CALL IT A FLIP-FLOP, WHATEVER YOU WANT
I call it giving credit to sticking to a plan
In response to some of the push-back at Point Blank for giving “high marks” to the NYI for resisting the temptation to grab Tavares right away:
I was very clear in saying what I thought the Islanders should do if they got the number 1 pick last night. My opinion will never change. I have no doubt there’s a lot of people in that office (not the hockey side) who are dying for them to get it over with and claim Tavares. They’re probably approaching Garth Snow as I type this.
That said, I give them credit. It would have been so easy for them to start marketing Tavares and begin their courtship with him. For the reasons I listed in my original column, I stand by my recommendation. We’ll learn this summer if they made the right move to hold off. But I like when sports teams stick to a plan, stick to their way of doing things. The Islanders might have been tempted, but they resisted. Although our opinions differed, I have no problem showing them respect for standing by their organizational philosophy. Comments.
139 Responses to “CALL IT A FLIP-FLOP, WHATEVER YOU WANT
I call it giving credit to sticking to a plan”
Please Wait
This gives Garth a chance to grab Hedman at #1. Melrose asked some rhetorical questions on ESPN SportsCenter this morning… something like, “would you want a Pronger on your team? would you want a Chara on your team? why wouldn’t you take someone who can play over 30 minutes a game and change things for your organization?” I tend to agree in principle, but then there’s the “grab Tavares and try to woo Bouwmeester” angle too. I’m glad I don’t have to make the decision.
does anybody know where I can find video of the lottery along with the interviews? I missed everything!
I agree with you CB. I truly believe it would be a great thing PR wise if they were to announce today that they were going to select JT. On the flip side you never know what offer might come across the table if you aren’t there to listen to it. I believe they will select Tavares in June but it will certainly be exciting listening to all the speculation over the next 60 something days!
It’s stupid that you have to defend yourself on your own website. It’s pretty clear what you meant in that post.
I really hope that they arent willing to say anything because they are trying to decide between Tavares and Hedman, not because they are considering trade offers or thinking about picking someone else.
Yeah sure CB, ok.
I pretty much figured you were a Democrat long before yesterdays flip-flop.
I know Hedman thinks that he is ready for the NHL, I too saw the interview. I saw this young man play at the WJ’s and he was not a #2 pick in my opinion at that tourny, at all. At the WJ’s he would not have been in the top 10. The Canadian Junior league produces these kids that are far more prepared than any other league in the world. Due to the physicallity and style of play. When Hedman gets run over by Bostons Lucic, for example, is he going to be able to handle the far higher level of physicallity???? That is my concern with Hedman. Is he really ready for the NHL…
Chris, tomorrow you’ll be telling us that Kate Murray was right all along!
There is no need to announce anything until the time you step p to the podium. We all live in the me me world where we need to know everything instantly. We don’t need to know, we just want to… two different things. Plus why declare, who knows if one of these two kids suffers some serious injury between know and then that may affect their long term careers. Relax, the team will do the right thing. I’d like to see Tavares in an Isles jersey after having the pleasure to watch him the past 3 months or so in London…and I fully expect him to rise to the challenge against Windsor in their OHL playoff series starting tonight.. cementing his status.
This morning’s rumor…would you do it?
We send the #1 pick to the Leafs.
We get back Luke Schenn, their #7 pick this year, their first rounder for next year and a player from their system.
i think it’s interesting that most fans think that they should come out and claim tavares. imo, that is the wrong way to go.
i think garth snow is doing a fine job so far in this rebuild and should stick to his guns. playing it close to the chest is the right way to do it.
it also wouldn’t surprise me if they took hedman. i’m in the tavares camp, but it would not shock me.
No worries, CB.
Actually didn’t initially understand what you were referring to. For me, being a *member* here for the past season and reading your work, questioning your integrity or the veracity of your words is unseemly, IMO.
I do think that some here should just start cheering for another team/sport and/or get some psychiatric help.
Relax, chill…irie.
Go Islanders!
I wish he would have announced we are drafting Tavares just to shot up Toronto and the Canadian Media. Let them stew in anger for 6 months that their “boy” is going to Long Island.
Amen, CB…I knew what you were doing and I don’t agree with not announcing him as the guy either. Don’t defend yourself to these people who can’t be bothered reading the whole story.
I love consistency and that needs to start at the top with ownership and the GM and then trickle down to the coach and players. I think Mr. Snow is being consistent with his approach towards the rebuild and the draft. This only bodes well for us fans in the future. I think we all know that we will take Tavares, but i think for consistency reasons Mr.Snow will keep it close to the vest and make his choice at the draft. Good move IMO!
Islander nation is waiting on TWO significant announcements…The pick of JT and the fate of islanderspointblank.com!!! When will we know?!?!
CB, there’s nothing wrong at all with what you said I guess the Islanders as a team have a recent history of holding their cards close to the vest (that whole weird Bill Guerin trade deadline thing notwithstanding). Remember when everyone freaked out because the Isles didn’t explicitly state they were buying out Yashin when asked but did it anyway when the time came?
