DRAFT LOTTERY PRIMER
Broadcast and odds info, plus a Tavares profile
Let’s warm up for Tuesday night’s NHL Draft Lottery with a package of material, courtesy of our friends at the league office. First off is the NHL’s release with details on the broadcast and the percentages.
Following is a bio on John Tavares, our selection as the top player available in the draft and the young man the Islanders should jump on if they get the first pick. Prior to the lottery, we will post league-produced profiles on some of the other top young players available.
As most of you know, despite what it says below, the Islanders in reality have a 48% chance of winning the lottery, a 52% chance of getting Hedman Duchene Kane the second pick. Only teams 1-5 can win the first overall pick.
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The National Hockey League Draft Drawing, a weighted system to determine the order of selection for the
first 14 picks of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, will take place Tuesday, April 14, at 8 p.m. ET at the NHL’s New York City office.
The League will unveil the results of the Draft Drawing live during a 30-minute program produced and televised by TSN in Canada and simulcast on VERSUS in the U.S. The show also will be streamed live on NHL.com and TSN.ca. NHL Network will re-broadcast the Draft Drawing in the U.S. only at 9 p.m., ET.
Clubs that did not qualify for this season’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, or clubs that acquired the first-round picks of those non-playoff clubs, will participate. Under the weighted lottery system, the club with the fewest regular-season points will have the greatest chance (25%) of winning the Draft Drawing and will pick no lower than second at the 2009 Entry Draft.
The club selected in the Draft Drawing may not move up more than four positions in the draft order; the only clubs with the opportunity to receive the first overall selection are the five with the lowest regular-season point totals, or those that acquired an eligible club’s first-round draft picks. No club can move down more than one position as a result of the Draft Drawing.
The percentage chance of a team being selected in the Draft Drawing:
Islanders 25.0%
Tampa Bay 18.8%
Colorado 14.2%
Atlanta 10.7%
Los Angeles 8.1%
Phoenix 6.2%
Toronto 4.7%
Dallas 3.6%
Ottawa 2.7%
Edmonton 2.1%
Nashville 1.5%
Minnesota 1.1%
Buffalo 0.8%
Florida 0.5%
The 2009 NHL Entry Draft will take place at Bell Centre in Montreal on Friday, June 26 (round one) and Saturday, June 27 (rounds 2-7).
JOHN TAVARES BIO
London Knights • OHL
6’0” 195 lbs. Center, shoots left
Born: Sept. 20, 1990 in Mississauga, ON
Mid-Term Ranking: 1
North American Skater
QUICK FACTS
• Through the first nine games of the 2009 OHL playoffs, Tavares has 14 points (6-8-14) as his London Knights faced the Saginaw Spirit in the second round.
• In his fourth season in the OHL, Tavares led the league in goals with 58 in 56 games (58-46-104) in 2008-09, including 50 points (32-18-50) in 24 games after being traded to the London Knights. He set a new OHL goal-scoring record, surpassing Peter Lee’s 33-year-old record with his 214th goal on Mar. 8, 2009, finishing with a total of 215 career goals (215-218-433) in 247 games.
• On the world stage, he won back-to-back gold medals with Team Canada at the 2008 and 2009 World Junior Championships. With a more prominent role in 2009, he scored eight goals (8-7-15) to bring his World Junior goal total to 12 (12-8-20) – tying Eric Lindros and Jeff Carter for most goals in a career by a Canadian at the World Junior Championships.
• He was named the 2007 CHL Player of the Year after breaking the OHL record for goals in a season by a 16-year-old with 72 (previously held by Wayne Gretzky). He made his OHL debut the season prior as a 15-year-old, after receiving ‘exceptional player’ status and was tabbed the CHL Rookie of the Year in 2006.
HE SAID IT
On his will to win: “I think that’s part of learning the game early, and having a passion for the game. I remember every day playing hockey and coming home from school and going shooting pucks in my basement, just excited for practice. I just had so much fun. I tried to do my best each and every day and wanted to excel and wanted to be the best at every level and everywhere I played. I think that’s what drove me and still drives me today.”
