Buffalo - November 3, 2014 - On Sunday, the Buffalo Sabres signed 2013 second-round pick Justin Bailey to a three-year, entry-level contract.
A native of Buffalo, Bailey is in his third season with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. In 13 games this year, he has nine goals and 18 points while posting 51 goals, 97 points in his 124 game OHL career.
Bailey grew up a Sabres fan and lived next door to former Sabres’ Mike Peca, Rob Ray and Matthew Barnaby. He has the chance to get to the Sabres and become a true hometown favorite should he end up sticking with the team.
Honored to announce that I have signed my 3 year entry level contract with the @BuffaloSabres !!
— Justin Bailey (@JustinBailey95) November 2, 2014
Proud to be from Buffalo and one step closer to achieving my dream! Thanks to my family, friends, teammates, and all who have supported me!
— Justin Bailey (@JustinBailey95) November 2, 2014
The 6’3” 190 center is one of the Sabres more intriguing prospects. He’s got all the talent and tools to be a success – he’s a very good skater, especially for his size, and controls the puck very well – but remains a bit of a “boom or bust” talent for the Sabres. He’ll finish out his career with Kitchener this season before likely being sent to Rochester of the AHL for a while.
With the influx of talented youngsters making their way to Buffalo in the near future, the whole city will no doubt be rooting for the local kid who was just like them: rooting on the blue and gold (and black and red, for a time).
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When not inanely bantering about the Sabres, Ryan Womeldorf can be found here and at TwoPadStack.net talking all things hockey. He's usually got a lot to say, but sadly most of it is wrong. If you have any questions, feel free to contact him at rwomeldorf@hometownhockey.ca
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