Buffalo Sabres‘ 2nd round pick in the 2013 draft (#52 overall) rookie right wing Justin Bailey(56) has received his first NHL recall and skate his first pair of games.
He played an average of 17 shifts for close to 13 minutes of ice time, included 2:03 on the power play with 9 total shots on net, 4 hits, 2 break ups, 2 takeaways, 2 penalty minutes and a -2 rating in 1 win and 1 loss.
The Buffalo-born native skated in his hometown at the First Niagara Center for his 2nd appearance.
His dad Carlton Bailey played 9 seasons for Buffalo Bills in the NFL.
The very large 6’3″ 210 lbs. forward has good numbers in his first campaign with affiliate Rochester Americans, scoring 10 goals and 13 assists in 47 AHL games with a -1 plus/minus and a commanding 104 shots.
He was more than a point-per-game player in his 3rd and final year split between Kitchener Rangers and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds of the OHL.
Signed to a 3-year entry level deal, getting his feet wet early on in the big league may be just what this 20-year old needs to elevate his game quickly to the next level, as the parent club could use even more big, powerful guys up front.