NOTHING ELSE MATTERS
Tavares-Hedman debate boils down to one question
8:55 am - While waiting to see if anything comes out of this trade deadline, here’s a view on an issue hotly debated in Comments over the last month regarding the Islanders’ first pick in the 2009 draft.
Although so much more needs to happen, let’s say the Islanders become the owners of the first overall pick. Know this: there isn’t anything that can happen between today and 3:00 pm tomorrow, and between today and the NHL draft, that should alter their decision whether to pick John Tavares or Victor Hedman.
Not the trading or retention of Brendan Witt or Radek Martinek.
Not the trading or re-signing of Doug Weight.
Not the expectation that they will be in the mix for 25-year old college free agent Matt Gilroy from Long Island, New York. Or a decision that he’s not worth the level of contract he’ll demand.
Not any free agency plans to give a defenseman an offer he can’t refuse. Or a decision to not make a big splash in UFA at forward or defense.
Certainly not ticket sales. Winning sells tickets.
And puh-lease, in the name of Scott Scissons, the decision cannot be based on who fits better in Scott Gordon’s system.
John Tavares and Victor Hedman may be generational players. What appears inarguable is that Tavares and Hedman, at the very least, are cuts above the rest of the first round-caliber prospects. (We also continue to hear wonderful praise for Matt Duchene at No. 3).
If the Islanders are lucky enough to be faced with a decision of this magnitude, it will not be based on what the rest of their hole-filled roster has or doesn’t have. The decision must be based a real simple premise:
John Tavares or Victor Hedman – who is going to be the better hockey player?
Comments. Guidelines.
154 Responses to NOTHING ELSE MATTERS
Tavares-Hedman debate boils down to one question
-
Bryan says:
Hedman. Defense wins championships.
-
Dan Sec 303 says:
I concur CB. Whoever the Scouts and system believe to be the better hockey player over the long haul, take him.
-
nystrom23 says:
Boy I d hate to be Snow on draft day
-
Tom says:
Absolutely CB. I’m a little nervous your even bringing this up! Why would Snow & Flash try so hard to tank an entire season and NOT draft one of these two? I thought that was WHOLE point of tanking???
Are you hearing anything about the possibilty of the Isles thinking ANYTHING differently about the A or B choice the Isles are facing? If theey lose the lottery & pick 2nd, it becoames no choice at all…take who is there, Tavares or Hedman.
Any chance Snow is thinking about trading down 29 times & getting 78 picks in the final 7 rounds? That’s A LOT of players Snow “always wanted all along”!
-
Macch says:
This is a tough one. Agree with #2. Heart tells me JT but my head is saying Hedman.
-
AZS says:
1) They better start losing or this may not even be a choice for us
2) Take Tavares
-
Schultz39 says:
I think it’s gotta be JT.
-
I hear what you’re saying there CB. But that is easier said than done. The question is: Are our Scouts good enough to pick out who will be the better player?
-
Ajax says:
Didn’t Garth play the “trust the scouts” card when he traded down the draft pick ladder to get Josh Baily? If I recall, at the time, most fans were PISSED! I’m not saying he will do the same thing, just thinking back.
-
ISLESFAN999 says:
Lets worry about losing some more games so we have the best chance of picking #1 AND GETTING WHO WE WANT!!. Also lets trade billy already and the rest of the guys and get some prospects/ picks…
-
C. Felix says:
I’m thinking JT. The Isles need GOALS! We have just about nobody who can bury the puck.
This is a toughie!
[joke]I have a solution…trade for the 2nd overall pick, so we’ll have the 1st and 2nd picks in the draft. [/joke]
-
Tavares is the better player. Tavares will sell tickets, Hedman won’t..You can not pass up the chance of drafting a 50 goal scorer, when we haven
t drafted a proven goal scorer since Ziggy..We moronically passed up the chance of drafting Zach Parise; lets not screw this up too or we will be forced to watch the 2 best North American forwards(outside of Crosby) for the next 15 years play for other teams, knowing we could have had that tandem. -
Dadi says:
Victor Hedman ! In 3-4 years time this kid will be the best defenceman in the league…
-
potvin05 says:
as long as we finish dead last, we can’t lose. Either player will push us in the right direction. Tavares will instantly put fannies in the seats and generate excitement, whereas if we end up with Hedman, we could have the next Mike Green. Even we can’t screw this up…..right? p.s. congrats JJ. Nice way to enter the league.
-
Andreas the Badger says:
I’m also of the type heart says JT head says Hedman. With the way Canadian media works when it comes to hockey I’d say it says a lot about Hedman that he could even make it close for so long. Tavares is the Canadian golden boy this season.
WJC means nothing to me. Just a bunch of kids playing together. -
isles316 says:
I don’t know what I think. I haven’t seen these guys play more than a couple games agaisnt kids. I just hope they pick the better player.
-
Eye on the island says:
well since we aren’t privy to the info the scouts have let’s look at it like this. If they are determined to be 1a and 1b I think we go with jt simply due to the fact we are either the lowest scoring or second lowest scoring team in the league
Either way I think we can all agree- after a win Thursday over the rags it’s time to start losing again
-
Chris S says:
The league has already made the decision for us. There is no way that the Isles will get the first pick even if they finish with the worst record.
-
Try to work out some sort of deal with Waddel and the Thrashers for their pick then then we take both Tavares and Hedman. Waddel loves getting screwed!
-
Richie from Va Beach says:
CB,
Thanks for all you do. Let me ask you this. Take your self back to the 80′s and you have 1 draft pick. Do you take Denis Potvin or Mike Bossy? We may be looking at a similar choice now.