On his first thought after winning gold at the 2008 World Juniors: “I’m a world champion. I think, not too many people can say that. There’s no greater honor than winning gold for Canada . . . the feeling of overcoming all that adversity, all that hard work we’ve put into our lives, and now I’ll say I’m a world champion, that was amazing.”
SCOUTING REPORT
Director of Central Scouting E.J. McGuire
“He is probably better than any other player in the Draft from the top of the circle down at being a threat to score. He’s an offensive player who is reliable in his defensive zone and getting better at that, but yet not asked to do that very frequently. He is pure offense and for his first years in the NHL will probably be asked to do just that.”
STATISTICS
2005-06 Oshawa OHL 65 45 32 77 72
2006-07 Oshawa OHL 67 72 62 134 60
2007-08 Oshawa OHL 59 40 78 118 69
2008-09 Oshawa OHL 32 26 28 54 32
2008-09 London OHL 24 32 18 50 22
Comments. Next Up: What could happen if the Islanders get the 2nd pick.
90 Responses to DRAFT LOTTERY PRIMER
Broadcast and odds info, plus a Tavares profile
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RAmen says:
Keep it coming CB! Question: Any chance we remedy our goaltending situation by aigning Jonas Gustavsson? I know Gilroy is our hometown guy, but it seems that Gustavsson would be a strong signing and an immediate solution to the DP question mark. Let us know what you know!
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eye on the island says:
how do you not love this kid???
all he wants to do and all he does is win.
and even is aware of our situation here with the lighthouse.
its time to pray to the hockey gods for a decade of prominence led by the soon to be great john tavares.
34 hours and counting…
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JayK says:
I wanted to comment on the Simmons’ suggestion regarding Taveras pulling an Elway and demanding a trade to where he wants to go.
I mentioned this yesterday, but have now checked the regulations. Here’s the rule on when a player can become a UFA:
- In 2008, 27 years old or seven years in the NHL.
So let’s assume Taveras can be in the NHL next year. He would be 18. He would be looking at a potential free agency year before the minimum age of 27, because after 7 years, he’d be 25 or 26.
If he demands a trade, and doesn’t get one immediately and sits out until the ’10-11 season, this is going to delay his UFA status by one year, which could be a temper tantrum worth millions to him.
I know that he’s given no indication he has any plans to do this, and to the contrary has said he will go where he’s drafted. But I just wanted to note this info to counter the Simmons argument.
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dose says:
CB – will uncertainty about the LH/team financial issues have any affect on draft plans?
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Great article CB, nice info on Tavares. You forgot to mention that he’s the next Pride of Poland to (hopefully) play for the Isles.
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beatlebailey says:
actually i am more worried about having the #2 pick and the isles NOT taking Hedman…based on last year garth likes to trade down and if he traded out of the 2nd spot hundreds of heads would explode at the coliseum…what a mess that would be..:-)
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thepolishprince says:
McLovin – I kinda feel like the Isles would take Ducshene if they end up with the second overall as he has the wheels and the hands. I would hate to see them pass on Tavares if they are lucky enough to get the 1st overall. Just seems like the kind of move that would come back to haunt us for years.
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If for some islander (strange) reason we don’t like tavares with the overall number one they best trade for a bundle..just threw up in my mouth typing that..lol
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JPinVA says:
I think that the Islanders will be better no matter who they take with THEIR first pick. the important part of the off season will come on July 1 when they will have $10-15M to spend in the UFA market.
It is here that Snow needs to prove that he wants to put a QUALITY product on the ice next year. This is where the largest OPPORTUNITY exists.
…and they need to cast some mediocrity adrift once and for all.
5 picks in the top 6 and $15M(?) to spend… The Islanders’ “pre-season” is over, and now it’s their time to IMPROVE.
