Islanders: Losing Jordan Eberle vs Josh Bailey In Expansion

Jun 19, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; New York Islanders center Josh Bailey (12) skates during warm ups before game four of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Honestly, it’s still a surprise that New York Islanders General Manager, Lou Lamoriello is leaving both Jordan Eberle and Josh Bailey unprotected. Sure, Lou may have a side deal in place, we won’t know until Wednesday, but it’s still a risk.

Both players are top-six forwards, on a cap hit of $5 million for Bailey and $5.5 million for Eberle over the next three seasons. Ideally, the Isles don’t have to lose either for…