THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO TIM BURKE
“Hedman is ahead as a D with unlimited upside”
[Editor's Note: Please forgive the potential Tavares-Hedman overload. The way the Islanders competed this weekend, and the way Colorado has not the last two weeks, prompts me to publish any of these stories immediately. If I hold on to any articles too long, they could be completely worthless].
Tim Burke has been the Director of Scouting for the San Jose Sharks for the last 12 years. He is widely hailed by his peers as one of the best talent evaluators in the game. The Sharks lead the NHL with a record of 50-15-11. The team is loaded with home-grown players drafted by Burke and his staff.
In 2001, the Sharks made six draft selections. All of them made the NHL, including ace defenseman forward Ryane Clowe, taken 175th overall. Ten years ago, he even found a Swedish kid playing at Portledge on Long Island. Douglas Murray turned into a 6-3, 240-pound defenseman for the Sharks.
I received a note over the weeked from John Kreiser, a hockey writer I’ve known a long time. John and the staff at nhl.com were putting together a Tavares-Hedman poll of their own. In an email, Burke made his pick to Kreiser:
“Hedman. A team must build goal out and this kid can play a lot of minutes. World Juniors will be a small % of the decision. Hedman is ahead as he is a D and has unlimited upside.”
We won’t know where the NYI will draft until the lottery on April 14. No one knows who the Islanders will select if they’re fortunate enough to get the No. 1. This view from Burke, educated from 1987-1992 at the University of Lou Lamoriello, is presented solely as a public service.
Comments.
173 Responses to “THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO TIM BURKE
“Hedman is ahead as a D with unlimited upside””
Please Wait
TAVARES!!!!!!!!!!!
Why does everyone want the defenseman over Tavares? The Islanders need someone who can put the puck in the net. I am sorry but I don’t see defenseman changing teams the way Ovechkin and Crosby/Malkin have helped change theirs. If we have the choice and don’t go with the goal scorer. I am going to be real dissapointed.
HEDMAN!!!!!!!!!!
Hedman type guys are very rare. More rare than Tavares. Hedman might be the better all around player also. Only time will tell.
I’m not even pulling for Hedman over Tavares - I frankly think a team can’t go wrong with either - but cornerstone defensemen alter games (and play more minutes) in ways that are not as noticeable yet are every bit as important as the flashy offensive stars.
Take Lidstrom out of Detroit and how many Cups do they have, regardless of what forwards cycle through Motown? Take Pronger out of Edmonton and they don’t run to the finals. Take him and/or Niedermayer out of Anaheim and they’re still just “mighty” in name only.
No telling whether either pick will pan out that well, but the theory behind building defense-first is sound. D-men certainly require more patience, though.
hedmen. it all starts from the backline. shot, save, possession and breakout pass. defense keeps the puck out of the net, top defensemen play more minutes then anybody. finally, defense wins championships. it aint sexy, but its true.
it hard to collect a free agent top line foward, but a top pair fre agent defenseman are very rare. thats why the streit signing is so amazing.
I agree with Dominik (5) which seems to happen a lot. I think that the Isles simply need more high-end players in the system- and they will not go wrong picking any of these top couple of guys. Honestly, a part of me hopes that the choice is made for us, that way there will be less complaining and fingerpointing afterwards. There will always be some, of course… no matter what they do… but less would be nice!
Hedman. I get the feeling Tavares is closer to Stamkos than Crosby. Plus, Snow used his top two picks in last draft to strengthen the organization down the middle. We need quality D.
CB,are you saying that you get the feeling Colorado finishes last or someone else wins the lottery and this guy is going to be good so dont be worried if you dont get Tavares?
The argument ends with “ace defensemen” Clowe… drafted 175th overall… and Douglas Murray… who’s even heard of Douglas Murray? Good defensemen are a dime a dozen. You don’t even need to know their names.
Defense is a TEAM game! Individual offensive talent is a skill set that can’t be taught.
TAVARES!
But of course I will be a big fan of whichever one is drafted by Snow.
DOC
jay dugan: My gut feeling is that CB wanted to put this out there now so that if the Isles do move out of 30th place, he doesnt have to hear accusations from berserk people telling him he is only saying anything positive about HEdman because the Isles “told him to.” I could be wrong, but thats what I think.
CB: Ryane Clowe is a great player, but I’m afraid he’s a left wing, not a defenseman.
thanks for the catch. That’s what I get for posting so late…CB
He and Douglas Murray might be “depth” guys, but one of the reasons the Sharks are killing it this year is that their “depth” guys-third line left wing or fourth defenseman–would be top shelf talent on 1/3 of the teams in this league.
I always think building from golaie out is the best plan too. You can turn anyone in the NHL into a goal scorer…seriosuly look at the way the Isles used Blake. You think hes a natural 40 goal scorer? Or you think hes gonna score even 25 a year CONSISTANTLY with the talent he has? NOPE. But the way the Islanders used him and played made him the target to put the puck in the net. From my point of view ANYONE in the NHL can be a 30 goal scorer. Give them minuted with the right people, power play time and your set. Defence is a whole different ballgame….you can’t teach that stuff guys.
maybe we draft HEDMAN and get that TOP 5 forward with all that good talent in FA…how about hedman helps out Dipi with that big body knocking over other players
The Isles could draft Tavares and get competent D later on in the draft. You’re not going to get anything close to Tavares at any other point in the draft.
It would require us finishing in the bottom five to even sniff a player of the caliber ever again. Drafting Hedman would be such a waste for this team.
As I said, we can bulk up on D later on.
I got the feeling that Hedman train will gain more steam as the draft nears not only becasue of an article like this but just think about the overall package you are getting in Hedaman. Say what you want guys, but you wont find something like this in every draft. The islanders lack a top bluechip dman and we all know it, and dont tell me that signing Gilroy is the solution..
Shawn said,
You can turn anyone in the NHL into a goal scorer…seriosuly look at the way the Isles used Blake.
This might be the dumbest post ever. Blake turned himself into a goal scorer and if anyone can be turned into a goal scorer why has our offense sucked for years?
Jay (#9) - I think of the three horses left in the #1 pick Derby, Tampa would take Hedman since they have Stamkos and Lecavalier already and need a defenseman. The local media also seems to think they would take him as well.
http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/article984056.ece
If Colorado wins the derby, they’re taking Tavares. Sakic is done this year or next and they need a new franchise center to replace him. Enter John T.
The Islanders? It’s 50/50. Need a franchise center and they need a franchise defenseman.
Love Mark Streit, but he will be turning 32 next season, how many years is he around for? Streit is not the long term answer to building a cup contender, but he’d be a great tutor to Hedman and would take a lot of pressure off the kid early in his career. Tavares would look great with Okposo as well. The Isles hit a home run either way.
Ryan, Clowe is on the Sharks 2nd line. He is hardly a depth guy.
