Arthur Staple yesterday that F Micheal Haley, D Dylan Reese, and D Ty Wishart have accepted their qualifying offers for next season. We are waiting on Capgeek to get the specifics of each contract.Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau did not accept their qualifying offers and are the only remaining RFA's unsigned. Bailey's agent announced that their camp and the Islanders are currently negotiating, while Blake Comeau's arbitration hearing is set for August 4. No matter what, the Islanders will hold both of their rights unless the Isles walk away from Comeau's decision. Bailey cannot become a UFA.
CH: For the three who did accept their qualifying offers, it was not a surprise at all. All three are still trying to find their way in the NHL and had no leverage, so having the Islanders extend a qualifying offer was all they needed. Reese will obviously be in Bridgeport as the veteran presence for a lot of young kids like Calvin de Haan and Matt Donovan. I expect Ty Wishart to stay in the NHL for the season as he is subject to waivers, and the Islanders will not want to lose his rights for nothing after giving up Dwayne Roloson for him. As it stands, however, I do not expect Wishart to start in the top-6. Like Wishart, Haley is trying to hold down a spot in the lineup. He certainly had his moments last year, but his quality of play may not be enough to hold down a regular fourth line spot as of yet. Given that he also did not have any leverage, he had no choice but to accept.
I am somewhat surprised Bailey did not accept his offer, but from Bailey's perspective, he probably thought he could get more from the Islanders. I'm not that surprised from his end, but if he thinks he is going to get a lot more money than his qualifier per year, he is very misguided. I could see the Islanders giving Bailey a 2-year deal at a low salary, but realistically anything more than that would be an overpayment. That doesn't mean Bailey doesn't have potential, but he has not reached that just yet. It will certainly be interesting to see where the Islanders go with his contract, or if they even try and trade him.
AT: Really, where is Bailey coming from that he believes he's in a position to negotiate? He regressed this year, was incredibly inconsistent and some fans are even fed up with him and want to cast him out. Perhaps he wants more years, but in terms of salary... above what the QO offered, I don't see how he can possibly expect any more.
As for the others, completely expected and I'm very happy we'll be seeing Haley again next year. Look out, Pittsburgh.
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