…and sign Martin, damn it! -
Im going to stack up now on Pepto, going to need it from now to the draft with Snow in charge. Unless he comes out and says that he has offense on his mind, nothing is certain
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RichM says:
Package the pick in a trade for Kovalchuk. He may be available. He would be exciting.
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JPinVA, def. agree with you. This draft will only be successfull if we get one all star plus 1-3 additional NHL calibre players long term. Unfortunately we need quality and quantity.
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McLovin21 says:
polishprince, i agree that this seems like a move that is going to be a disaster, but we all know that those are the kinds of moves that our managment team loves to make. this is really starting to be eerily similar to 2000(two players considered to be a cut above the rest, we have the #1 pick and decide that everyone else is wrong and pick someone else).
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pete debenedetto says:
Pick Tavares with the #1…Hedman with the 2.
Hall or McFarland in next years draft.
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Blizzard says: #4……so far Taveres has shown no inclination to pull a Lindros. Lets hope that hacks like Simmons do not influence him. However, in the case regarding Lindros, then the Quebec Nordiques, they actually fared better as the Colorodo Avalanche with I think Forsburg…..and a Stanley Cup. If Taveres pulls that crap we dont want him anyway.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
who said isles dont like Tavares. LIke someone else said. how could you not. He is a WINNER. he will do whatever he has to be the best.
Isles need another good scoring LWer, a solid dman, and a good veteran backup for DP.
Tavares going to make a huge splash in NHL and i want it to be in isles Jersey. Put us back on the Map
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We need another RWer as well.
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jonw says:
Yes where is this information coming from that the Isles do not like Tavares?
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rookie92 says:
I know that tavares is the sexier pick and this team really could use a player like him if only strictly from a PR standpoint. However, it is not often you get a shot at a 6-7 dman who can play like Hedman can. Every winning team has that elite dman. As good as streit is Hedman may be even better.
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Blizzard says:
I wonder if Snow is praying for the second pick??????
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bergie20 says:
i really think that snow is going to try to pull off a deal with the team picking 3rd. i suspect that nyi want duchene but realize that they can’t take him first or second. i hope they only make the deal if we get a lot back. otherwise take tavares or hedman. just my opinion.
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Joey303 says:
JP # 10 – Right on the money!! Ive been screaming that we need PLAYERS for months. Sorry about the repetition….But thanks for saying my words JP
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Gloobenberg says:
I agree Bergie20!
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Alex O says:
#12. Not to rain on your idea but we should package the #1 overall who may be a potential franchise center for a guy who if he chooses may not be here for more than a year…. (Kovalchuk UFA after next year) sorry lets pick the kid and run with it. If Tavares is not a star you really cant blame anybody as everybody and their grandma thinks that he is the #1. Besides Kovalchuk may be Yashin part 2, do we really need that…..
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When you have two players in the first two selections tabbed as “Franchise” players, you don’t trade down….period. The Islanders just signed a few prior draft picks that fill up some spots in Bridgeport. The Islanders need to fill a few holes in their own roster. Why spend 4-5 million on a top center, or stud d-man when you can draft him, and spend less?
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DVolek says:
#2 Burke was in Copenhagen over the weekend trying to sign Jonas Gustavsson
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Thanks DV – Figured as much. Toronto is throwing cash at anything that’s not nailed down.
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Scott D. says:
I believe that any info you hear about the Islanders leaning toward Hedman is coming from the Canadian media that wants to keep the notion of Tavares to the Leafs alive. Toronto moving up from 7 to 1 to draft Tavares seems unlikely, especially if the Isles love him. However, if you can convince your readers that the Islanders love Hedman, and that that’s who Tampa really wants sitting at number 2, that you can keep that notion alive for your readers. To me it’s be no coincidence that from the moment it became apparent that Toronto was not in the running for the top pick, the Islanders and many other teams suddenly like Hedman more.
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I think people are getting carried away with Taveras. He is viewed as a solid NHL player along the lines of a Heatley or Spezza. We are not talking about Crosby, Malkin, or Ovechkin here. A solid player that this team desperately needs but not one who is a superstar. He will definately help but to make him a savior of this team is unfair to him and not realistic.