I’m happy with either pick, and each will have a long and positive impact on our team. Tavares will definately have the better immediate and more noticeable impact. Hedman will have a slow and steady impact offensively but will be a rock on D with Streit… I can’t even imagine how good Hedman will be with the help of Streit after seeing the 180 in Bruno’s game while playing with Streit
and btw, I’m not sold on Colorado taking Tavares…seems as if Stastny could be their franchise centerman if he stays healthy, moreover their D is old, overly defensive minded (Foote, Hannan & Salei) and could greatly benefit from Hedman…Avs have some scoring talent up front with Hejduk, Smyth, Svatos, Stastny & Wolski
im gunna be really upset if they pass up tavares - once again the challenge is still out there to all hedman supporters to name a defenseman picked number 1 or even top 3 that became a franchise player - only Denis Potvin and that was 30 years ago - we need scoring more than anything last years top point guy had 49 this year we dont even have a 20 goal scorer…
Chris TMC, very good point….Or it could be that Hedman is that good. I guess this is the fun of it,or the nerve racking part of it anyway. If you really want my opinion of who CB wants in this draft….it’s Matt Duchene.
Picked in Top 3 - Pronger, Niedermayer, Bouwmeester…but I understand your point. Truth is the top picks haven’t had the strongest track record of leading teams to cups, which is why I’m happy Snow is tracking character guys like Bailey and looking to fit together the right team, not the most skilled team…Last #1 to win a cup is Lecavalier (98 draft pick) and he wasn’t as instrumental to that team as many think he was….before that you’d have to go to ‘88 draft of Modano and the ‘84 draft of Lemieux
Hejduk and Smyth are both getting into their mid-30s. Meanwhile, the Avalanche are currently last in goals for, and they are having attendance problems to boot. If they were in the position to take Tavares, I think they would.
In response to #22:
Scott Niedermayer (#3, 1991) –> #1 pick was Eric Lindros
Chris Pronger (#2, 1993) –> #1 pick was Alexandre Daigle
Jay Bouwmeester (#3, 2002) –> #1 pick was Rick Nash
Drew Doughty (#2, 2008) is looking like he can eventually do it as well.
I don’t think anyone faults you for passing on Lindros (couldn’t stay healthy), Daigle (couldn’t hack it), or Nash (who is an elite player but not a generational talent) for the defensemen ranked at the top of those drafts. In time, I think passing on Stamkos for Doughty would have been an acceptable decision also at the very least.
Keep in mind Hedman is reputed to be better at this stage of his career than all three of those guys were at the same stage in their careers. Two of them have their names engraved on the Cup.
As for the scoring forwards taken #1 overall recently, it’s not like they’ve been a guaranteed home run for the team either. The Pens have two generational talents and couldn’t win the Cup last year. Columbus isn’t exactly a juggernaut with Rick Nash. Kovalchuk has done nothing to revolutionize things in Atlanta, plus he’s allergic to backchecking and consistency. Imagine where the Pens would be if they just had Sid the Kid and did not get a chance to bring in Malkin– or even Staal. As far as a two-way all-around complete game, Sid the Kid is arguably the third best center on his own team. And the Isles are not gonna be bad enough with that young group to rock four insane draft picks in a row.
If you are gonna draft your franchise forward #1 or #2 overall and throw the franchise on his back, make sure he’s got a sick-nasty all around game. That’s when the formula works. Eric Staal, Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau, Vincent Lecavalier, Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Ovechkin.
But when you get into the territory of guys who can just score goals, it doesn’t seem to pan out as well. Tavares seems like a guy you can add to that list. If he is reputed to be Mr. Everything a la Eric Staal who is out of control awesome and has already brought his team a Stanley Cup, please let me know.
And the whole “defensemen can’t have an impact when they’re drafted #1 because it hasn’t happened in 30 years” argument is a non sequitur to begin with.
In total agreement with #26.
Also, I don’t think it should be ruled out that Okposo could be that franchise forward that teams desire but just needs another couple seasons to get there…Iginla, Thornton, Leacavalier and Staal each took anywhere from 3-5 seasons to become the Franchise players they are. Furthermore, D-men are being paid rediculous amounts these days, and it would be great to know that our top 2 d-men, streit-hedman, will be a cap hit of around 8 mill for the next 3-4 years…some teams are paying 1 guy that much, like Campbell, Jovo, Redden (LOL), and Mr. Bouwmeester’s future foolish organization
If you build from the goal out, then shouldn’t the Islanders draft a goalie and sign him to a 15 year contract? Oh wait, our backup-goalie-GM has already done that.
jim… it’s people like you that make being an isles fan hard sometimes
Good Defnsman are a dime a dozen????that is so untrue it’s laughable.
I can see the uproar building over the following situation: the Islanders lose the draft lottery on the 14th, pick second, and select Tavares because the winner of the draft lottery selected Hedman. Either way it goes, I hope that 50% of the fans are happy. All the negativity over the Tavheduche thing is making me not care how it ends up… the Islanders will end up with a great player regardless.
I watched the entire ducks/avs game the other night and the poor Avs we’re really trying their hearts out (not tanking)
but they are just simply ….not very good
the west is tighter than a snare drum so all these teams are licking their chops for their game v,s the avs down the stretch
Hedman -Tavares -cant go wrong either way
Best player available please every time it’s the Isles turn to pick.
Only two more weeks of this torture to go.
Tampa at Boston tonight, Dallas at Colorado Wednesday.
Look … the Isles can’t go wrong with either Hedman or Tavares … My preference to Tavares has a tinge of me playing center and knowing how sometimes that position demands accountability when the game is riding on your stick. Tavares has proven that he is a game changer … he’s a catalystic player. It is no surprise that the Isles haven’t won a playoff series since the Isles had a stable of offensive threats. When a team is behind you need fire power… players that get the opposition on their heels when you start pressing.
I don’t consider Hedman a consolation prize … he’s a dynamic talanted defender … I just feel the Isles could use Tavares and the intagibles he brings more … a better and more immediate fit for the team.
starting to lean towards Hedman myself.
Exibit A & B for my choice of Tavares(C):
1987 Flashback … Game 7 Patrick Division Semi-Finals …. just over 5 minutes remaining in the game and the Isles facing elimination trailing the Caps 2-1 … Old warhorse fading superstar … Brian Trottier bulls his way into the Caps’ zone and back hands the puck past Bob Mason … people mostly remember rising star, and Center, Pat LaFontaine’s heroics in that game in the 4th OT with his turn around slapper … That was the last Playoff series victory for the Isles until their last good run in 1993 … Exibit C & D ..1993dominated by Sneaky Pete Turgeon’s (C)performance that earned him a Dale Hunter Cross Check to knock him out of the playoffs … but not to mention … another Center … Ray Ferraro’s timely and consistent heroics … Ray was the ONE in the ONE / TWO punch the Isles had up the middle.
Here’s a thought…maybe Hedman IS the next Potvin.