This isn’t last year where Stamkos was far and away the #1 overall; now there’s two superstars and there’s nothing wrong with the Isles privately reaching out to whichever is their champion and/or exploring all their options. I’m guessing JT is going to be their man but I’m hardly going to be disappointed with Hedman or even Duchene.
how could brian burke even claim to have anything of substance to offer the isles, especially when he has stated that Luke Schenn is off the table. What is he going to offer the number 5 pick and Jason Blake? Gimme a break. Use the number 1 pick wisely from a business, organization, fans and most of all team perspective!
I am with you on this one CB, Tavares should be the prize however you never know.
wang was on the fan this morning and gave a 15 minute interview to boomer
is TB a lock to stay at 2 and draft hedman..looks like that is a gimme
I think the only reason the fans are so worried about them coming out and saying we are taking Tavarses is they don’t want something stupid happening.
Such as trading down to the #7 spot…lol.
I can’t see Toronto coming forward with a package to make us give up the first overall pick.
#7… Schenn… next years first rounder… plus they would need to come up with another high first rounder this year… top 15 pick.
Maybe they can trade Kubina or Kaberle to pick up another pick.
So basically I’m saying if they gave us… Schenn plus three first rounders… I might think about it.
I’m glad they did not make the announcement last night about the pick. I think it was pretty stupid of Tampa to do it last year. It may be part of the reason Stamkos struggled the 1st half of the season, his head got to big thinking he was a star already. I’m glad the Islanders are playing it this way.
Chris, I agree with you 100 percent. If not to only give the faithful of the blue and orange a break for once and not put us through 2 months of hand-wringing and nervousness. I wish Garth would just say now, “he’s our man, we don’t expect the world from him, we just want him to come in and mesh well with our other exciting young players.” Let him know he’s the one without putting too much pressure on him right away. I’m sure he’ll have enough personal expectations on his own shoulders from the things I’ve read and the interviews I’ve seen. He seems like he can handle it.
Chris, I’m a little disappointed with you today. It’s clear what you wanted the Islanders to do, and now your backtracking because the Islanders are fooling everyone. You seem pretty convinced that JT will be an Islander but if it was such a decisive decision, don’t you think Snow and Wang would see this as a HUGE opportunity to make serious dough?
There’s more to it. The simple fact is the Islanders are not sure which one to take.. and if they are to take Hedman.. which GM they can play in the process. This is all a big game.
At the end of the day.. I’d be willing to bet you all the money in the world that Victor Hedman is an Islander. So many things point to it.
#10 If Snow is smart, he will tell Burke “get me schenn & the 3rd pick for Duschene, and next years first and we’ll talk” I would make that trade. Let burke do all the footwork.
I wonder if season ticket sales will go up that much. While Tavares is “expected” to be a very good player, people may still want to wait for the team to turn the corner and become a winning organization before they shell out big money.
My main concern about announcing early who we will take is the injury factor. What if Tavares cuts his hand off in a lawn mower the day before the draft? No need to rush. Snow is doing a great job so far. And by the way CB, you are awesome!
Everybody………What if Taveras is NOT the man? Lets be real here. Maybe the Islanders have Hedman at #1. Why cant anyone understand this? We are all presuming because CB said its what they should do, that its a done deal. This is his website, with his opinions. I disagree, and that it my perogative. To say that people on here who “question” CB need “psychiatric help” is ridiculous. This is Point Blank, a great Godsend of a website. But that doesn’t mean we should all agree with the “teacher”. I still lean towards Hedman
What did you expect from a former PR guy. Snow is playing his cards right…..I hope.
I don’t think Schenn, #7, next years #1, and any player on the Leafs is enough for the #1 overall.
I don’t see a match.
The Isles cannot wait to develop #7 and next year’s #1 from the Leafs.
If Garh stays mum he Islanders will be mentioned in the Canadian press daily. They will be all over TSN.
The possibility of Tavares going to the Leafs would be a huge story right up until the first selection is actually made.
It’s good they are keeping quiet.
Maybe by doing so they get someone else who can give them an even better haul.
Or they just play it out until they are on the mic and select John Tavares.
Burke, Tavares, Leafs, Isles will be all over the Canadian press until Tavares pulls on an Islander jersey.
Any chance Garth announces their pick a couple of days prior to the draft? I know that happens occasionally in the NFL, but somehow I won’t believe we have the first overall pick until I see them standing on the dais with a jersey in hand.
I base my decision on Tavares with what I saw in the Juniors Worlds and the hundreds of videos I’ve seen on both players. Hedman is a great player, no doubt. Fast skater, big, great slap shot. If the Isles hadn’t gotten the first and ended up with the second pick then I would have been perfectly happy to get whoever “ended” up at number two. With the state of the franchise, however, we need a Tavares type, right now. If you’ve ever this kid play you’d understand. This kid’s puck handling is already outstanding, his shot is well placed and heavy, and he’s already a decent defensive forward. This kid has the tools. I don’t think anyone thinks he Gretzky, or even Crosby for that matter, but he’s going to be special, IMHO.
No doubt in my mind Garth Snow will screw this up. All he has to do is go to sleep until June and draft Tavares on draft day. He’ll go out with DP one night and get real drunk and come up with some stupid plan to to make a trade.