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Brooks Simpson says:
I’m in negotiations with Brian Burke. So is my cat.
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Will77 says:
Hey CB,
Do you have any idea of whether they’ll start off drawing who gets #1, or will it be reverse order and the #1 pick is revealed at the end of the program?
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Mike from Philly says:
Just the thought of Tavares on the Islanders is awesome right now! We have been waiting for a player like this for a long long time. Lets hope our biggest win of the season happens tomorrow!
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Go Ducks!! If Anaheim upsets San Jose, the pick becomes #23 overall. Much better chance of packaging that pick for a higher pick, or a legit winger. JSG, pitch 4 shutouts!!
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Brian says:
Wait! Please lcarify the schedule. The lottery is at 8:00? The listings in my area for Versus show the lottery being broadcast at 10:30 only. What’s the deal? Thanks.
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Good for your cat the way burke is spending money it should make out well
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Maydog says:
CB, could you clarify that second #1 pick, ie what’s the best it coudl be? I was under the impression only the Final 4 got the 26-30 pick, which means we want SJ to lose in the first or 2nd round. Other seem to think that if SJ loses in round 1, the pick is lower. I thought the best it coudl be was 25…
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lottery is @ 8pm eastern on VS.
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Will77 – this is not like the old NBA lottery where they have to draw positions for the top 5, or whatever. They draw one ball. That’s it. (I’m assuming..I’ve never actually seen it, but I’ve read tons now). Once the winner is selected and is moved up four places, everything resets. So if Atlanta wins and moves to 1, everybody who had been in front of Atlanta drops a notch and the ones behind Atlanta stay where they were. If the #8 team wins, they move up to #4, and we stay at #1.
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nystrom23 says:
How about kovalchuk and bogsian for our first overall pick and a second rounder
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Stumpy32 says:
CB, wonder if you can answer this – being that the draft lottery is in our backyard, is there any way to actually go and see it live? I can’t imagine there’s a huge theater at the NHL offices, but is there any room for the general public?
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art says:
I think that we want Tavares more tha tampa wants Hedman. And Tampa can take advantage of this if they get the first pick, Tampa calls Snow and says they will take Hedman if we will give them our other 1st pik from the Sens trade. I say go for the bait Tavares is worth 2 first round piks!
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Hock says:
I just hope Garth has a good plan for using the OTHER 1st round pick and we wind up with a solid 1-2 punch, whether it be offense/offense or offense/defense. Just accumulate some assets. There are plenty of holes to fill and if we end up with too many quality centers, then that’s a good commodity to have (for a trade).
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Angry Bill says:
Islander fans should be thrilled to have either Hedman or Tavares. They will both likely be excellent players. Let the Islander scouts decide which is best for the team.
Chris, you are awesome and I love this site, but you are setting Isles fans up for a huge disappointment by pushing this Tavares thing.
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I have a feeling that this draft day will be a lot more than going to the podium for the NY Islanders. I think a lot of players will be changing teams on draft day. I don’t think they have as much of a “goaltending” probelm as some have mentioned. they should sign Danis or Joey Mac, but they have some good young goaltending behind them.
Hopefully they have evaluated guys like Witt, Sutton, Tambellin and Sim and have made decisions on whether they will part of the “rebuild”… and if not they will utilize them on draft day. The 30 and 31 plus one of those players might get us in the top 12.. and we’d still have two second round picks.
A move like that might also clear a roster spot for somebody who better fits into the system. -
CB- In the past when you worked for the Isles, did you have their scouting chart prior to the draft so you knew who the Isles would take if they were still available
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Michael from T.O. says:
No matter what happens, the Isles will get a franchise type player. I personally don’t see Snow trading the first or second pick overall. Tavares or Hedman will be a welcome addition to this team. For me, the interesting part is seeing what might happen with the other picks Snow has accumulated. We are talking about another first, 3 seconds and possibly 3 thirds. If there is someone on the roster that want to get rid of packaged with a pick for another teams player.