Speaking of big defenseman: Zdeno Chara was drafted in round three, 56th overall in 1996 by the New York Islanders (nice). He was later traded, along with a second overall pick (Spezza), for Alexei Yashin. Keep it simple stupid. Draft Tavares if he’s available.
Lets stop getting points then we can talk about how we are gonna get one of these guys because at the rate we are going and Tampa and Colorado are going we may just be the 3rd worst team come April 14th lottery
If Colorado finishes deadlast that would be another IRONIC jab at the Islanders … because it was the Avs that woed Ryan Smyth away from the Isles during free agency in ‘07 … forcing the Isles to reconsider the way it constructs its team into a builder through the draft … and now Colorado may just edge us out again for deadlast … which again will virtually have the Isles on the other end of the building spectrum be beaten out by the Avs for a star player … That said … I have to say … I’m glad the Avs are stuck with Smyth & his contract.
I have said for the last 2 months, my preference is Hedman. Even got into a friendly argument at PB II about it. I havent changed. 6′7″ defensmen who can skate, well………..lets say I’ve never seen it. Supposedly (and I havent seen him play) he is one of the best skaters on his team, he hasnt stopped growing yet, and can move the puck. I keep hearing “soft”. Who has said that? I havent read it in one article or on the internet from someone in the know. Fans will be fans, I certainly know because Im one, but if Tim Burke (along with other “experts” who know more than me) are leaning towards Hedman, then that solidifies my preference. I keep reading on here that there hasnt been a defenseman that changed a team since Potvin. Well…that was 36 years ago. Whats to say the 2029 scouting report on a 6′7 defensman wont say….”Maybe the next Hedman” !!!!
Who knows, is Hedman the next Pronger or the next Malakhov, is Tavarez the next Crosby or Daigle. All I know is that the Isles can’t mess it up, My idea is to call Milbury ask him who he likes better and pick the other one.
Well maybe if the Isles win the #1 pick in the lottery, they can swap picks with Colorado - get Hedman and another pick.
I’m all for Tavares and I know he will put more folks in the seats, but for the rebuild I think we are better off going with the D.
You cant teach a player how to dance with the puck like sid or AO, but you can teach defense how to cut off angles and take a booming shot. Draft JT and use your other 5 picks in the first few rounds on just the best Defensemen avail, you are bound to hit one.
After passing up on a *Franchise D-Man* last year (Schenn), it is hard for me to fathom the Islanders passing up on a JT type player. Then again, they may not have a choice if they don’t get the # 1 slot.
Just heard on FAN590 in Toronto, Scotty Bowman was on and said that from what he has heard the Islanders are pretty much decided on Hedman. Take that for what it is worth, but Bowman is a pretty connected guy…
My pick personally is for Tavares. You can’t go wrong talent-wise with any of the top 3, but Tavares has two things that the others don’t…
1)Star Power. He is simply a bigger name, which will be better for the health of the team.
2)Leadership. The others do have this, but from what I’ve seen (in Hedman’s case, only the WJC) and heard, Tavares is head and shoulders above the other two. The way Tavares took Team Canada on his back and led them to victory at the WJC made me a huge fan of Tavares.
Also for the most part, star forwards dont get traded as much, The d men besides lidstrom that have been noted, have flipped teams multiple times, including how we got our best man. Everyone brings up POTVIN, but remember times were different then, players never left for free agency and trades were minimal. Take the sexy pick now, cause you get the most for their rookie contracts
I say Hedman all the way. Anyone notice that Chris Pronger went to the stanley cup 2 years in a row for two different teams? Lidstrom and the Red Wings beat Crosby and the Penguins. Scott Stevens Devils beat everyone. Even the hated Rangers and Brian Leetch somehow found a way to win a cup. Denis Potvin anyone?
I think half the fans don’t actually watch the games. This team isn’t as offensivly challenged as you think. I am excited about this teams offense for next season.
If the Isles have the first choice, they had better pick Tavares. Regardless of who is the “better” player, Tavares is the more dynamic player with offensive upside that this team desperately needs. Please don’t screw tis one up Garth.
CB, or anyone else, can anyone speak for the fact that Headman plays like a “softie?” I’ve never seen him play so I’m not one to judge. Also #1 dman is this league is a Streit who’s gonna put up 50+ points with 20+min on the PP & PK, is that what you get with Hedman? Do you BB(46) really think that was schenn?, Pronger/blake/Lindstrom are PP kings and thats where they make their living.
‘from the goal out’
that’s what the man said, just as the man said it in 1972. that’s how to build a team. it’s the start line for success, like starting pitching and the O and D lines in football.
Smokey (26) You can take Bouwmeester over Nash…I’ll be very happy to be the guy picking after you, ha. These arguments about defensemen winning cups and Crosby not make no sense. Detroit isn’t just “Lidstrom”. They have great forward talent and critical role players every year that stay in Detroit. Anaheim had very good forwards when they won, and not only that…had an entire core of solid defensemen and a goalie who stood on his head. I hear what you all are saying, but take the two “generational forwards” out of Pitt, and they’re not even in the playoff discussion…even if you replace them with one of your magical defensemen like Scott Niedermeyer. I’m not saying this as a “Tavares vs. Hedmen” thing. Just saying you can’t really pick one defenseman out on stacked Cup teams and use that as proof of anything. Those were very good all around teams you guys are mentioning.
(47) If that’s really what Scott said in full context, that’s ludicrous. Even for someone of his stature, there’s no way he’d know in March what another team might do if they pick No. 1 in June. And, again, if Scott really said that, it’s strange someone at one franchise would gossip openly about what he’s “heard” another franchise is doing.
I really like Scott. He was very gracious when I invited him to be part of the Al Arbour game last season. I enjoyed being around him. But if he really said that on Toronto radio, that would put him on the level of, well, a blogger…CB
any shot the director of scouting at san jose would go on record saying he likes hedman better hoping that the Avs take him over Tavares should they get the choice?? I just dont see why this guy would go on record at this point with no shot of getting either…but then again, i trust nobody…
i just think WE need a buzz. Getting Tavares would put some buzz around the Isles, getting Hedman would not. Bring me the star and watch how many light blue #91 jerseys start flying off the shelves. He wont be sid the kid, but he will be good, and thats all we need. We already have Streit to play half the game on defense. With no Streit, Id go Hedman for sure, but we have our franchise defenseman already, and he is AWESOME.
Not taking Tavares will be a mistake down the road…mark it now.
i honestly think that you can’t go wrong either way, but tavares will but more asses in the seats. then again, potvin came before bossy.
and who’s to say we don’t finish second [to last] and end up with the third pick?
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…..Tavares is the sexy pick. He will help sell tickets even if the team isn’t going to make the playoffs. Hedman is the smarter rebuild pick. Offense starts from the back end…people seem to be missing this. Offensive chances are for most part caused by good transition play. Have you seen who is leading the Isles in scoring this year? Streit. Our PP looks better…why….Streit. Hedman would give us another good puck moving d-man that can log the other 30mins that Streit isn’t. Hedman please
I’ll take Hedman.