-
Pete says:
I agree with Kevin (13) we are in desperate need of a superstar forward and more importantly someone can score more then 30 goals on are team. However, if we do end up with Hedmen it wouldn’t be the end of the world to say the least
-
Tavares or Hedman? Either one will improve this team. Maybe not next year, but certainly in the near future. I would say whoever would be committed to playing with the Islanders next year gets drafted.
-
With the youngsters playing well, JT or VH just over the horizon, and many draft choices the future is looking bright. All we need now is approval of the Lighthouse Project.
-
mikey cavs says:
well, if the ISLES keep winning at this pace we won’t have to worry about picking, we’ll be falling out of contention altogether! Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
-
Mike from Philly says:
You take the BEST player available and right now that is John Tavares.
-
This has truly become crazy. With the draft three and a half months away, it is going to be a long time before we put an end to this debate. I am of the mindset that if we have the number 1, you take Tavares, number 2, you take whichever one between Hedman and Tavares is available, and the number 3, you take Matt Duchene. My biggest worry is that Snow will realize Duchene is going to be an all-star, trade down to the number three spot in order to acquire some picks or a player, and then draft Duchene there. Time will tell where this goes, but just know that with the number one or number two pick, the Islanders are going to be getting A RIDICULOUS number of phone calls.
-
Dan from Westchester says:
Isles need Tavares. This team needs a dominant goal scorer – a finisher.
With that said – should Isles “end up” with Hedman, that wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world, either. .
-
WestchesterISLESfan says:
Can we get Scott Scissons back. Just kidding.
Tavares
-
Joey303 says:
Tie game….overtime over……….shootout to win an important game….JT or Hedman? Taveras is the sexy choice. Im not sexy -I take Hedman
-
doc says:
Apparently a lot of fans haven’t been watching the games the past month. Despite still losing games… the ISLANDERS are not “TANKING” anything nor should they be.
They play hard, energetic and are winning their fair share of games at this point in the season.
Can we please stop talking about how they should be “TANKING” games. If they lose they lose. IF they finish with the worst record then so be it. I want them to draft Taveras as much as the next fan… but they’re not going to get there by “TANKING” anything.
DOC
-
thepolishprince says:
Whoever the scouts deem to be the best player available when it’s Snow’s turn to take the podium should be the pick. Done.
-
And I agree with Doc on the tanking point. Anyone watching the games can see that this team is not trying to tank anything.
-
Swan says:
Amen, DOC.
-
Pat says:
The Isles are NOT tanking it on purpose – Danis is KILLING our chances for that first pick !
That said – pick best player on the board at 1 or 2. That is a decision Snow and his scouting team have to make….not for me to make.
I would rather pay money to watch Tavares….but if Hedman is the next Bobby Orr – then we gotta take him. I just think that every other year – a player like a Kovalchuk might become available to ink as a UFA…but guys like Nik Lidstrom never do.
As a fan – I pick Tavares.
As a Hockey GM – I take best player on the board. And I would not be in a position to tell you who that is.
Pat
-
I want the offensive forward JT but have a hunch Hedman will be the smarter choice. Lucky for us we should get one or the other…
-
Wedregast says:
If we are 1st or 2nd in the draft, as long as we draft Tavares or Hedman its win, win. I want Tavares more, but think we need Hedman more.
And its obvious at this point we aren’t tanking. Just have to watch a game or two to see that.
-
If we do sign Komi from Montreal (which I don’t think will happen anyway) and ink that “kid” Gilroy, then we will draft Tavares.
-
If givin the choice between the two Taveres is the glamor pick, Hedman is the smart pick.
-
dose says:
Follow the plan adhered to by “The Architect.” Build from the goal out. In this case I still think it’s risky to ASSUME the goalie can be counted on for a whole season or even 3/4. But that aside, if Hedman is a “generational” type D-man as it appears, he is the one to take.
This formula will work in today’s NHL just as it did in the 70′s. Defense first works in all sports, but in hockey a solid and mobile defensive system leads to better offense simply by natural progression. And even lesser talent up front can be more effective on a better defensive team. -
Steve-O says:
Taveres is our guy.
Well, tanking is not an option, true. But remember that the Devils were in a position to draft Mario until their last game where they rallied the troops to a big meaningless win and ended up drafting 2nd to Pitt. and got Kirk Muller.
Tank away I say. If we finish anywhere but last we may not get a shot at the studs. This is not the time for the Danis heroics!
-
Are you kidding doc???? This team has ZERO qualms about playing with 17 skaters. The have ZERO qualms about having an injured unable to play goalie (DP) sit on the bench while their b/u plays. What PROFESSIONAL organeyezation CHOOSES to play shorthanded?? What PROFESSIONAL organeyezation says publicly “wins & losses don’t matter” (Flash) or “It doesn’t matter who we put on the PP we have nothing to lose” (Flash) OR The “Isles aren’t interested in making the playoffs/#8 seed) (Garth) And remember one of things that precipitated Snow making such an asinine public statement was in an a series of question & circumstances on whether or not they were going to upgrade goaltending after DP went/then they decided to shut down the whole season. Also, I do want to clarify who is “tanking”– from Day 1 it was ALWAYS isolated to just Garth & Flash.
Remember, it is NOT me or ANY other ‘fan’ saying the Isles tanked this season, it’s a matter of public record they have tanked it & mailed it in. Ask Garth * Flash if you need corroboration!
-
mw147 says:
It seems like such a simple concept, yet it too often gets lost. It especially does apply to a team like the Islanders, who need everything. Just take the best available player. Regardless of where he is from, what we appear to need more, and all that other stuff that just confuses the issue.