I mostly agree with post 22. I think it’s a good thing to keep the hype machine in first gear. You’ve got to temper expectations for these kids. The OHL is not the NHL and there is a significant adjustment which some guys can’t make (see Daigle) and I think we saw that with Stamkos last year (I don’t think it was a “big head” issue a suggested.) There’s enough pressure without a guy being hyped as the franchise’ Messiah before ever playing a day in the NHL.
I think the braintrust should due the homework and listen to all offers, secretly knowing that they were never serious about trading the pick. Gauge the market is all.
My take is that Hedman is not ready for the NHL. Today’s NHL defensemen need not only be big, but tough. I don’t want another Kenny Jonsson on the Isles, who would pee his pants if you glared at him angrily.
I’m all for Tavares. The Isles need scoring and a player to put fans in the seats. No one goes to the Coliseum to watch a defensive struggle. The fans want GOALS!
I guess the whole thing is out of our hands. Even if we pick the “correct” player, they could turn out to be a bust.
Just curious, and this is a bit off topic, but is anyone surprised that Gilroy has not signed anywhere yet? Do we have a better chance at getting him now than we did before 8:15 p.m. last night?
I don’t see what the big deal is. What’s Snow supposed to jump up and down and profess his unquestionable love for Tavares? He’s doing the right thing. All the speculation about what he may or may not do with the #1 pick is hog-wash - I think people on here are just bored and have nothing else to gripe about.
He’ll pick Tavares, he’s not stupid. He’s just being professional about it…
I promise this is my last post (guidelines), but c’mon…..Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Comeau, Jonnseau, Harmonic, Tavares, Petrov, Bergenheim, Ullstrom, etc., I can go on and on. The prospects are there, we have 10 picks in this draft. People need to have patience. We don’t need a prospect and draft pick laden trade. We have the groundwork, and if we win and have exciting young players, we will attract good UFAs. Buildings have a little to do with, but winning has everything to do with it. This is going to take two years, minimum.
And to follow up my previous post, another perfect example is Joe Thornton. He never met expectations in Boston even though he was a darn good player. Yashin is another example to a lesser extent.
All I’m saying is that with 6 full months of over-the-top hype, JT will be a disappointment to fans unless he turns into a Crosby/Ovechkin. If you skip the hype and he turns out to be a Thornton then people will be happy.
Botta, no matter how your PR mind spins this you’ve added ANOTHER flip flop to your resume. What a shocker!!
Be a man, stand up and say they didn’t handle it right becuase that is what you SHOULD have said. Now it is too late to try and explain why you said what you said.
Looks like someone got a call from the NVMC and was threatened with another time-out and backed down, sad.
I disagree with Botta’s concept of declaring our Tavares pick and then ramping up the sales and marketing.. that’s putting ticket sales ahead of hockey ops, and is short-term thinking.
However, to those of you who accused Botta of changing his position, you need to re-read everything. You obviously did not comprehend his words.
He said he credits the Islanders for THEIR belief in their plan. He did not say he now AGREES with their plan.
If you make your pick last night, then there’s nothing left for June except a ceremony. Right now, the hockey world is focused on the playoffs. That’s the big story. In June, you’ve got the hype leading up to draft day plus the splendor and excitement of calling the kid up and welcoming him into the fold and all hockey’s eyes are on the New York Islanders. The lottery is not and should not be where you announce your intentions and I’m sure the NHL would prefer to keep the actual June draft as exciting as possible. People who are going to buy Isles sweaters and tickets because of a #1 draft choice are just as likely to do it in June as they are now and the PR department can still sell the idea today that things are going to be exciting one way or the other. Not only that, but keeping the fish on the line allows Snow the possibility of making some other kind of deal (30th pick?) that he may not have had the opportunity to discuss had he not had twenty nine other gms calling him for two months.
Sure we would all love to have a 6-7 #1 defensemen…..but times have changed.
We have 3 years to decide on an entry level player, then RFA and big bucks….which thanks to NYI, Wash, and now Detriot these become franchise altering decisions.
Defensemen take longer to develop especially big defensemen…and Euro’s also take extra time to adjust.
#1 mentions Chara as example….and yes he is a good example….but the example supports the Taveras side.
I remember the Yashin trade well. Did anyone look at it as Chara for Yashin…or were we more concerned that we were giving up the chance to Pick Jason Spezza-who we had heard about for 4 years? Chara’s contract was up….he was looking for good money….and no-one was really sure what he would become….shoot- Ottawa actually let him leave as a UFA.
In 3 years we should know what we have in Taveras…is he a 25-30 goal 65-70 point guy? Will he be a point a game…maybe 100 point guy…..I think will have a decent idea, and can then make the appropriate decison contractually.
In the case of Hedman our back would be up against the wall…and still making a big commitment on “potential”
Realisitically money will continue to be an issue with this franchise….especially with a cap that maybe we can someday approach.
…..Play it out in your head…..Take Taveras.
Where are rumors coming from? Yesterday everyone was freaking we might trade down. Last night we won #1 and Snow did not use the word trade in any language.
Its Tavares or Hedman.
why do people mention Schenn, if isles were so bulled up on Luke Schenn we could of drafted him last yr.
Lets try to keep this hockey discussion intelligent.
I too would like to see the JT endorsement too but its not like last year when stamkos was the clear #1.
From Season ticket sales prospective they should have. Imagine the spike in sales if they said JT is our man.