When everyone looks back five years from now, Tavares won’t be the best forward taken in this draft. Since breaking the made up Gretzky record by scoring 72 goals, he’s scored 40 and 58. His point totals have also declined every year in junior, 134, 118, 104. Logic would tell me that if you can score 72 goals and 134 point as a 16 year old, you should be able to score more than that as an 18 year old.
Either Tavares or Hedman will be great for the team, no question. However, I think our first priority should be offense.
At the end of last Summer, I was disappointed that we didn’t do enough (free agent wise) to improve the forward line. After a leading scorer with 49 points, I wondered where the scoring would come from. It was painfully obvious we were not going to be anywhere near the playoffs.
Streit has been great, but even with the year he has had, we are last in the league in goals scored (with a defenseman leading the way, by far, in points).
That said, I am excited about this team. I think our offense is going to get better, but we still need more scoring punch. I just cant see how you pass up on a sniper.
Jim (61) - unless you’re bored in Juniors. The guy probably would have been drafted ahead of Stamkos in last year’s draft if he was eligible. That stat doesn’t scare me any more than Hedmen’s lackluster WJC does. You can pick negatives out in any of these guys…mentally and physically, they ain’t NHLers yet.
I say we take Hedman, God knows with DP back in goal next season, him flopping & staying down, roaming the crease, etc, we will need all the ‘D’ we can get!!
Elite athletes don’t get bored competing. If he’s bored in juniors, he’s never going to be an elite NHL player. According to THN’s draft issue last year, most teams had Stamkos ahead of Tavares.
guys, i could care less, I want islse to finish last and be guaranteed tavares or hedman. that is best scenerio.
I have to lean to tavares as he creates way more buzz for islanders. Think about. Ovechkin, Crosby are the headliners in the league. Not Shea Weber, Andri Markov, Streit.
Isles need to pack in the seats. We are in good shape to win alot of games either way. Healthy DP in lineup and isles are playoff bound.
If pro scouts say a stud D man is more valuable than a stud center, who are we to argue? OF course there are people on both sides of the fence but let’s be honest here, either pick will be a great one. Garth has to decide which is the more valuable asset at their given position and he’ll have almost 2 months to mull it over (If they win the lottery). I will say this though, re: poster # 41… IF the Islanders are TRULY turning the corner as an organization and finally get a little luck here, then I think we can have hope that karma is back on our side. We’ll see what happens, no guarantees of course, but getting #1 overall and having 2 months to really drill down on these guys to make a choice would go a long way towards getting over the hump.
I just don’t understand how people try to make a case for Tavares by bringing up comparisons to Crosby, Malkin, and Ovechkin. Tavares will not be as good as any of those player. If he was it would be a no brainer him going number 1. We wouldn’t even be having this discussion. I’m happy with either guy but I’m leaning more towards Hedman because I beleive in building from the goal out.
Carmine, why cant you draw comparisons btw crosby and tavares? just curious?
I’m tired of the Isles braintrust always playing it safe and going with the generic, boring pick. I want the sexy pick. The scorer. People don’t come to Nassau Coliseum to see defense–they come to see players score goals. Tavares is the man to take. And while Hedman may be a great d-man, our defense now is for the most part young and gaining stability and experience.
The Isles passed on Gaborik and went with the safe pick. Look at how that turned out…..
Avinash (67) - more pro scouts have Tavares over Hedmen in CB’s (albeit unscientific) poll that was posted here just yesterday or Sunday…
Can Hedman speak English? It would be hard to imagine Streit having much impact at all on a guy he cannot verbally cumminicate with. Will Hedman play in the NHL next year or in Sweden?
I favor Tavares, but Im now in the “I just want the Isles to finish last” camp. I dont think we can go wrong with Hedman or Tavares, but Tavares gives the team someone they really can market they way Pitt did with Crosby. We draft Tavares and you know it wont be long before we finally get some national air time on TV. Jersey’s will sell like crazy, and more seats will get filled. Tavares get the nod because of these off ice abilities
i have no problem with taking hedman first overall. the guy is going to be out of this world and i agree with the “build from the goal out” philosophy. the fanbase will (as usual) freak out b/c we pass on tavares but this time they are freaking out over nothing.
Tavares or Hedman….There is not a bad choice with either of these picks,….it will depend at what position the Isles are in the draft…and what they feel their pressing needs are…Whether they choose Tavares or Hedman….makes no difference to me…we are in need of both of these two.
I agree with Richie66, people forget that the islanders are a business too
Hedman in 09 and then Taylor Hall in 2010. Hall has a lot of potential to be a superstar in the NHL, and we all know we aren’t going to be that great next year, if not just as bad. The only other option is trading the late first and a few other picks to move up to mid-first and select a highly touted D-Man after choosing Tavares first overall. I like the second option the best, personally. April 14th will tell us a lot!
there are legitimate reasons for picking Tavares first, though i lean toward Hedman. to create a buzz or sell more tickets are not among them for me. following a plan and building a team the smart way according to the ‘blueprint’ will result in a winning team, and winning creates a buzz and sells tickets. if they end up with Tavares i hope it’s because they decided he best fits their plan, and only for that reason.
People seem to forget the islanders might end up moving, we need to create a buzz fast, get people in the seats, then maybe nassau will see something needs to be done. JT please
I’ve been bias toward Tavares if the Isles are fortunate to get the 1st pick. However, I would have no problem with them selecting Hedman if they could somehow manage to get Duchene as well. That would be a work of magic!
I think the Isles should make their pick base on offense as well. That’s why they need to take Hedman. And anyone who knows hockey would know why that is a true statement.
Irony of ironies…
How much prozac will be consumed in Islander nation leading up to draft day if the Isles secure the NBR 1 pick?
Tavares or Hedman?
Hedman or Tavares?
Like the proverbial kid in a candy shop.
I’m more interested in what Snow does with pick Nbrs 30 and 31 and the rest of the bagful of selections he’s got.
I hope he is too.
tony - people come to the nvmc to see the isles win. hedman greatly improves our chances of contending for a cup a few years down the road, imo more so than tavares does. shut down d wins championships, not goal scorers. does nyi become a dynasty w/o potvin? no. and gaborik is always injured. he would not have changed much around here.
CB, he said it almost in passing when asked how tight a “race” it was between Hedman and Tavares. I can’t remember his exact words, but it was something to the effect of “I hear the Islanders are pretty much sold of Hedman.” I’m at work now and can’t re-listen to it, but it is already posted on fan590.com (under Audio on Demand, right hand side of their main page). I also thought it was very strange, and wasn’t sure if he still was working in hockey since he is on every Tuesday, and often on other Toronto media through the week.
Maybe you or someone else can listen to it, and tell me if I just made too much of a passing comment, but it hit me like tonne of bricks because I’ve been following everything I can and it was the first I’d heard of the Islanders leaning either way.
