For 15 years, Josh Bailey was a steady presence in the New York Islanders lineup. While fans continue to debate his legacy — and whether the forward who skated in the third-most games in team history deserves a place in the team’s own Hall of Fame — there’s already one Hall of Fame where Bailey has earned a permanent home: the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.

Confused? Let’s explain.

Inside the Hall’s Franchise Alley exhibit, fans can find one of Bailey’s game-worn Islanders jerseys proudly on display. It serves as a reminder of the veteran forward’s long tenure, but also captures how the team paid tribute to two fallen team legends during a very difficult season.

The display reads: “New York Islanders jersey worn by alternative captain Josh bailey throughout the tail-end of the 2021-22 NHL season. During the season, the Islanders paid tribute to two of the franchise’s legendary players and Hockey Hall of Fame Honored Members with the unfortunate passing of both Clark Gillies (age 67) on Jan. 21, 2022) and Mike Bossy (age 65) on Apr. 15, 2022).

BTW, Josh Bailey’s jersey is in the Hockey Hall Of Fame.

Big game Bails!!!

Side note: the SoundTigers jersey is fire. #isles pic.twitter.com/QrrDfHRjv0

— Will Chiarucci (@WillChiarucci) August 16, 2025

Franchise Alley is a unique feature of the Hall of Fame that highlights each NHL team and their AHL affiliates. For Islanders fans, that also means a nod to the future: the exhibit includes a Bridgeport Sound Tigers jersey worn by defenseman Jack Hillen, underscoring the development pipeline that connects Bridgeport to Long Island.

Beyond Franchise Alley, Islanders history runs deep throughout the Hall. The Stanley Cup Dynasties exhibit celebrates the legendary teams of the early 1980s, placing the Isles alongside hockey’s greatest dynasties like the Canadiens, Oilers, and Maple Leafs.

Fans can also explore tributes to individual Islanders legends enshrined in the Hall of Fame — from pure goal scorer Mike Bossy to captain Denis Potvin, clutch goaltender Billy Smith, and franchise architect Bill Torrey. Together with stars like Pat LaFontaine, Bryan Trottier, and Pierre Turgeon, their presence ensures the dynasty and legacy remain immortalized in hockey’s most sacred hall.

For Islanders fans visiting Toronto, Bailey’s jersey is a great reminder: history comes in many forms, and sometimes it’s already hanging in the rafters of hockey’s greatest museum.