-
Dally Mac says:
I think for once this team needs to listen to it’s fan base. Hedman might end up being the better player, but fans don’t come to see Nik Lidstorm or Chris Pronger, they go to watch Ovchekin, Crosby and Iginla. Winning helps, yes, but without a face to put to the franchise it will be hard to attract fans or free agents down the road. People were really disappointed with the drop to get Bailey. Give them what they want this time, they want Tavares, and if Hedman becomes the better player so be it. Make it the fans choice for once.
-
Long-term says build with a foundational D and a Chara/Pronger-sized giant who controls 28 minutes a game. Short-term says grab the glitz and glam of a scorer who sells the club.
Is one clearly better? Ah, those teenagers – you never can tell.
-
NYLES says:
This is the part where every gm in the league takes advantage of Snow. I just hope he is not stupid enough to give up the pick. Anyway, I feel like Tavares will stiff the Islanders, and Hedman may be more loyal. Also, a 6’7 shutdown defenseman is extrememly rare to come by. So this boils down to whether we would be be better off with a Pronger or with a Mike Bossy. I take Bossy.
-
isles3113 says:
Wouldnt mind Hedman but would def rather have Tavares… WE NEED A FINISHER!
-
Lee says:
I’ll put my faith in the scouting department. Never thought I’d say that
personally, after making a 15 year commitment to DP, I think you’ve gotta build from the blue line forward. Hedman is 6’7, and can skate. That’s all I need to hear.
-
Unless people think we will be able to win a lot of 2-1 or 1-0 games you have to take Tavares and light the lamp
-
bossy22 says:
First, we need to finish last to secure one of the two picks. If we do, the question becomes which one. The way I see it:
If the Isles are looking for a better product on the ice, they take Hedman (I call this the smart pick)
If the Isles are looking to sell tickets and put a face to the franchise while improving the product on the ice to a lesser extent, they take Tavares (I call this the sexy pick).
With that in mind, I believe the Isles would benefit more by selecting JT considing the state of the franchise and the need for a big household name (Marketing purposes). I believe Hedman is the better player though and he would have more of an impact on the game itself.
-
Of course I want a great player on the Islanders. But for all any of us really know, lots of kids might eventually wind up as “the best” player to come out of the draft. Far crazier things have happened than the most highly-touted kid not being the best player of his draft class, you know?
If the Islanders went on a tear and won like crazy- not likely, but *if* they did- I for one would welcome it. Seriously. I would be thrilled for our young players and this summer Id welcome whoever the heck was the best player whenever the Isles did have their 1st pick. No complaints from me. At all. Its good karma and its just- well, IMO its just right.
After all: If some team has, say, the 15th pick- most would say the one picking 1st is golden. Well, if the Islanders had picked 1st in 1977 instead of 15th, they would have drafted Dale McCourt instead of Mike Bossy.
-
I have to agree with #37. Win/Win, and let’s enjoy the games we have left. They seem to be wildly entertaining.
-
jonsson3 says:
The Isles are not tanking!! 36 losses…23 by one goal/EN goal. Thats 64% of losses. That is without our #1 goalie all year! Not to mention all the other injuries. This team is not that bad. Say DP wins half of those games, we have 71 points and are in 8th place. With the first pick, a #1 goalie and half the injuries we had this year we are right in the mix.
I say we lose the lottery or trade the first pick to whoever gets the second and take whoever is left.
And trade billy for afinogenov -
Sutton and Hedman on the blueline against the other teams top line and a healthy DP in goal = W
-
sean says:
JT… I would and have paid money to see players like Ilya, AO and sid the kid… never paid money to see a top defensemen. People tune in to watch goals being scored. We dont need to draft a player at 1, to try and shut down other teams to scorers. We can get lucky in later picks for that… use the rest of the picks for d and you will find a diamond.
-
JayK says:
If they have the number 1 pick, what would be interesting is whether they keep their choice secret until draft day. Last year, the Bolts were putting up billboards around Tampa — buy season tickets, come see Steve Stamkos — even before the draft took place. I wonder if we won’t know until the moment Snow walks up to the rostrum.
As far as tanking: I was there last night, and this team plays with heart and energy all game. I looked over what was on the ice, and compared it to what was the plan coming into the season: no Weight, Guerin, Witt, Sillinger, Park, Sutton, Meyer and of course no DP. And no Hunter. (I don’t count Campoli or Comrie, because that was our choice). It’s amazing we can beat anybody.
-
Steve says:
CB, since you put the question out there, you have knowledge, a lot more than us here, who in your opinion right now do you THINK the Isles will take and who DO YOU want the Isles to take? Or is that being saved for an article in the offseason, something to write about later?
-
Will C says:
Remember what GRETZKY said: IF YOU DON’T SHOOT, YOU CAN’T SCORE. Offense first is what we need. Imagine what we would look like if we had Spezza. it would be an entirely different team ability.
-
TuxTax says:
We need a talented goal scorer! How often do you get the opportunity to draft the best one of the year (without trading the pick away)? This team needs a Tavares!
-
Willis says:
So the scouts are going to pick based on who they feel will be the better player. Good. Now it comes down to do I trust our scouts to make a reasonably intelligent decision on that. If that involves Ryan Jankowski then yes I do. There was talk about him being the common denominator in the 2006 draft and another which I forget just yesterday.
After last year I’m ready for anything anyway. And still looking forward to more excitement next year regardless of where the Islanders end up in the standings. -
Matt says:
Suttton and Hedman on the blue line. Great. Two softies on the blue line. Scouts question his toughness and he got run over at the WJC. I don’t really understand post 48 with just because we were stupid enough to sign DP to a 15 year contract we have to draft Hedman? Really makes no freaking sense. Honestly, good debate, but I gotta go with the guy that said Taveras will put butts in seats because he will. I’m surprised CB would say that winning would put butts in seats (I know it will) not who we will draft. I’m pretty certain that if we draft Taveras season ticket sales will def go up and would bring back fans.