Canadien media on other hand going to have heart attack wondering what isles going to do. That is pretty funny.
After reading the Toronto newspapers and Brian Burke’s alleged comments, does anyone sense tampering? Attempts to persuade JT’s decision is written all over the walls. How about this scenario? Snow leaks a little story that he’s leaning towards taking JT and will only listen to offers if it involves the 2nd pick overall. Toronto deals 7th pick and Kaberle to Bolts for 2nd pick and Malone (high contract). Toronto offers 2nd pick and Schenn to Isles for 1st pick. Schenn and Hedman as the backbone of our defence for many years to come. Scoring can be acquired.
Garth Snow is doing the right thing. Atleast entertain any offers he is going to get. JT finished ranked #1 for good reason. Hedman who ranked #2 may turn out to be a great player 4 to 5 years from now. North American hockey is far different than Europe. History has shown some European players have a difficult time adjusting to the more physical style at first.
I usually just read CB’s stuff, and rarely if ever comment here. I have to say, some of you really need to take a hard look at yourselves. Go out with DP and get drunk? You think of that all by yourself? I can assume that some Ranger fans have infiltrated, based upon spelling errors, and grammatical mistakes. If you really think this franchise is hapless, and no amount of work will fix it, go away. Sit in MSG and boo Wade Redden, or the defenseman du jour. And anyone who thinks Botta flip-flopped really needs to work on those literacy skills.
Most of you comment with knowledge and humor, some of you really should just give up, move over to the Rangers, and leave us the hell alone.
Paul (38). Good post, you took the words right off my keyboard. We got hype from the lottery, we will get hype from the draft (whatever happens) and we will get hype when we announce the Lighthouse Project approval this summer! Then we can keep the momentum going into training camp and the regular season (and the playoffs)!
CB, being that Josh Bailey is too young to play for the sound tigers, is there any chance at all of him going back to play for Windsor and play against Tavares in the OHL playoffs?
nicky (44) that would be hilarious! Seeing them face off against each other and play against each other head to head.
Garth Snow will do the right thing.
This is slightly off topic but does JT being an Islander make it any easier to lure a bigger named free agent? If so it wouldn’t make much of a difference because no formal offers can be made till July 1st anyways. I know CB has said time and time again not to expect a big signing and that is fine but I would love to be pleasantly surprised and see JT and a JaBo or Komi or even Scuderi in our lineup next year.
I think Garth wouldn’t be doing his job as a GM if he didn’t listen to the offers made before making any affirmations. As an Islander fan who’s known only heartache from this team, I wants to know now, that JT will be our very own finisher like most other teams have but it is not practical on Snows part to show his cards before he finds out what the offers are. What if he were offered a guy like Levavlier? Just sayin, I understand why he’s holding off on announcing his favorite guy, it makes perfect sense, IMHO.
Although, for selfish reasons, I want to know now!
Why tip your hand now? What if Garth wants to make Tampa really believe that we are going to take Hedman so that they trade up to #1 and we still get Tavares at #2? Why wouldn’t you at least allow for that possiblility, I don’t see how telling everyone now helps the long term, it only helps the short term, and short term answers are the reason we are in this situation in the first place.
Post #44…. Bailey can’t go back to Windsor… he would have had to be sent down by I think the date was March 4
if Hedman is tampa’s guy then why not try to play poker with them? Work out a trade we draft hedman trade him to the bolts for the 2nd pick plus something else. tampa gets their guy we get ours plus some more goodies…if Garth could pull that off he would be GM of the year!
beatlebailey,
if we draft hedman to try and get tampa to trade us for him the maple leafs will offer the world to tampa for the number 2 (picks and established def) no way would that work.
Sean - i would only do it if the deal was agreed upon before we made the Hedman pick
I want Tavares.
Then i wanna give JayBo almost anything he wants to come here. He’d be perfect for our system.
CB - is this what it’s gonna be like for the next 2 months? All this draft stuff? All my hair may be gone by Draft Day!
CB, I know this isn’t a new question, and I think I can predict your answer. But do you think drafting Tavares will have ANY impact of our ability to lure free agents? Will that glimmer of hope allow some of the top guys to see some potential in a year or two that would convince them to sign? My magic 8-ball says “Uh…..NO”, but I’d like your perspective.
I think what Burke did was stupid, IHe flat out says he covets Tavares and will try to get him. If Im Snow and hear him out, “o.k. Burke, you want my #1 pick, I want Schenn, your #7 this year and your #1’s for the next 4 years, Im the game of poker you never tip your hand
I think it might be best for Wang and the Islanders to part ways. That’s a ridiculous statement to make, you’d never buy the team again. You should have never bought them to begin with, because it’s clear what your intentions are. You wanted the real estate, instead you stuck your head in the Islanders business and you created a laughingstock.
Another positive in Snow not wanting to reveal his intentions (and CB, I’d love to hear your take on this point): I say you field as many calls as possible and even listen - listen, I say - to any and all offers. Why? Don’t you want to know what players on as many teams as possible could, potentially, be had for the right price?
You never know what situations might arise in the future where Snowy might have to remind a colleague, “Hey, (GM of unnamed team). It’s Garth. Listen, about (Player X): You would have traded him to me at the draft, remember? How about now?”