Tony # 70 - The Islanders passed on Gaborik -not for a “safe” pick, but out of stupidity on Mad Mikes part. He traded Luongo and drafted DP. Nothing safe about that - also passed on Heatly…..jeez that day was the worst. I still have nightmares about that day.
Bob (#45) Schenn is not a franchise dman. He’s in the Brendan Witt mold. You won’t see him running a PP in his career.
Yea KP but you could see him front of the net on the PP or maybe in the shootout like our boy Witter lol
Hedman was named rookie of the year in the Swedish hockey league this year. It is fairly unusual for 18 year old to get this award
Does that mean that I am in favour of picking Hedman? Actually I have no idea. I have not seen enough of either player to have a definitive view. The one game I saw them both in was the final of the wjhc and there Tavares was invincible while Hedman definately stood up for his teammates (especially when canadian players ran into the Swedish goalie)
either way we will get a really good player but we def should get Tavares. We havent had a good offensive player since palffy. by good i mean a 90 point player, tavares will be that guy
I have been pro Taveras the whole way…Star power…. scorer we have needed for so long……but Burke’s point is a good one…..a TRUE number 1 defensemen can play 30 minutes a game. Anaheim won the cup a few years back because out of the 120 minutes of time a defensemen was on the ice each game -60 minutes were taken up by either Neidemeyer or Pronger.
I say we get the #1 pick and get a sweetener to drop to #2 (TB has to want Hedman - I imagine Colorado as well). Just take the other guy-both will be stars. Then I would move up SJ pick to take the position we did not fill with the first pick.
kevin fitz on Mar 31st, 2009 10:12:12 said:
I think the Isles should make their pick base on offense as well. That’s why they need to take Hedman. And anyone who knows hockey would know why that is a true statement.
it is possible for people who know hockey to differ on what pick to make. (see CB’s reporting on the tavares/hedman question)
(90)…I like it but I feel like that sounds to good to be true…Best case scenario LH, Isles finish last, SJ loses in the 1st round, Toronto wins the lottery not in the bottom 5, and Pitt wins a playoff round…Therefore we maximize all of our picks this draft, take JT and trade up to get a dman in the 1st
If they can secure the #1, see if whoever is #2 would take the Sharks #1 this year, a second round pick (or two) this year AND next years #1 for the second overall pick and draft BOTH guys. You would clearly have to overpay for that # 2 pick but that would really create a buzz now wouldn’t it?
CB, I think if you wrote an article about a GM or scout really liking Tavares over Hedman the comments would be littered with “Let’s get Tavares”. Since it was structured this way it has a 50/50 feel. So I can deduce two things:
1. You are a powerful writer.
2. It’s a 60/40 split pro Tavares.
You have to take J Tav - a big reason is that in 5, 6, or seven years he won’t go back to his home country and play in another league, you never know if a swedish kid may return home after his contract is up. JT brings instant recognition to the Isles, Canadian papers and people will follow his progress, if available he has to be the pick.
My vote is for Tavares and a youthful offense ready to score goals.
LOL Carmine. I don’t get the whole Witt PP/shootout thing. Maybe Gordon is reading and going for the tank job.
Another stat about Hedman. He’s playing with men now and actually has better stats than Peter Forsberg did at this age - AS A DEFENSEMAN!
Rob, you’re argument is weak about an impact defenseman being drafted at #1. You’re right that no defenseman since Potvin drafted #1 has been a great as Denny was, but in hindsight (which is always 20/20 especially in the NHL entry draft), look at some of those defenseman drafted in the first round who SHOULD’VE been picked #1. Paul Coffey, Larry Murphy and Brian Leetch are three that I stumbled across already.
Just remember, Edmonton won a cup with out Gretzky………scoring is nice, but Hedmen is the smart pick.
Bowman said he thought the islanders were looking for a defensman. No biggie. The guy is just talking. Dont think too much of his comment.
to #98 - they had Messier though…on D they have Kevin Lowe, Steve Smith, plenty of talent there and Lowe is an all time great D man.
How about this scenerio…..We get the #1 draft choice…choose Tavares….sign Weight…trade Neilsen(the great Dane) to Pheonix to play with the other Dane..Boedekker for their #1..then choose Jared Cowen the next best D in the draft ??
The Isles Rank dead last in the league in Goals for! You tell me what the greater need is on this team? Outside of Okposo, who on this team, or at Bridgeport, or scattered around the minors and juniors, that are Islander property, can we count on to score even 25 goals in the next couple of years?? Nobody! Tavares is the pick!
has Hedman had injury and concussion problems? wasn’t he banged up at the WJC? something the Islanders should probably look into.
Just to be contrary, I’ll go Duchene, with a trade down if necessary. With his speed and skill he could make a bigger impact in the Go-Go system.
There are soooooo many scenarios that come into focus with these two available, all of which are dependant on us having the #1 pick. I make no bones about being a Tavares fan, but would have no problem with taking Hedman. Streit and Hedman; Witt and Hedman — those are two pairings I’d love to see.
I wonder how many would be howling for Garth Snow’s head if we took the #1 pick and traded it to Colorado for their #2 plus their next year’s first rounder? Or maybe even more? We could take Hedman, let them have Tavares and get a pretty solid pick for next year, because, let’s face it, the Islanders are not finishing in the bottom half next year, while Colorado is, regardless of who they get. All of it depends on getting the #1 pick to play with, though. Go, Avalanche!!!!
I think I lean towards JT, but not because we haven’t had a goal scorer since Palffy (Billy post 89). Palffy was great, but those were bad teams that I’d rather forget about. Using that argument should actually make you want to draft Hedman
duchene intrigues me, what about the school of thought that hedman might be a little soft?
i am fine with any of the top 3
the Islanders should not pass on Tavares or Hedman to take Duchene.
(#102) - …and the top three teams in the league have are 1,2, and 3 in the GA department. Hmm…
Funny thing about Tim Burke - he’s the same guy who passed on Zach Parise so he could draft Steve Bernier (that’s right, Isles fans: Milbury wasn’t the only one!). And he’s the same guy who traded down to take Viktor Kozlov and passed up on the opportunity to draft Pronger 2nd overall in 93. So take what he says with a grain of salt. As for Tavares vs Hedman, imagine being told since you’re 15 that you’ll be a “generational” talent and you miss your draft day by 3 days and have to wait another year, playing with what amounts to kids (compared to Tavares’ talent). That accounts for his declining stats, IMO. Plus - he just set the frakkin’ record for most goals by a player in OHL history in one less season than Peter Lee. Hedman showed flashes of brilliance in the WJC, but Tavares put Team Canada on his BACK and took them to gold. If the Isles end up with Hedman, I won’t screech as much as I did with some of those brain-dead Milbury trades, but if we take Tavares and he ends up being the next Daigle, I’ll *never* blame Snow or bitch about the pick. It’ll just be one of those “who coulda’ guessed it?” things. If we take Hedman and he ends up being another Dmitri Nabokov (I know he was a forward), I’ll bitch about that because just as was the case with Robert Nilsson, there have been questions about Hedman’s desire and guts, and that cannot be questioned with JT. OTOH, if Hedman becomes a cross between Pronger and Coffey (for the Isles or someone else), I’ll happily admit I was wrong. Just wanted to acknowledge posts 41 (good insight!) and post 43 (loved the Milbury reference!). Cheers!