-
Bob E from RVC says:
Either one will be good for our franchise. If you get #1 you draft Tavares. Plain and simple. Prolific scorers of his calibre don’t come every yrs.
Only way this becomes a easy decesion is we lose the lottery and we get #2. I would be happy with Hedman.what have jack johnson, Erik Johnson, Cam Barker all high defense picks shown us? Nothing vs Ovechkin, Malkin, and Crosby. Tavares can be that type of player.
-
crazy joe davola says:
I think it has to be Hedman. Unless Tavares has Crosby/Malkin/Ovie potential. Hedman is a once in a generation blue line talent, and the Isles would be set for years to come. Every top team has that defenseman.
-
I want both! Draft one and trade for the other.
-
Jethro09 says:
I can’t believe this issue has gotten so much debate. There shouldn’t even be a question as to who they draft if they get the top pick: This franchise NEEDS John Tavares. He’s got to be the pick.
From all accounts, both players are “franchise” players. Both player are the types of guys you build your team around. As far as who will be the better player, it seems that both players are expected to be exceptional, so if one does wind up being better than the other, the difference will be minimal (think Ovechkin and Malkin from ’04).
Therefore, other factors must be considered. From the Islanders’ perspective, a team playing in the shadow of the Rags, losing millions per year, with a fan base that is not showing up to the building for a variety of reasons, with a potential star winger in Okposo, the Islanders have to go with the flash. They have to go with the franchise center, first-line center for years to come. The guy that’s going to light the lamp and put a**es in the seats again. That’s Tavares, not Hedman.
Think of it this way: Mark Streit has been everything that the Isles could have asked for out of a d-man this year. He’s scoring like crazy, shutting down top opposing forwards and still nobody is showing up to watch. Nobody is marketing Streit. The Isles need to bring in someone that’s going to invigorate the franchise and Hedman will not be able to do that to the level Tavares will. Talent being equal, the pick has got to be Tavares.
-
Smokey says:
#55: You may pay money to see Kovalchuk and Crosby, but I guess you’re not interested in watching people backcheck… plus both their teams are currently out of the playoffs
-
cgs878 says:
OMG Tavares or Hedman, either one will be good and the Islanders are more or less guaranteed one of them.
-
TOM:
1.Garth’s stated that we are not interested in 8th place… TRUE. But he said it in reference to… “we are not interested in finishing in 8th place year in and year out… we will not be satisfied with that… it is our goal to win the Stanley CUP…”That is far different than stating that we don’t want to make the playoffs or finish in 8th place this year.
2. How did the Islanders do when dressing 17 skaters. Umm… i think they’re 2 wins and 0 losses. And… both were extenuating circumstances. Guerin being pulled… and Hunter getting hurt in warm-ups. Far different than deciding to play with only 17 skaters.
All you have to do is watch the games.
DOC
-
Jimmy Mac says:
If… that’s a big If. They draft first overall… it would be Tavarses.
He is the best 18 year old right now in the world.
If for some reason they are hell bent on Hedman… then you find a way to trade down to #2, and pick up something along the way.
I really beleive that they don’t really have a choice if they pick first overall.
If they don’t take Tavarse… all the experts would be all over another Isles blunder.
I think Tavarses put fans in the seats, give the kids a new idol to cheer for.
I think Hedman will be a heck of a player, but Tavarses is the way to go.
But in the end… I think the decision is already made for them.
-
Cahoward28 says:
We need scoring. Scoring is harder to come by. I disagree with the comment that Kovalchuk’s are available but Lindstrom’s aren’t. I feel the opposite. An Ovechkin, Crosby, etc are NEVER available, yet look at this trade deadline. Guys like Pronger, Bouwmeester, etc are being talked about and are able to be acquired. Look at the past 5 years of drafts and Dmen that went #1 or in the top 5. Eric Johnson, Jack Johnson, etc. These guys are skilled and good players, but would you take those guys over the chance at a Tavares? Have those guys changed the fortunes of their organizations? It HAS to be Tavares, for so many reasons. Now, if I’m at #2, I’m doing a dance that I’m getting Hedman, don’t get me wrong.
-
I kinda wondering how people will react if we end up drafting at #3 simply because we wound up going on a winning streak. Tavares will 3x the excites OK brought when we was finally called up. Tavares will generate $$$ in jersey sales, tv coverage, ticket sales, the works. Hedman will solidify the blue line and shut down the other team and generate wins. Overall its a Win/Win but Tavares gives us more. Lets not blow this opp to get him, Im sorry but we need to root for losses (I have never done this in my entire life)
-
#66 Pittsburgh is in the playoffs. Taveras is the right choice you are all wrong!!!!! Just kidding, sort of.
-
I think you draft for offensive talent and develope defensemen in your system.
That’s it… I’m done on this thread.
DOC
-
Jim says:
Tavares isn’t Crosby or Ovechkin, he was ranked behind Stamkos by most teams last year.
As somebody already said, Hedman is the smart choice, Tavares is the sexy choice. If this team is 20-36-7 this time next year, the place is still going to be empty regardless if Tavares is playing.
-
Healy says:
John Tavares should be taken first. Both are projected to be fantastic players, but they don’t flash a red light and play a song when someone makes a nice defensive play….know what I am saying?
-
Ed J says:
I would take JT, but Hedman is like taking 1A…
Either would work for me but I am sure Scott Gordan will take whos best for the go-go v2.0 that is on display now.
-
With 19 games left and a possible 38 pts on the line, there is still a ton of things that could happen that leaves us on the outside looking it. 5 pts is all that seperates us and Atl. A 5 game losing streak would do wonders.