Just a thought.
JJ
If Anaheim upsets San Jose and knocks them out in the first round, what pick will that translate to for us?
rich - 26th pick. that’s the lowest sj can pick.
i am glad Wang bought the team because they would not be here today if he didnt do it. And just like anyone else if you purchased something 8 years ago and lost 50 million on it you would have to be a moron to say you would do it again knowing now how it turned out. Wang may not be perfect but when i take a 15 minute over to the coliseum to watch a professional hockey game i appreciate what he did.
Anyone catch Wang this AM on WFAN? I missed it. Did he have anything good to say? Thanks!
The only thing the Islanders need more than a scorer or a defender is a superstar. The future of the franchise on Long Island is in doubt.
Tavares is the only pick that can be made at this point. Any other move, Hedman or trade, is organizational suicide.
It’s not just about hockey, it’s about a new building and getting support. Like it or not, this is the reality.
It’s going to be Tavares now or in June. So lets talk about problem #1. DP!!! As it stands we are heading into camp with three QUESTION MARK goalies. DP. Danis and JOey Mac. The later two are not starters on a rebuilding team. One could be a back-up. So if DP is not available we need a vet now or a UFA this summer. Why not grab SCOTT C or someone of his ilk soon instead of overpaying for a so so vet in a crisis this fall?
Are rookie salaries capped at a certain amount bc then Snow might also have to take into account JT’s signing ability. Parcells in the NFL is notorious for that. JT might demand a kings ransom to sign with us.. Snow could go the easier route and go for Hedman who wouldn’t demand as much.
Wang should never have gotten so involved in player decisions….we can only hope we get a real owner that keeps the team in new york.
Giaco - Rookies salaries are based on their draft position, kind of like the NBA.
Memo to Brian Burke:
You have one asset (Luke Schenn) that teams would be interested in, and if the Islanders were that keen on acquiring him, they would have drafted him last year! We don’t want a hot and(more)cold Grabovski, or any of the has beens/never wll be’s you have on your roster next year.
Post# 61 The most interesting thing he said was “If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t do it”. To the buying of the Islanders. Based on the tone of the conversation, which glazed over the draft pick, I really don’t see Wang and the Islanders sticking together unless something financially beneficially happens between now and October.
http://www.wfan.com/pages/870783.php
the isles had no idea they’d be able to choose between vic and jt until last night
as simple as that sounds -it changes alot of things
Listening (at work) to Garth Snow get grilled on Toronto’s 590 if anyone’s interested: http://www.fan590.com/
matt C be a bit appreciative of Wang. while he doesnt have a clue about hockey what sports owner does. If not for him islanders would of been gone long long time ago.
Wang will whatever in his power to keep them here. they are his baby. All owners get involved. He is the one losing 10MM a year. You just hope the GM is good a convincing them they are going the right thing.
Isles have #1 baby, i still cant believe it. LOve it.
why do people care if CB “flip flopped”…(which he didn’t).
is that really your concern regarding the Islanders…get a life.
vukota what is snow saying?
I agree with Art #63, we need a goalie, we wasted a number pick onDP and passed on Heatly and Goborik, this time we need to use the pick and take JT. Take JT and get a Dman later and a goalie
Art (63) the situation isn’t that GOOD. the Isles have one goalie who’s health is going to be a question mark for however long he plays… and then you head down to Manino. Neither Danis or JMac are signed (or restricted).
You’d have to hope that Garth will get something in July to put between the pipes, right now egg levine would be an improvement.
A little off topic, but I noticed that some folks here are still trashing Wang for having his eyes on the NVMC grounds, I owned a small business for 12 years, and the location is as important as the product in most cases. No one in their right mind would by this, or any, team w/o a good location. Why do you think Mario threatened to move the Pens as soon as he had the team?
CB, i noticed all my post come up with a “Your comment is awaiting moderation” did I offend? if so I didn’t mean to, this is really the only site I still go to.
Look at some of the stupid comments appearing in Maple Leaf Nation (from blogger Berger):
“Would the Islanders, for example, trade that choice to Burke for the Leafs’ first-round pick [No. 7 overall]; at least one second-round pick; Schenn, and a wad of cash [i.e. taking an existing contract off the Islanders' roster]?”
What large contracts is he talking about? Do they know anything about the Isles. Just a lot of wishfull dreaming or hot air.
Can we be serious here for a minute, is Brian Burke out of his mind. To get up to the # 2 spot it will take Luke Schenn and probably a 1st pick next year. So after he does thsi trade with Toronto what is he going to give to teh islanders. Burkes and idiot for declaring this love for Tavares. Snows no dummy, even if he wants Hedman he will have Burke beleiving he will take Tavares and the maple Laffs will have nothig left to offer the islanders
As for Howard Berger, isn’t he the same guy who made it up that Avery said he hoped Blake died from his cancer or something like that. I beleieve that guy like I would beleieve Mark Messier was coming our of retirement to play for the islanders
Spartiarti
Wang could care less about the Isles…they are a pawn….Gutowski is way more intelligent. Look at how the Devils are run….
Brian Burke saying he wants Tavares http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZstjNuzGs
Between now and June 26 there will plenty of hot air.
why are people freaking out about burke wanting tavares? good for him. everybody does. burke does not have the required assets to land tavares. i think he knows this and is just showing his tavares loving fans that he is attempting to do what they want him to.