Can you imagine if there is another Drfat party at the NVMC and the Isles are set to pick #1. It would be a total party!! Then Snow goes MM on us and trades down to the 4th spot. Better get extra security that day, they are gonna need it
The Nilsson thing was a fiasco not only because of his talent but because he comes from Islander lineage - ALL TIME Isles lineage. That said, you go back and see hundreds of scouts and GM’s that passed on someone that went on to be great, we all know that happens from time to time. Suggesting that we take what Burke said with a grain of salt can be applied to pretty much anyone in the drafting game.
I dont like this arguement of choosing Tavares over Hedman bc Tavares will put more people in the seats, increase our marketability, etc. Winning puts more people in the seats, plain and simple. I dont know who is the better player, but the only criteria should be to draft the player that will translate to more wins for this franchise.
Everyone who wants Hedman over Taveres, look at the best defensemen in the league. Lindstrom was not drafted until the 3rd round. Good defensemen can be found later in the draft. Don’t forget we have 2 1st round picks this year. We could always take a quality defenseman later in the 1st round. I would say if given the chance take Taveras as he has the potential to be a 1st line center for many years to come. If they do take Taveras let’s just hope he doesn’t turn into another Dave Chyzowski, Scott Lachance Bret Lindros or some of the other bad draft picks of the Islanders in the past 20 years.
C.B - I would like you to post an article now that maybe goes over with another scout as to why Tavares will be the 1st overall pick. Keep it balanced…
this whole “build from the goal out” is caveman mentality…back in the days of the 16 or 21 team NHL, you could afford to take that approach because high skill offensive players would still be around for your second pick or third round picks, which now translate into mid-1st rounders or high 2d rounders…nowadays, though, you basically get only 1 chance to draft a high-end offensive guy, basically after you gut your team to get in that position…unless you have Hedman pegged as a major offensive threat from the blueline as well as a defensive stalwart and view Tavares as a question mark, I just don’t see how you pass on a major offensive presence
and no offense to Mr. Burke (I’m sure he’s seen these players and I haven’t) when have the Sharks gone on a long playoff run?
I must have watched a different WJC, because the WJC that I saw, Cody Hodgson put Team Canada on his back and led them to gold.
CB - what are the odds Hedman doesn’t come over to the NHL immediately next year? anyone give you a sense of that?
Regardless of who gets picked, the team’s top six are pretty much set next year.
Bailey will likely be the top center next season, with Okposo on his right and (maybe) Bergenheim on his left; then Streit and whomever on the back line - likely Gervais, but I could see Hillen or even Sutton there if he’s fully healthy. Hemdan has more of a chance of being a top pair guy his first year than Tavares does, simply because of who the Isles have on hand now.
I think they will make this pick based on whomever they think is the better player in three years and onward, not necessarily based on immediate impact.
PS - with all respect to the young Mr. Tavares, any self-respecting old-school fan with a royal-blue road jersey, #91, already has “Goring” on the back.
(If I were going to put a number on my own throwback blues, it would probably be #18, Eddie Westfall.)
nyi need both players. So, if they have the option to select one or the other, then that is great.
it appears one would be hard pressed to find dissenters in the professional circles on whether nyi should or should have picked JT or Hedman.
Rather, the dissenters will come from NYI’s own fanbase no matter who they pick.
As CB posted the other day, one scout said nyi can’t really go wrong with either one of them.
This is more intense than the Harvard debating team. Correction from an ealier response, Colorado plays Phoenix Wednesday night in Denver.
Richie (#111), if they trade down to 4th and take Ryan Ellis, you may not be happy this year, but you will be for the next 10 years. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Ellis ends up being not only the best defenceman in this draft, but the best pick. He’s putting up points that Drew Doughty, Pietrangelo, and Bogosian could only DREAM of - and his shot is Al MacInnis-like. But he’s 5′10, which is why he’ll probably go somewhere between 8th and 12th in the draft - even though his size hasn’t stopped him from throwing a Wendel Clark-like hit every few games. He’s a franchise Dman who is going to make people forget the name Mike Green. So, yeah, if we trade down again and take Ellis, I won’t be shedding any tears. BTW - he’s on Windsor with Taylor Hall (draft: 2010), who is going to be better than either Tavares or Stamkos, and Ryan Ellis is largely responsible for Hall ripping it up this year. It would be a beautiful thing if after they’re both drafted, the Isles could reunite those two…on the Island. BTW, OHL games are available on online PPV on the OHL Web site. Cheers.
Jim (#117), you’re right, Hodgson was awesome in that tournament, too. As was Eberle. And Vancouver is very lucky to have Hodgson at 10th (instead of, say, Josh Bailey, who was taken 9th). But it was Tavares who kept Canada in it in the game against Team USA. After being way down, Tavares was the leader, and Tavares was the one who scored the big game-changing goals. MHO. YMMV. Cheers.
Only the people that do not take the time and effort to view prospect stats,profiles,scouting reports etc. consider Hedman to not be a franchise type defenseman.
I have yet to find one person outside this blog to consider Hedman not to be as talented at his position as Tavares is to his.Or as some of you funny ones say “sexy”.
Whether you think Hedman or Tavares will be the better nhler is purely speculation. What is not speculation is that there are 30 teams in this league that would love to have that choice.
Richie66 (111): I dont have to imagine it- someone puts this post up (or a very similar variation) every single day. Literally… every single day.
As far as some of you who are all fired and peppered up insisting that only one of them is the roight #1 pick, marketable, dynamic, NHL-ready, generational, whatever, I say LOL to that. You dont know any of that, you CANT know any of that. In fact I would venture to say that 90+% of the people posting here insisting on drafting one over the other are basing that insistence NOT on the actual kid, but on what you want in your own mind and therefore project ON to a kid. I really wish that people would stop treating their own random guesses and hopes as if they are the solid gold opinion of experts… because they definitely arent. And please dont get offended, I dont think I am any better at predicting the future than you are. The difference is, *I* know it.
There is the saying that “defense creates offense.” Basically, if you are on the offense side of things you can take more risks and be more creative when you know that a good D man has your back. Considering the upside on Okposo and Bailey, if Hedman really is a sure thing then it would be a wise choice to pick him.
Just get one of them and be happy. It will take more than one player to bring the franchise back.
The difference is Tavares plays next year in the NHL, Hedman plays in 2 or 3 years in the NHL.