-
Jethro9 with post 65 and post 70 two best posts as far as I’m concerned. Couldn’t agree more. It really is a no brainer as far as I’m concerned. Later to this! Also agree with DOC! LOL!
-
BringtheReign says:
It’s going to be Tavares. Unlike Hedmen, that kid is gonna put us back on the face of hockey, kind of what crosby did for the pens. But Hedmen would greatly give some credit to our really bare defense depth.
-
Vukota says:
Take JT just to piss off Canada!!!!
-
JPinVA says:
Our leading scorer (and best player) right now is Streit. After that Trent Hunter will most likely be the leading scorer from this year’s team to be retained.
With that in mind you would have to assume that the Isles need front line help more than on the blue line. Hedman may be the best “D” in 5 years, but if they have the chance, they need to take Tavares. -
Potvin's Cups says:
You build from the goalie out. Snow and Uncle Charlie had their chance last year, but didn’t have the guts to take Schenn. This may even depend on the health of the oft-injured franchise goalie. If DP is still out, they almost have to take Hedman.
Tavares will be more of a crapshoot in what is a weak rookie class. But in the end, Wang and Snow owe it to Isles fans to draft Tavares(if they manage to have the #1 pick) after the poor drafting of the past decade.
-
Lidstrom (3rd round), Chara (3rd round. You can draft a good dman elsewhere in draft. You cant find another Tavares in the draft.
-
Kristie says:
Either JT or Hedman would help this team, while the “flash” of JT is exciting, I wouldn’t be heartbroken if they went with Hedman.
-
Brett says:
I think we should definitely take Tavares if we have the opportunity, but I wonder why people keep comparing him to Crosby and Ovechkin. I have never heard one expert put him in this category. I’ve heard he is a potential franchise player, but not generational. Also, if you look at his numbers they are actually down significantly this year.
-
StevieL says:
No Brainer! It is Tavares! Defense can be taught. Defensive systems can shut down offense. Scoring goals is a God given ability!It is a talent!Tavares has excelled everywhere he has played. Hedman struggled at WJC and most experts say he will “grow” into a great D-man.
D-man seem to be prolific in the last couple of Drafts, last year 4 of the top 5 drafted were D- men. Offensive talents are harder to find and as stated here earlier, for a price, you can have Komisarek, Pronger, and Beaumeister! Last year Hossa was the top FA , demanding crazy money! Why? Because he is a goal scorer!!
We won’t even talk about the other intangibles that Tavares brings, like ticket sales, TV exposure and a electric bona fide star!, As Reggie Jackson once said ” I didn’t come to NY to be a star! I brought my star with me!” That is Tavares! -
Jersey Matt says:
Sometimes you have to draft based not on what fills a need, but on what is best for the health of the franchise and its place in the region.
Tavares is clearly the pick because, while Snow is doing everything he can to shape the new-look Isles by accruing tons of draft picks and drafting in targeted fashion, there comes a time when the franchise has to make a big exciting splash to energize the fan base. Tavares would provide that in spades. The pick would also buy the club more time during the transition as the fans would extend the time they are willing to wait on the kids because Tavares will have joined the mix in most exciting fashion.
While I understand the argument for drafting Hedman, there is much more to this pick than “filling a need”.
-
UIF says:
It’s probably going to be Hedmen, if we pick first. This team is allergic to projected offensive dynamos.
-
DanNOLA says:
Draft John Tavares. We have nobody right now who can truely finish. They guy is a human highlight reel. Think of it…the Isles could have one of the most exciting players in the league. How great would the games be when the Isles play the Caps or Pens or even the Devils as JT and Zack are going head to head. I understand the arguement for Hedmen, but this team needs it’s own Malkin more than it needs it’s own Lidstrom.
-
agree with post86 – Free agency for top Dman. Komi as our shut down dman would fill in all your Hedman voids. Streit got the blue line in control. You see him almost crippled to members of the Lanche last night with his slapshot.
-
puckhead68 says:
JT for sure if we have the #1. He clearly was the best player at the WJT (MVP) He will sell seats and jerseys’. Look at Green from Washington. I think he was taken at #29 and he is the leading scoring D-man in the NHL. Tavares has drawn comparison to Bossy. Hedman has been compared to Pronger. Bossy or Pronger who would you pick? Hedman will be fine if we can’t get Tavares.
-
Ron from Forest Hills says:
Tavares is a true elite forward that comes once every 5 years. D men take a while to bloom, and you can pick up strong d-men via free agency (see streit). We need offense badly.
-
beatlebailey says:
bergy and KO will end up with more points than hunter next year…take tavares we need the buzz…
-
Walygz says:
Honestly I’d be happy with either. Just think that whatever way it goes (either JT or Hedman), we just follow up wisely with our other picks.
-
Dan in NJ says:
I don’t care who we take at this point. Either player will be able to step in and fill a gap that we have. I am just excited to see how well the young guys are playing now. I finally believe this organization is heading in the right direction…
-
We are so offensively challenged I’d offer this to Tampa Bay. We swap first rounders. They give us Vinny’s contract which they will not be able to afford next year anyway. We throw in the higher of the second round picks or the other first rounder. We use the 4th pick in the draft to take Paajarvi.
Vinny is 28, and instantly puts us in the playoff conversation next year. There is your captain, and leader for the next ten years. And even if the Isles add his $7.7M they are still struggling with the cap floor. Better yet, no questions as to whether he can play at this level… No relying on scouts… we will have a top 5 NHL center next year. -
JP, I would trade all of our other picks in the first 3 rounds together along with a roster player to get Vinny, but not the first overall.