The Isles need to TAKE ON salary, and really don’t need any less than top line or top pair prospects. the only deal I can see would be from ATL.
Ilya and Valabik plus the fourth pick for the #1 pick. The Isles could even throw in a Figren or Joensuu. this would all hinge on Snow being able to get 7 years out of the 26 year old Kovalchuk B4 the deal is finalized.
That is the only way I could see somebody prying the pick out of Garth’s hand… and that even has a ton of questions, like would the Isles be willing to shed $7M extra for 7 years again after the Yashin fiasco.
One thing thats being said here that I dont understand. I have read - Why would the Islanders want Schenn now ? They didnt want him last year. Uh…., situations change. Last year is over. Would YOU want Schenn? If you can build your team from the back up, Schenn and Hedman would certainly be one hell of a backline, dontcha think? Burke would have to overpay for #1. It wont happen but dont immediately throw out the idea. In fact, with the first rounders for the next few years that Burke would have to throw in, the Islanders could trade # 7 up to # 3 or 4, draft Duschene or Magnus and have more picks to trade for offense.
Thus…….Taveras?? Or Schenn, Hedman AND Duschene/Magnus. Interesting
The team would be better off moving to Queens….
Brian Burke is a big fat drama queen, and the Isles and Tampa Bay should file tampering charges against him…it’s unheard of for a GM to say he’s going to trade to #1 or #2 FOR A PARTICULAR PLAYER…it’s blatantly obvious that what he’s attempting to do is encourage Tavares to say he won’t report to either NYI or TB to force a trade…that’s way improper, and the NHL should immediately step in and squash this…and fine TO or take away a draft pick
You wouldn’t believe what’s going on on the Leafs messages boards…
INSANE chatter. It’s shocking how many of them know nothing.
My bad - just realized cant get Hedman in that trade. Im just a lil excited today
(56, 65)… Be careful what you wish for. If Wang and the Islanders part ways, that likely means Long Island and the Islanders part ways, too. Where, exactly, is this “real” owner (ooh, maybe he’ll bring in a “real” GM with him) that’s going to ride in on a white horse to keep the team where it is? Good luck with that.
Just listened to Wang’s “interview” on WFAN.com (it’s already archived), and I really have to wonder what he hoped to accomplish by being on that particular show. With that dope Carton doing shtick the entire time, it was more pathetic attempt at wacky morning radio comedy than actual interview. Embarrassing. I was uncomfortable just listening to that crap - can’t imagine how Charles felt being part of it. Say what you will about Francesa, but any further Wang appearances on WFAN should be limited to his show only. Nothing that was said on that show this morning is going to help further the LH cause.
Burke has also stated many times that Schen is the only player on his team that is untouchable. Burke does not want to move an NHL Proven Rookie, who is now playing with Team Canada at the worlds, for Taveres. Anybody else on the team I would say yes..
carton is an imbecile…the only trade to make would be with tampa so we end up with tavares and a couple of extra picks to be used to move back up into the middle of the first round from the SJ pick.
#82, I am freaked out because Snow is going to listen.
#88 it was embarrassing. Wang saying that he wouldn’t do it again. If he knew then what he knows now… That interview gave me less hope on the Lighthouse and even lessor hope for the team staying here. Not to mention all the Islander/Long Island bashing.
I think there are plenty of bidders out there that we would find out about…I do wish for this…I believe Wang has almost had enough with this whole mess he got himself into.
#88 you are 100% correct. I know Francessa doesn’t know hockey and says things are incorrect a lot, but he has always shown respect to the Islanders and Charles Wang since he took over the team. When CB was on a few months ago, Francessa basically wiped the slate clean with what he had said prior and said that CB knows the situation better than anyone so listen to him.
Carton needs to show his guests more respect.
Joe Beningo and Evan Roberts or even Steve Sommers would be the place for Wang to go. They are at least hockey fans and although Sommers makes fun of the Isles, I’ve heard him say he doesn’t want them to leave.
I agree Burke has a big mouth….but lets throw it back at him (mind you I want Taveras with TBAY incentifying us to stay away from Hedman)
Trade Scenario 1: Leafs trade Kaberle (their main asset) and a B prospect to Atlanta for the 4 pick (Atlanta needs to entice Kovalchuck to stay by bringing in “win now type players”). Then Toronto trade the #4, #7 and next years first rounder(it will be a lottery pick with rookie collegians playing key roles) for our #1 pick.
We get two top 7 impact players and still should have enough assets to move into top 15 with a third 1st rounder.
Scenario #2 Toronto gives up Kaberle to TBAY // Isles trades Toronto#2(or maybe Boston’s #2) to TBAY//
Isles Receive TBAY #1 and Toronto’s #7
Toronto receives Taveras and a bad Tampa Contract.
Isles then Islanders move up from 7 to 3 using another #2.
Isles Leave with Hedman and Duchene.
Burke claims he can arrange it so everyone can get what they want….to pass on Taveras…I want it all!!!!
Zach: They basically used every angle possible to get Snow to bite, he didn’t take the bait and I got the feeling he did his homework before agreeing to the interview.