I know i want JT with #1 pick.
to be honest i rather has isles finish last and lose the #1 pick. Then we take whomever is available with #2 pick and we dont have to listen to everyone say “OH we shoudl of take JT with first pick” or “oh we should of take Hedman” this way its decided and we all happy.
Both going to make impact in league.
But people forget we are amongst lowest scoring teams in NHL. Even Gretzy said himself you cant teach someone how to be A Goal Scorer.
JT is what we need.
Not sure who on board said Trade Nielsen but you are out of your mind. He might be Better than Bailey might ever be.
Question: At this years’ draft party, what do you think the percentage of fans will be booing should the Snowman have the #1 pick and choose Hedman over Tavares? 70-30 is my bet. I’d be one of them. If you get the #1 and DON’T pick Tavares who WOULD put fannies in the seats and be a reason fans and MEDIA(and in turn, help create NEW fans) start to look at this team with actual RESPECT instead of a joke, then we have to question the thinking. HEDMAN DOES NOT PUT FANS IN THE SEATS! No matter what any of you say, you NEED a MARKETABLE TRUE STAR on the Island. (Dipietro isn’t that guy) John Tavares with all of his hype from north of the border and the World Juniors brings that. The Isles DESPERATELY need that.
If the Isles fall to the second pick, however, there is obviously no choice to be made. Hedman is the man. #1 shouldn’t even be discussed, though. John Tavares’ skating being not as great as Crosby?? Gretzky wasn’t a great skater. Neither was Bossy. Hell, Turgeon wasn’t a great skater, but we all marveled at “Sneaky Pete’s” great wrist shot. Tavares is in the same mold.
#102 - The Isles Rank dead last in the league in Goals for! You tell me what the greater need is on this team?
relying soley on a stat like this when building a team is a mistake. total goals reflects more than 1 thing. if the puck is your end more than the their’s, you get less shots, less goals. also, look at their PP numbers. how much does that account for the overall total being so low? granted, this team is not stacked with bossy’s, but a quality puck moving, PP quarterback D-man of which Hedman is apparently one, would improve overall goal production. without relying on one 18 year old kid to solve all your problems.
“a quality puck moving, PP quarterback D-man.”
and this is the low end for Hedman. they already have one of these in Streit. Hedman actually looks like a monster in that role.
There’s nothing you can tell me that would rationalize taking Hedman over Tavares.
We need a #1 Franchise type center to complement KO. That #1 center would also push KO’s potential.
I keep hearing Hedman is a great dman and can move the puck but nothing replaces the ability to put the puck in the back of the net PERIOD!!. Tavares all the way. This is a player you can market and fill the seats. How about a true star player on the islanders? Sounds nice doesn’t it.
(123) Your opinion is based on 3 games one saw at the WJC while Bailey was playing in the National Hockey League. Wow…
(127) Bingo!
(129) and therein lies the difference in society. Those that want the ball in their court that will have the courage in their convictions vs. those that want someone else to make THEIR decision for them…Obviously, the latter is the easier, less scrutinized way through life.
(130) selecting a player based on emotion. Sounds like what Isles fans were critical of Milbury for doing.
I’m really looking at the thrid pick. Colorado is awful and will not win another game this year. We will beat TB head to head. Nothing seems to go right for us. Its like we made a deal with the devil in the early 80’s are now still in payback mode. I really want Tavares or Hedman, but lets not get our hopes up.
(135) Emotion? Not hardly. This is simply old fashioned logic. If you have the #1 Tavares is the choice. #2 Hedman is your man. Surely you can follow simple logic?
Yes Vader..thank you! agree 110%!
why dont we draft tavares
and then use our later 1st and a 2nd and move up to 12-17 level and get ryan ellis if hes still available?!
There’s a lot of talk about marketing and filling the seats. I happen to have a sunnier view of the Islanders fanbase–namely, that they’ll fill the seats if the team starts winning, regardless of the face on the back cover of the season ticket packet. Ask Tampa how well hyping the hell out of an 18 year old during the off-season worked out.
The team needs talent everywhere. This isn’t a team like Tampa, where they’re stacked up front and weak on defense. We’re shallow everywhere. This really comes down to the player with the most upside.
Upside, by the way, includes future contract considerations. In a salary cap world, you need to project what will happen what will happen contractually. Which player would be more likely to sign a long-term deal? Who is going to focus on loyalty to the franchise instead of trying to test the UFA waters? These considerations are one aspect of the “character” analysis that Jankowski et al. conduct.
(137) and (138). The difference is you want the choice made for you vs. making the choice. Why? Because it is easier to make the latter decision rather than actually having to make one.
[my 4th post on this thread.]
The Islanders MUST lose Saturday or else they will be picking 3rd and this whole debate thingy will be moot.
I like your reasoning Vader!
1) Tavares
2) Hedman
Seems simple to me. Its not like the Isles have that one goal scorer right now and they def dont have that one shut down defenseman.
its 1a and 1b- so therefore you draft on need-and we need scoring.
so i’m w/ tavares(and honestly i love the kid’s makeup- he says all the right things and only cares about winning-that does matter)
either way as long as we finish last we are fine
Forwards always go first. This team has lacked an offensive superstar since the mid 90’s. I cant think of a more perfect fit than Tavares for this team. Saying that, do not expect him in an Isles uniform come October
Who was last #1 pick dman that was huge for their team?
I can name about 5 #1 pick fowards in recent years that have made huge splash.
Picking Hedman at #1 is smart as trading up to draft a goalie #1 and trade your #4 goalie future hall of famer which is already doing well.
you NEEEEEEEEEEEEEVER draft based on need. That is what Milbury did and how did that work out (Mike Rupp)? You draft the best player available. So if they get the first overall pick whoever they have at number 1 on their draft board at that time. If it’s Hedman pick him and if it’s JT pick him.
If Isle’s scouts were high on Duchene and we are sitting in the #1 spot, what do you think the trade-down value would be worth (going #1 to #3)?
CB, one minor point. While Doug did technically play for Portledge, he was found, drafted, and played D1 at Cornell because he played for the NY Apple Core Jr team down in Long Beach. My point being that unfortunately, HS hockey on LI still has strides to make.
And although a longer path, Murray’s teammate Ryan Vesce probably owes more to Apple Core and Cornell than Portledge HS as well. Similarly, Rob Scuderi ‘played’ at St. Anthony’s, but got to D1 Boston College (and then the Penguins) because of Apple Core, not the HS hockey he played.
Like I said, a minor point, but the credit should still go to the program where it’s deserved.
Now back to the regularly scheduled Tavheduch watch. =P
Lol @ Tavares “putting fannies in the seats.” Because Kovalchuk, Lecavalier, and Stamkos are totally doing that for their craptacular teams right now.