-
James says:
Isles had their franchise d-man in Zdeno Chara. The tough issue here is that Tavares will be a good player, how good no one really knows. Hedman has the talent also from what I hear but needs some more time to develop. Will us fans be impatient If our #1 pick isnt playing for us next year? Im gonna go with yes. Either way we wind up with a great player. I say you let team 2 decide. If they really want JT or VH, you trade the 1st pick for top prospects or a 1st rounder in ’10. I doubt the 2nd place team would be stupid enough to do that but that could give us two picks in top 10 the following year and we still wind up drafting a great player this year. Like I said i doubt team 2 would do that, but you have to listen to offers.
-
Dan says:
Take Tavares
I know that Hedman is and will be a great d-man, but it seems that the D we have in the system now is alright. The thought of a possible line of Tavares and Okposo gives me chills.
But if Hedman is picked I wont cry.
-
One More Thing… we all seem to forget hockey is a business as well, and trust me no one besides isles fans are buying isles jerseys. Look what happened to the Jets when the signed Farve, jerseys were being bought that exact second and he had a terrible season. If the isles draft JT right away fans will start wearing isles blue and orange. How often do you see people walking around crosby and ovechkin jerseys that are isles fans, just cause they love the player. You dont see people walking around with Lidstrom, Pronger or Chara jerseys anywhere. Isles need money and people to remember they are still around. Draft JT!!!
-
TimQ says:
Q: How often do you see elite offensive players (Ovechkin, Crosby, Malkin) shine when they are head to head against elite d-men (Pronger, Chara, Lidstrom)?
A: Almost never
Offense sells tickets. Defense wins championships. Pick Hedman -
aim says:
If you draft number 1 it HAS to be Tavaras. If we draft number 2 I would be happy with the player that that is left of the 2. The thing thing that scares the living HELL out of me is that we wind up with the number 1 pick and draft NEITHER. The way this team is run dont laugh anything can happen and we got the track record to show it!!
-
DC says:
It’s John Tavares. Why would the Islanders trade down in the ’08 draft to pick a gifted set-up man, and then fail to draft one of the most gifted snipers to come along? Bailey and Tavares playing in tandem would provide the spark this franchise and its fans have been waiting 15 years for.
-
stevedepot says:
With all my complaints about management, coaching etc. The last month of Islander hockey (amidst the injuries off-ice drama and such) has been fun to watch because some of the kids have been showing determination to sacrifice themselves to make a play instead of going through the motions. better yet, Danis has been so relaxed in net, not flopping, controlling rebounds and staying square to the shooter. Thus giving confidence to this ragtag team of inexperience and injury replacements. That’s all any of us can wish for…hope for next year and beyond. At least the hockey has been a little more exciting.
-
kevin fitz says:
Sean,
how many rings do Crosby and Ovie have??? ZERO. Lidstrom and Pronger both have rings. Give me the rings over the jerseys. -
Walygz makes an important point – this draft is only successful if at least three picks are contributing to the team three years from now. With all the trades and picks, in this draft we need quality and quantity.
-
JoeRiverside says:
If Tavares and Hedman are close in talent, you have to go with Tavares in my opinion. Islanders need the excitment (it may even help the Lighthouse project come along). When the NHL sells itself, what do you hear Crosby, Malkin, Ovek etc..All Forwards. We need our Bossy, LaFontaine.
-
Sean
How much older are Lidstrom and Pronger to Crosby and Ovie??? at least 10 years. Give it time, they will get there rings, betman will make sure of this. lol
-
Quez says:
If we have the 1st pick and do not take Tavares, in 5 yrs. we will be watching Hedman win the first of many Norris Trophies for the Kansas City (Tornadoes?) The hype of drafting Tavares will instantly bring attention to the Isles and quite possibly expedite the Lighthouse project. That said, if by picking 2nd, we end up with Big Vic, it wouldn’t make any Isles fans cry. Any team would love a big, smooth skating, puck moving, Sasquatch back there!
-
Jp, no reason for the Lightning to make that trade, they have almost seven million in cap space available. Don’t believe all that Vinny to Montreal BS. That trade would do them no good and is extremely unrealistic. He’s in the prime of his career and believe it or not, doesn’t have that horrible a contract. We’d have to throw in a top prospect for them to even consider that.
-
goislesgo105 says:
Tavares, Ok and JJ !! Finally a REAL first line.
-
Just wanted to add after reading more of the comments I do agree about building from D out to a degree but Tavaras is a really gifted foreward that we have not seen here in many years. If Garth was building from the D out he blew his chance last year and should have drafted Schenn. We passed. If we needed an explosive foreward it should have been Filatov. We passed. Yes we got a good player in Bailey but it goes against the grain about what should have been done to build the team. That is why I would NOT be surprised if Snow goes with NEITHER Tavaras or Hedman. Remember NOTHING this organization does EVER makes sense!!
-
Sean! Do you think there was any offensive talent on Detroit or Anaheim when those guys won there rings? Just a little!!
-
John Tavares puts us back on the map. Last night we definately showed the country we are not a 30th place team.
Game plan, draft John Tavares, Sign Komiserek or Bouwmeester,and combine that with healthy DP and suddenly we can have a turn around season that Philly did the year after blowing everyone out.
-
So, the Trashers have empty seats because Kovalchuk is exciting, but not THAT exciting? The Caps suddenly started to get full houses on a regular basis because Ovechkin suddenly found his scoring touch this season?