(41) wrong. Defense can be acquired, offense is harder to come by. we can sign Komi or gilroy and have decent defense as is. my dream scenario would be getting Jt, and signing Komi or Gilroy, and another scoring forward.
Just like he will do his homework before the draft…keep the faith
Did Wang really say he wouldn’t buy the Isles again? Jeez, I know people will defend that and all, but shouldn’t “keeping it in the family” start at the top? What if Witt said “If I could do it again, I’d never sign that extension”…people would kill him for that. “I’d never buy this team if I could start over…but please, renew your multi-year season tickets today!” Way to instill confidence in the fan base. Please tell his comments were taken out of context or something.
Snow could instill faith back into the fans of this franchise with the right choice on draft day, Im praying that he picks JT.
Burke already called …
http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=275135
#98 You can listen for yourself, but based on repeated multi-million annual losses and 20-20 hind sight, he said,“If I had to do it again, I wouldn’t do it”
http://www.wfan.com/pages/870783.php
(97) Nope. He actually said it twice. It was an embarrassing interview for everyone except Boomer.
(97)… No, they were not taken out of context. Question was asked, and Wang - as he usually does - gave a brutally honest answer. It’s obvious he’s frustrated with the whole TOH/LH situation, but that was not the forum to let those frustrations slip out.
Like I said before, it’s already archived on WFAN.com, so take a listen for yourself. I’m guessing you’ll get the same feeling.
IF they do something stupid and trade the pick away or not pick Tavares. I will personally boycott the islanders franchise forever.
I HATE BRIAN BURKE!!
What is the obsession with Luke Schenn? I don’t see anything that makes my mouth water. He is 6′2 - big deal.. his numbers are not good, I watched some of his “fights” on youtube, not a great fighter.. so besides being 6′2 and being hyped by the Loafs, what is the huge upside? I am glad Snow traded down and got Bailey. IMO
Finally, me & Mr. Charles B. Wang agree on something…We BOTH regret he bought the Islanders!
Wang’s timing on this was really bad. Why would a highly touted draft pick want to come here after hearing this crap? And why would anyone want to get season tickets knowing he will most likely sell the team?
Come to think of it…I’m surprised he said this **** before the April 30th deadline for season ticket holders to extend…as well as before draft day. This organization has way like no other to screw-up a good thing. The fans never have a chance to really enjoy something…not even 24 hours…for that matter.
One step forward and 5 steps back.
I think Mr. Charles B. Wang had good intentions when he bought the team, but the guy is a blockhead, he can’t accept negotiations or the word ‘no’. He cries like a baby. He thinks he knows more than everybody else. He’s a dreamer & doesn’t live in the real world. Take technology away from the guy, IMHO he’s dumber than a bag of rocks. He really should just stick to computer software creation, it’s the only I can say for a fact he does well.
Even with the LH, why the hell did he wait so long to start “pushing” the project? He’s been working quietly on it for 9 years…then over the last 4-5 months he starts having his minions demanding Islander fans presence at his horse & pony shows? Nobody of self respect in the sport of hockey wants to work with the guy. That’s why the good people leave, or choose not to come at all & he’s stuck with unqualified people running things. It’s so obvious.
Selling to a local buyer is key…with Queens wanting the Isles that should be a very easy thing to do. Hopefully he’s not a spiteful bastard & sells the team to a lower bidder out of market.
If I was offered Luke Schenn, Tyler Bozak, Tomas Kaberle, TOR 1st Rd Pick 2009, TOR 2nd Rd Pick 2010..I would consider giving Burke a call back, as that trade could truly help the future of the Islanders. However, it is very doubtful that Burke would offer up even half that amount, and therefore, it would be more intelligent to hold on to our pick. Plus, Kaberle is in the last year of his contract, and the odds of him resigning with the Islanders are not that great.
In the end, it would be wise on our part to simply select John Tavares and go with it from there. It is the simple selection, it is the right selection, and it could be a franchise-changing selection.
Those wondering that the team needs to solidify it’s goaltending with ??? swirling around DP… maybe Snow will look at UFA goalie Craig Anderson in Florida who’s looking for a starting gig and has posted solid stats this past season…. 2.71 15w 7l 5otl 0.924save percentage in 31 starts. He at times carried the Flordia team when Vokum was out… and the Isles may represent a real chance for him to start… and if not 30 games started wouldn’t be out of the question either. This would be good insurance while improving the overall goaltending situation.
Personally, I think it’s hysterical. I hope Snow makes the most of this situation and makes Burke look like a fool. The Leafs have absolutely nothing we could want that would make it worth trading our pick. Even if Burke can coax the number 2 pick from Tampa there is nothing he can offer short of every one of Toronto’s first round picks from here till the end of time and even then I’d hesitate. We need this pick now, this is a player that could potentially save the franchise. If we let him go for even 10 first round picks we will end up making atleast 6 of those picks from Kansas City.
The only teams I am even considering talking to if I am Snow are Atlanta and maybe Tampa. Even then any deal would involve a massive overpayment on their part. talks start with their pick, kovalchuk(+extension)/Little, Vinny/Stamkos
Am I asking too much? Oh well, you keep your players and I take Tavares.
This is basically what Bukre is saying.
