Josh Bailey has re-signed with the Islanders avoiding arbitration. Getty Images

The Islanders announced the re-signing of Josh Bailey to a five-year contract worth $16.5 million avoiding arbitration. The 23-year old former ’08 first round pick showed improvement overall in his fifth season. In 38 games, he registered 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points with a plus-seven rating.

Bailey’s evolvement alongside Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen gave coach Jack Capuano a capable second line in support of John Tavares. The cohesive trio’s ability to forecheck and contribute offensively and defensively allowed the Isles to have more balance. Without their play, the club doesn’t see the postseason. Bailey was one of their best forwards in the first round against the Penguins, tallying three assists. He was dangerous and showed off his game breaking speed which is why the organization held onto him.

“I think everyone who was a part of that, whether it was the players or the fans, could feel that energy at the Coliseum,” expressed Bailey of the exciting six-game series in an interview with Travis Betts on newyorkislanders.com. “It was nice to give the fans something to cheer about. We certainly didn’t accomplish anywhere near our goal, but I think being a part of that and seeing what it could be like, certainly it was a great feeling and something we want a lot more of going forward.”

The pressure will be on Bailey to perform more consistently. He’ll make an annual cap hit of $3.3 million per season. He’s never posted over 16 goals or 35 points with both coming in his second year in ’09-10. However, he’s trusted by Capuano who uses him in every situation including power play and penalty kill. He’s young enough to grow into the player the Isles view him. A versatile top six forward who can be an asset. No longer expected to lead the team offensively, he should be more comfortable entering his sixth season.

“Getting a taste of the playoffs last year, we all want that again and much more,” Bailey said. “That was just a small sample of what it takes, and it was a learning process for us. It’s going to be a battle like that every season, but one that we’re all excited about.”

Bailey’s re-signing along with a recent four-year, $11 million deal Islander GM Garth Snow gave Cal Clutterbuck puts the club over $48 million. With 22 players signed including ex-Senator Peter Regin, the Isles probably won’t bring back Brad Boyes after Snow replaced him with Pierre-Marc Bouchard. They only have six defensemen on the current roster with Thomas Hickey restricted and Radek Martinek unrestricted. Up front, David Ullstrom is also a Group II. Boasting D prospects Calvin de haan, Matt Donovan and Aaron Ness, the Isles should be looking at all three in training camp.