Like many of you, I will be pretty satisfied if we get Tavares or Hedman. I want Tavares just a little more. Tavares is the “sexier” pick that the Islanders need to generate a bigger buzz around the franchise and help put people in the seats. Maybe Tavares arrival will aid us making the new arena a reality. As a hockey person, I know Hedman would be great. But everyone loves a scorer and to turn the Isles around, Tavares might have a greater immediate impact.
Draft your forwards and purchase your defence. Defence in the NHL takes a longer time to master. The speed and flow is faster than any other league in the world. A tremendous amount of great defencemen that play in the NHL today spent time in the AHL, learning and growing. Hedman might be there for years. Purchase your defence and draft the young speedy, tough and skilled forwards.
(151) You can’t really tell me you are comparing a New York fanbase (albeit Long Island) to Atlanta and Tampa Bay?!?
The Isles fanbase has been BEGGING for a #1 center since Turgeon left. (Don’t count Yashin) This guy would electrify Isles fans on a nightly basis. Just for a second, picture the excitement if the Isles win the Lottery and all of the coverage leading up to the Draft. And then, once they finally select Tavares with the #1?!?! Yeah, I think that would be enough to put PLENTY of “fannies in the seats”. Not to mention if the guy turns out to be as good as Toews or Kane or even, one can only hope, Crosby. The Isles fanbase is NOT Tampas’ or Atlantas’. They have not had to go through what Isles fans have the past 15-20 years. If they did, they would have closed up shop long ago.
Ok, you’ve convinced me…we need one of each.
The only thing I will ever say about fans on CB’s blog is this.
Real fans of a hockey team support the team weather they are winning or losing. I have been a Leafs fan for 40+ years and I have supported the team win or lose. Actually lose a lot. However, I still support the Leafs. The Leafs still sellout every night even with the crappy team they have had for years. The Islanders have a far larger population to draw from. I find the Islanders fans do not support the team well. How often do they sellout. Proper support would have the building sold-out every night. I find it funny that if there were a dog show on Saturday night, it would probably sellout.
“Fannies in seats” “Fannies in seats” Are a number of you guys born in the 1930s or something? Seriously, there is wayyyy too much use of the word “fanny” by Isles fans recently. You all sound like my 79yo grandmother calling people into the house for dinner when the roast beef was ready. Really, guys- you just have to put this word BEHIND you. It simply has to END, and I hope the word does not REAR its grandmotherly existence around here anymore. BUTT alas, Im afraid it will… BUMMER.
The Islanders as an organisation weren’t telling us fans about sprained ankles, hangnails and other boo-boos until about half way through the season. They weren’t clueing anyone in on the Campoli request for a trade… or the Guerin “benching” when there were possible trades to be made.
I SINCERELY DOUBT THAT THE ORGANISATION IS LEAKING ANY INFORMATION WHATSOEVER REGARDING WHO THEY WOULD DRAFT WITH THE #1 PICK!
DOC
Just a quick point.
As of NHL.com’s stats page right now.
NYI is 3rd worst in Total Goals For (186), in front of LA (186) and COL (184).
NYI is 5th worst in Total Goals Against (239), in front of TB,COL, ATL, TOR.
Clearly, the team needs a boost to both categories. I’m in the “can’t go wrong” group when it comes to this draft.
One thing all Islanders fans can agree on though, hating the Rangers: NYR and their $65 mil team salary …
4th worst in the league in goals for, with 189 on the season.
Blitz (136): Ah, no. My opinion is based on having watched a TON of OHL games over the past 25 years, and having seen Hodgson play more than a dozen times in the last two years - and hearing what Pierre McGuire, Bob McKenzie and others say about Bailey and Hodgson. Also, it’s based on actually living where we get OHL hockey on TV. What’s yours based on? Cheers.
mike milbury drafted on need huh?? how bad did we need a goalie when we picked DP ? Mike Milbury drafted on crack, not need…
148- you have to read what is said within the context it is written. i said if it is 1a and 1b(meaning they are equal) then you draft based on what you need.
Hedman fans think of this - Bryan Murray said in an interview that he is scouting a player in Europe that he thinks is better than Hedman… here’s the excerpt
Murray: We had won about three in a row, and my head scout Pierre Dorion came back from a scouting trip and told me, “I’d better go see some different guys.” So he flew over to Europe to see a guy who is later in the draft.
Did he like the player he saw?
Murray: We think there might be another defenseman who could better than Hedman. He’s not as ready, but we think he could end up being better
Here we go again with the Tom Eagles “I’ve watched juniors for 25 years” nonsense. Hey Tom, seriously, when you earn your living based upon your draft picks making it to the NHL, then you can talk. Till then you’re just a guy who lives in Canada that thinks you know more than us US fans. You’ve always been that way and it seems like you’ll never change. “I’ll bet that Joe so and so will be a better Dman than this guy” - and you know what? You just as much as the rest of us. Stop please stop with the condescending attitude, it’s been years of you with that nonsense so really now, put a sock in it.
160… I’ve watched a tonne of OHL games, and had a good friend play for Brampton with Cody and although I’ve been far more impressed with him this year than I ever was in the past, I’d still take Josh over Cody no questions asked.
156… I hope you aren’t serious. Put a team in Mississauga, and then a team in Hamilton and the Islanders are comparable to the Mississauga team. New York may be a large market, but there are three teams, hockey isn’t nearly what it is up here and there is way more to do other than go to a hockey game (Toronto has lots too, but not as much as NYC)
Jim Clark #28:
Millbury drafted DiPietro, not Snow.
If Murray was in position to draft Hedman I strongly doubt he’d go for a wild card playwr based on his individual scouting. Along with that point there is a good chance there will be a forward who turns out better than Tavares. We have no way of knowing.
#113 According to my recolection nilsson has no lineage to the islanders.. his pop never played for the islanders.. nilson had bloodlines but no lineage to the islanders.. in that draft the islanders ingored thier fans, ignorned their own lineage, and passed on parise and we all know what happened after that… jonnie on the stop lou traded up in complete disbeleive and snatched him up.
We need offense and some interest from the more casual fans, so PLEASE pick Tavares.This years’ team will not even have one 20 goal scorer!!( Even the horrible ‘72-’73 team had Billy Harris score 28!!!)
Let’s hope the Isles finish last and at the very least guarantee themselves one of the top two picks. If we should be so lucky to win the lottery I think Snow should trade down to the 2nd pick get an extra draft pick or two and let some other team decide between Tavares and Hedman. Then take the left overs and proclaim that was the guy we wanted the entire time. Personally I would be perfectly happy with either JT or VH.
I agree with #143, keep Streit out for 4 to 5 games, finish last and then let the debate begin, oh by the way, no way you pass up Taveres!!!
What a disappointment this season would turn out to be if we get the #1 pick and do not pick Tavares. The stars were lining up just right with the injury mix, but I am getting a little worried about Colorado and T.B.!
all this pre-emptive Hedman talk is making me nervous. is this some way of “cusioning the blow” on draft day? am i going to have to convince/rationalize to myself that Hedman is the better choice hours after the first round?