Brian Burke: Hey Garth Can I have the 1st pick I want Tavares, who would you want from us.
Snow: well lets start with Luke Schenn
Burke: Wait Garth you mean You would need me to give up somehting good for the 1st pick, I was thinking more Along the lines of Jeff Finger. Please I really want Tavares.
Bite me Burke, enjoy picking 7th
If they do not take Taveras I really believe this team is done in Long Island. To have people rooting against their own teams for this pick, and to see it actually happen, then to be traded away would anger way too many fans. In these hard economic times, the Islanders have a gift in Taveras. He can sell seats, which will then help sell adviretisements. He gives the Islanders something lacking for years: HOPE!!!
I think people are over reacting a bit to what Wang said. Just because he wouldn’t do it again, doesn’t mean he isn’t committed to what’s going on. He wants this project to happen and we all know that if he didn’t step up 10 or so years ago they wouldn’t be here.
Wang is honest and I appreciate that more than someone who lies about all of it. How could he say anything else? The guy is losing millions and you blame him for saying he wouldn’t do it again?
Think about it.
Michael (25) It’s pretty easy to make a bet with something you don’t have?
isles316 (126) I dont necessarily disagree that some people are overreacting, BUT, I look at it this way.. Wang saying that means that he has some resentment for owning the team now. There isnt any other way around that. Think about it, if you had a job that you thought was going to be great, but now its not, and you say if you could do it again you wouldnt go for it, you have resentment for your current situation. I know its because he’s lost millions and I cant blame him for saying that. However, it doesnt take away from the fact that he now has some resentment for owning the team. Heres why that worries me personally.. if the LH doesnt go through, Charles Wang will NOT be owning this team and it will most likely be gone.
That point I agree with. I think without him saying what he said this morning, that fact would still be true.
My point is basically that although he said it on air today, we all had to know that considering the money he has lost. I don’t care how much money you have, but when something you owns continues to lose Millions, you can’t be happy with that situation.
#97: You are so right on. That interview was hard to listen to because the not Boomer guy was so annoying. Boomer is no prize either. Were they on speed? Before he could even answer a question they went on to another one. I know he didn’t give anything new but that was not for us nerds reading CB all the time. For many out there it was new information. And he did drop a little nugget of info saying without a doubt he will look to alternatives other than Long Island in the fall if he sees no progress. And I have no problem with him stating he wouldn’t do it again and anyone upset at that is crazy. Why would you choose to get hammered by everyone and lose millions a year and all the headaches again? You’d have to be a masochist.
129 — I guess I’m crazy then, because “Spend your money on the Islanders, even though I regret ever spending mine” just doesn’t sound like a very good PR message to me.
#130: IMO the truth and logic make much more sense than saying “Yeah Boomer, I would do it all over again” and not mean it and sounding ridiculous because who in their right mind would do this again? Losing tons of money, getting bashed by a handful of ungrateful fans, Kate Murray and all the political BS on the island. I’d rather have an honest owner over an insane one.
I thought Hedman looked the stronger character when interviewed. Anyone know anything of Tavares’ leadership quality, confidence and consistency? I know he led Team Canada to gold as Captain, but what can we really know from one 2 week tournament of kids? Hedman is playing with men already in a top league. He’s got more poise.
Mick (77) Listened to Nick Kypreos and Daren Millard talk with Garth on the Fan 590 via podcast just now. Garth did well, by not tipping his hand. I still believe he will select John Tavares though.
Isles4Cup: Agreed, listened to the interview live, he admirably held his own.
Wow, the Tavares-Hedmen vote in the next thread is a landslide. I thought it’d be closer as there’s been good debate here for months on those two.
i hope the isles at least consider what the nation wants…do not disappoint us yet again
Give CB a break. He just did what many fans do, state what he thought would be best yet still back the organization when it did differently. Something we all do after many of the screwups have happened. I’m certainly no Kool-Aid drinker and sometimes feel this blog is too blind and too pro-Isles when criticism should be made but this isn’t like that. Praising the attendance and the trainers when both are poor are examples of that but not this. CB isn’t always right but some here are going overboard on this aspect.
The Wang interview on WFAN this AM was poorly timed and poorly said. Can we get more than 12 hours of happiness with the top pick before Cholly says if he had it to dov over again he wouldn’t have bought the Isles? Cholly sure doesn’t help his marketing cause much at all most of the time.
Holly crap, screw Charles Wang? Hey why don’t we wait to see if Spano is gonna’ get out of jail soon so he or the Millsteins can buy the team again. The gut is losing money every year. Do people expect him to continue to do so? just see we can have our team. Selfish,just a bit. I’m glad I got to see this team win 4 cups, because it sounds like we may not have a team to pull for soon. Nobody else is out there waiting to jump in and save this team. I hope I’m wrong.
Wang did not have to lose a ton of money. He could have fired Milbury when he bought the team, but he kept him on and for far too long. He could have had Neil Smith as GM, but he comes up with this unconventional “committee” form of mgmt and drive Smith and Lafontaine away. Also, he’s pursued the LH roject for far too long. He should have been talking to Ratner and WP and publically expressing interest in Queens and Brooklyn a long time ago.
I’m not dwelling on the past, but I am bringing up that his decisions as owner very much helped create these money-losing seasons