Come on, CB is right. A consistent winner is the only thing that is guaranteed to sell tickets in hockey. I watched Isles at Caps October 18 2007. Ovechkin was exciting as hell, but the Isles won 5-2 in front of 10000 at the most. After that the Caps changed coach, a bunch of young players emerged (Mike Green and Backstrom for example) and the Isles ran into the worst injury problems in the history of hockey (just a guess). I think we’ll do fine with either JT or VH, but leave it to the GM and scouts. Milbury tried to outsmart, Snow has already outsmarted the GM of both Montreal and Anaheim (Streit and Weight). For now I have some faith. -
Why do I get the feeling that we will not have the #1 pick. Im not a conspiracy theorist but judging by how the league repeatedly dumps on the Islanders from video replays to game suspensions I can see this being rigged. Especially if a Canadien team is in the running…….
-
Otter says:
Tavares has to be the pick. Not underestimating Hedman’s talent, but I’m pretty sure that the fans prefer seeing goal scoring over solid defense. More casual fans already know Tavares’ name over Hedman and should JT live up to his billing, that’s what is going to put butts in the seats.
-
It’s going to be interesting isn’t it?
-
Isles19 says:
If we have the 1sr pick and Atlanta has 2nd what could be extract for the pick? (This assumes they wan Tavares)
2nd pick(Atl) – we take Hedman
2010 – Atl 1st round pickThis might be too good to pass up!!!
-
Anyone think Atlanta offers us Kovalchuk?
-
Pete M says:
Part of me wants us to end up with the second pick in the lottery to take the decision out of Garth’s hands. This way we can all have the league to blame rather than be split down the middle when he chooses one over the other.
Kidding aside, I think Tavares is the right pick.
-
Steve L and Dan
I agree with you!
KEVIN FITZ says they dont have rings… those kids been in the league for only 3 or 4 years. -
I agree that’s a bad comparison AO and Sid will have thier rings soon enough
-
guerin13 says:
imo, hedman (could be best d-man of his generation) will have a better career than tavares (great player but not the best at his position), but tavares will instantly put this franchise back on the map. great defense is usually more important to winning it all than a great offense is. it’s an interesting call.
-
CB- Dont you think that this debat is a little premature at the moment, sure we are the leading contender to pick #1 but I think debates like this, though fun at time could cause depression if we only get to pick at #3 or #4. We should be debating between Duchene/Kane or Schenn as the ways things are going this is what we may be looking at.
-
sec301 says:
JT with the 1st pick hopefully snow finds a trade partner and packages the late 1st rounder and a 2nd rounder for a mid 1st rounder and then take a dman there
-
dj says:
Tavares – the unquestionable number one need on this team is a goal scorer.
-
Potvin05,
I know it’s far fetched, but the incentive to TB is that they get to restock their cupboard as well. They are going to lose 70% of their team, and most of their “D” in July. They also have cash flow issues, and their not worried about staying under the cap, their issues are staying above the revenue stream.
I don’ tthink it will happen… but with a team on the cusp of leaving or just bled dry, it just may be the best option to get the heart beat back. -
Michael from T.O. says:
Everyone talks about offense selling tickets. How many tickets is Kovalchuk, Lecavalier, St.Louis etc. selling in there building. These are all-stars that are on teams that are bottom in the league. Tampa try to load up on offense this year and got killed. Why? Because they had no defence or goaltending?
Bottom line WINNING brings people to the arenas. You need to win games to make the playoffs and win the Cup. Take Hedman! -
rob says:
If we have the first overall pick there is no question we go with a generational goal scorer. I have followed Tavares all season long in the OHL with all the hope in the world that the Isles would end up with him and haven’t been disappointed. When was the last time we had a guy who was a difference making goal scorer? Palffy – to an extent, but not since Turgeon or LaFontaine have we had a guy who could light the lamp like Tavares and even they were doing it in a time where goal scoring was up compared to now. Hedman was completely outplayed and looked lost in the WJC in the North American style of the game. Some of you say Defense wins championships which is true but that starts with a goalie not a 6 foot 7 defenseman – hey we have drafted one of those guys already and gave up on him. Some of you say that he could be a mike green but who is the REASON the Caps are where they are – not their defenseman but their GOAL SCORING machine Ovie. If we get the 2nd pick then take who is left and hopefully Hedman comes over seas and is successful. Having Tavares WILL generate interest aned sell tix – and get us some Nat’l TV games. Tavares is a no brainer
-
Here’s the perfect example. Which player(s) were more popular and did people come to see? Who had more jerseys in the stands? All three were probably in the top 5 of their generation and beloved by all, but I think the answer is clear.
Bossy or Potvin
Trottier or Potvin -
129 Michael – come on man you are talking about TAMPA BAY and ATLANTA – not exactly hockey hot spots – Long Island is a much different story
-
This draft is just like the 2006 NFL draft. Houston got lambasted for taking Williams over Bush, whose laughing now?
I think this trade deadline is going to be a big bust, not just for the Islanders, but overall. Toronto and Ottawa are starting to try to resign players they were supposedly going to trade two weeks ago.
-
No choice here, John Tavares. Now for those who continue to say, there no way the league would allow the NY Islander’s to have the first choice, I say, get real, in my opinion the only one who is tough on the Islander’s, is Colin Campbell. There are 30 teams in the greatest leage in the world, the NHL. To think there is a conspiracy against the NY Islander’s, is incredibly mindless. As stated last nite on Versus, shown throughout the Country, and Canada, the NY Islander’s are one of the elite teams in the NHL with “Rich History”. Thanks Chris, Mark/NJ
-
Rob, I agree. It is a tough decision, but when you look at the Cup Champions from the last couple of years, there is always a stud defenceman on the team.
-
Along with at least one stud foward.
-
If the Isles do draft first make it simple, IMHO give SOMETHING to the fans THAT day. Tavares, pick-up a #1 dman in the 1st few picks of the 2010 draft.
