-lb. right-winger whose spent the last two seasons at Penn State.
“The Fram kid, he'll come back. We'll get him into rookie camp,” Treliving said. “A lot of the other guys are going back to school. I think they acquitted themselves well. I think it's a dangerous evaluation to say in the summer, 'OK, here's a guy.' But the Bailey kid was good. There's a couple kids we don't own the rights, but we created a bit of relationship. They know us, we know them. We'll continue to monitor them over the course of the season and we'll see next spring at that point if we have a desire to sign these players, we're a step ahead. You don't have to introduce yourself.”
C/RW Austin Czarnik 5'9'' 161lbs Shoots R Age 21 Senior http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=20707
considered one of the more skilled players in the NCAA
also good at getting through the traffic and on the defensive side of the puck
The Following User Says Thank You to AC For This Useful Post:
One interesting thing about goalie Matt O'Connor is that if BU goes to the Frozen Four finals, no team can offer him playing a NHL game this season as the finals are on the same day as the last day of the NHL regular season.
Kind of levels the playing field for the playoff teams and the lottery teams (i.e. Buffalo and Edmonton) in terms of what they can offer.
However, playing time next season will likely become the big issue.
One interesting thing about goalie Matt O'Connor is that if BU goes to the Frozen Four finals, no team can offer him playing a NHL game this season as the finals are on the same day as the last day of the NHL regular season.
Kind of levels the playing field for the playoff teams and the lottery teams (i.e. Buffalo and Edmonton) in terms of what they can offer.
However, playing time next season will likely become the big issue.
I wouldn't put it past some teams to say he'll get games next season but it would be a hard promise to make. If some decent goalies fall into a team's lap are they just going to pass them up to land a guy who's not exactly a sure thing?
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
College UFA Casey Bailey of Penn State expected to sign today with an NHL team. TOR is a top contender to get the goal-scoring forward.
Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC
Penn St F Casey Bailey was considered a lock for Buffalo, but word is that may not occur with Toronto, among others, making a play.
Well Toronto can promise that Bailey plays NHL games right now as their remaining games are pretty much meaningless.
Flames in a battle for a playoff race can't really promise him a roster spot. Even Poirier couldn't get into the lineup .
Looks like Toronto has signed him:
Damien Cox @DamoSpin
Maple Leafs set to announce signing of Penn State UFA Casey Bailey, a 6-3 right winger. He's from Alaska.
Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC
TOR has signed Casey Bailey. Announcement coming.
update:
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
TOR close to getting Penn State UFA Casey Bailey. Bailey was looking for 2-yr entry level deal, 1st year gets burned now. Should get done.
Bob McKenzie @TSNBobMcKenzie
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
Most assumed BUF, with owner Terry Pegula's connection to Penn State, would get Bailey, but TOR aggressively pursued.
Forward, Vince Hinostroza, 169th overall pick by the Blackhawks in 2012, has chosen to leave Notre Dame after his sophomore season to sign with Chicago. He had 44 points in 42 games and led the Fighting Irish in points this season.
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Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC
Harvard beats Colgate 4-2. Now the conversation begins with Colgate F Kyle Baun. Among skaters, he's the most-chased NCAA free agent.
Elliotte Friedman @FriedgeHNIC
Harvard beats Colgate 4-2. Now the conversation begins with Colgate F Kyle Baun. Among skaters, he's the most-chased NCAA free agent.
