Comments on: THN “FUTURE WATCH” = NYI REALITY CHECKLatest proof that rebuild has a ways to go

By: hextall72

hextall72 — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 04:07:43 +0000

i take that article with a grain of salt.. where did they have guy’s like datsyuk,zetterberg,roy ranked at? it’s all speculation, no facts!!!

By: B.P.

B.P. — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 01:49:12 +0000

putting way to much stock into rankings. Sure we’d love to see our number higher and yes the Isles need to do a MUCH better job of filling the system. Still if we draft Tavares or Hedman, and we are still ranked in the low 20′s because they move right to the NHL, who cares. We are graduating our prime prospects to the NHL quicker. I’ll trade that for a higher TSN prospect watch ranking any day.

By: Shoe

Shoe — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 01:15:51 +0000

I understand what you are saying about depth of guys outside of the nhl, but when you figure either tavares/hedman added to okposo and bailey, do many teams have 3 young guys of that quality, inside or outside of the nhl?

You suggest that the isles would be 15 with bailey in jrs, what about with okposo still in college? Might they crack the top 10? If so, one more huge draft should give them enough prospects to start feeling that the horses are in the barn.

By: Steve-O

Steve-O — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 01:15:00 +0000

The Hockey News is a great publication and usually bang-on. To be honest, KO and bailey are prospects and would not be playing on a decent team, so that would put the isles in the upper middle of the pack, which I think we all should agree is right. Wish Bailey would finish the year in Winsor, though!

By: Jersey Matt

Jersey Matt — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:21:47 +0000

Jim Clark….and all else who continue with that refrain:

We could have a few guys on that stupid list, but instead they are up with the big club gaining experience, working their way into the system, and jelling with the other young guys who will form the foundation of the club for years to come. This list is important for the clubs who have squads chock-full of veterans who keep their young guys in the minors for a while.

I doubt the Islanders will ever be full of stud players. In fact, due the economics they find themselves in and the system they play in, they don’t NEED all their players to be top flight draft picks. They need a handful of those (like Tavares, Okposo, and Bailey) and the rest should be guys with enough talent who know their roles in the system. Do you know what kind of financial hit it would be to stock your team with young guys (and re-sign them later) who are all top 10 draft picks?

By: Jim Clark

Jim Clark — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:46:44 +0000

Only one player in the top 100 and he’s 71st? I’ll keep that in mind the next time they play a “building for the future” promo at the Coliseum.

By: Jay

Jay — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:23:08 +0000

Great Post Jersey Matt, I’m doing the same as you, just kicking back and enjoying watching the kids. Watching Okposo is a real treat lately. I love the way the kid plays. Rooting for the last place finish and either Tavares and Hedman. Patiently waiting for the long rebuild, but enjoying the ride.

By: 4195mary

4195mary — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:18:11 +0000

Remember the Nordiques in the mid nineties? They were terrible. Awful. Remember the Penguins pre Crosby/Malkin? Brutal. Caps before Ovie? I really believe these Islanders are in better shape now than these teams were at their lowest points. High draft picks saved them all, without exception. Whoever said Garth has no room for error is right on. Top pick is easy.What will make or break are the next 4 picks. Deal all the vets you can ASAP. Pile up the best possible picks for 09 and 10. In Garth we trust.

By: NYC Matt

NYC Matt — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:24:27 +0000

Jersey Matt, you have inspired me to designate my location….. And yes i 100% agree with your approach…. it has to be that way.

By: BC

BC — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:24:00 +0000

Hey CB. Good article. Definitely agree that we still have a ways to go in the rebuild. If you are still around, I was wondering, you named Montreal as a potential trade partner for Guerin. Do you believe Guerin, and maybe a pick or some mid-range prospect could get us PK Subban? Again good article and thanks for everything.

By: UIF

UIF — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:00:14 +0000

JP in VA – Hilarious. I always read your posts with a “Dennis Miller rant” tone in my head.

By: valentino

valentino — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:51:10 +0000

we have no talent.