The other reason I say go for Tavares is he’ll BE here next year. What if the Isles draft Hedman & stays in Europe another year? They’ll be nothing for fans in October. In the end I’m sure Garth will make the right decision, he’s seems very poised & confident right now.
-
Besides Lidstrom
the stud d-man was traded to that team… the forwards were home grown. -
the bomber says:
we have a stud defenseman. dont know if youve seen #2 but he is the biggest reason we are in every game. we need scorers bad….i didnt even notice your once in a generation dman in the world juniors and i saw 3 of his games. John Tavares looked pretty damn good to me. I’ll take him…
-
Mats Sundin or David Chyzowski 1 and 1a in 1989. we got Chyzowski, and Quebec got Sundin. you decide who was better
-
Otter and others – Let’s be honest d-men will never be as popular with the fans as scorers. The fact that Hedman even ranks in the same discussion as Tavares says a lot to me about his perceived skill level. Yes we gave up on our previous version of the jolly green giant, and that ranks up there with the worst moves of all time
-
Pat says:
Sign Komi as a free agent this summer, than draft Tavares. We haven’t had a snipper in years. This gives us a shut down defenseman right away and our goal scorer. Makes this team better right away. Sign me up, done deal.
-
IslesPassion21 says:
I think we should all pray to God that Garth doesn’t decide to trade down for quantity instead of quality. What is the chance that Snow trades down again???
-
this is going to make the next few months all the more interesting, but this is all provided we get the one!
which brings me to my next point, those who want to see the isles win as many games as possible the rest of the way, can you explain why?
its obviously in the best interest of the club to get the first, and winning makes that harder-i dont get the logic
-
Frank James says:
I want Tavares but I think Hedman is a surer thing. If he doesn’t reach his total potential it’s not as bad as if Tavares doesn’t reach his.
I think the Isles are going to select Hedman.
Especially since they are a franchise that went from doormats to champions with the drafting of Denis Potvin.
-
RHL Vin says:
Is there even a debate who the Islanders should select with the first pick? The team that has passed up on selecting Jason Spezza, Danny Heatley, Marian Gaborik(glad they passed up on him) and Im sure a few more real good forwards that I can think of right now. It is time to select the player that we can build around. The kind of player that can be in the top 10 in scoring every year. The kind of player that leads his team in scoring with 80-100 points and not 50 points like the past few years. The kind of player we havent had on the island since Ziggy or Turgeon. The kind of player that can be our Sid Crosby or Alex Ovechkin. This franchise needs to draft John Taveras. As far as I am concerned if the Islanders do not somehow end up with Taveras it sets this rebuilding program back a year or two more. You need to have a good defense to win championships but u also need to be strong up the middle. Taveras and Bailey up the middle for the next 10 years is a big piece of rebuilding this franchise.
-
Isles4cups says:
I hope the Islanders select JT at the draft this June!
-
I’m curious about how many of the people posting opinions have seen either of these guys play, in person or on TV. A lot of people seem to be content basing opinions on what they’ve heard, but from whom?
If you had to take one of these guys right now and forget about potential, or 3-5 years down the road, who would it be?
John Tavares could play for the Islanders right now, and will be in the NHL next season. Hedman? We’ll see. -
Anyone for Hedman please find me a defenseman that was picked in the top 5 in the last 10 years thats changed a franchise….ok now find me 10 forwards that have done that – thanks
-
DC……I have seen Taveras play. I watched him in the World Juniors and he was awesome playing against the best players his age in the world. He reminds me of Jason Spezza with a little bit more zip and a bit more of a scoring touch. He rose to the occasion in big spots and had the knack of picking guys pockets a-la Sidney Crosby. This kid is a “Cant Miss” Offensive superstar. I hope I see hundreds and hundreds of Taveras jerseys all over the Coliseum next year.
BTW….I watched Hedman in that tourney too. He did not stand out very much.
-
frank nyc says:
This is a win win situation. You can be happy with either one of these guys, but for my money i want TAVARES.
He will be a legit 1st line center and a real scoring threat.
The Isles need this badlyyyy -
I have a serious question here. Doesn’t anyone see the potential in Okposo???from what I’ve seen he has the skills and work ethic to be a top 10 scorer in this league. I agree Taveres can be a great goal scorer in this league and we definatly need more offensive skilled players who can find the back of the net but when I read everyone saying this team is in desperate need of a finisher. Wonder if they have actually been watching the games. This kid, KO, is only 20 years old and is already the 2nd best player on the team next to Streit but he’s a DMan. So I agree we need as many pieces to make this team a cup contender but I think KO could be a consistent 30-40 goal scorer. I’m sure Taveres would be huge but do you guys not notice the promise in Kyle???
Second question: What are the chances Garth dissapoints the fans and decides to trade away a “so called” generational “phenom” goal scorer that comes along once in a blue moon for lower draft picks in order to draft quantity instead of going for quality??? I’d appreciate a responce with any opinions. Maybe CB has a feeling as to what Garth might be thinking. Will he try and make the fans happy and draft the goal scorer with his 1st over all pick if he gets it or will he dissapoint an already disgruntled fan base???TIA for any responces.
-
IslesPassion21:
KO definitely has potential, of that I am sure. He’ll be a 30 goal-scoring power forward, who can play on the top line and PP.
BUT, John Tavares is a game-breaking exceptional sniper who has the potential to be a 50 goal scorer. This kid is that good. If the Islanders could load up KO, Bailey, and Tavares on a line or even a PP unit, the Lighthouse Project will only require the front edges of its seats. -
DC, i appreciate your responce. Who knows how good KO could may get but we need more than one offensive threat that’s for sure. I’m still affraid Garth will trade down again for quantity in favor of quality. Hopefully for the love of God Garth will do what will make us fans happy for once. What do you think?
FIRST!