Can’t wait for the outcome, but whatever happens I believe in Snow and the scouting staff. -
jp @ 45 – Just curious, who in the system do we have behind Danis and MacDonald who are promising NHL caliber goaltenders? I’m not being argumentative I just don’t see a blue chip prospect coming through the system. I’d love to be proven wrong though.
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@ #1….I think you’re just so used to the Isles screwing everything up at this point that you can’t possibly envision anyone as awesome as JT donning the Isles jersey……
Can’t wait for tomorrow and for June when we get to see the Isles draft Tavares….lets all say our prayers for the top pick
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not for nothing Kovachuk has not won anyting scoring over 30 goals every season in Atl. what makes you think signing him in LI going to change anything.
Draft Taveras at #1 or Hedman #2. Address what is need after.
WE dont need another RW, we have Okposo, Hunter, Jackman. We need a Scoring LW. I dont want hope Tambellini wakes up, Bergenehim is only guy i think is good enough LW. Comeau could play either wing to be honest on Third line.
We have plenty depth at center.
John Tavares, Weight, Nielsen, Gordon’s Pet Thompson.We got to cut the cord on Hilbert. He get way too much ice time and cant score. Who care he can kill a Penalty, So can Jackman, Okposo, Nielsen, Bailey and Park.
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Mikey says:
I agree with Angry Bill (#44); There is no need for fans to get obsessed with JT. It’s likely that most people on this site have only seen him and Hedman play 5 or 6 games. Let’s just calm down and let the scouts do their job. We are not in a position to declare who the Islanders should pick. There’s a reason why teams employ their own scouts. I would be very worried if Isles management made their selection by relying on opinions of the Toronto Sun and fan message boards.
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JayK – I understand that, what I meant was in the broadcast, will they be opening with the drawing of the #1 pick, or with #18 or whatever it is. Or to put it this way, will we find out our pick at 8:05pm or 8:28pm.
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Dooks94 says:
I completely agree with Angry Bill the Islanders should be happy to get either one of these great prospects. But don’t forget what they are-prospects. Greatness is earned not handed to a player. As fans we tend to get carried away dreaming up the best case scenarios. The Islanders are a really young team with a lot of work cut out for them. They are at least 3-5 years away from being a playoff contender. We just need to keep adding talent-hopefully some of if turns out. Beggers can’t be chosers thats all I’m saying. I myself-rather have Tavares. But I’m not gonna cry if they take Hedman whether its pick 1 or 2. We just have to trust that Snow and the front office and scouting dept know what they’re doing
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Let Tambellini go. He is not going to be another Bertuzzi More likely another Raffi Torres– Remember him?
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Sean says:
Hey I know this is not relevant to this post, but who will be playing for the SoundTigers playoff run? Will Okposo be playing? or Nielsen, Bergenheim? Tambellini (could want to play)? and I what about Bailey? I don’t think he even can.
If you get to this question Chris thanks a lot.
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Mark says:
Hey Chris (or anyone really), has there been any rumblings about who Garth and Co. really want in the draft?
We speculate all the time about who we want but what does the organization think? Anyone have any idea who they like most or are they going to do something foolish and consider trading their pick?(as off the mark as that seems,I wouldn’t put it passed them).
I just figure Chris might have some connections and maybe get some inside gossip. -
rb says:
Luongo finshed 20 games over .500 with NINE shutouts despite missing 24 games…the stench from the Milbury regime continues
Garth, if you’re listening, NO GAMES WITH THE PICK…if it’s 1, Taveras, if it’s 2, Hedman
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Sean, Here is the “cleared” Bridgeport roster for the playoffs.
Goalies
Nathan Lawson
Peter ManninoDefensemen
Joe Callahan
Jon Gleed
Jack Hillen
Dustin Kohn
Chris Lee
Andrew MacDonald
Mark WottonForwards
Sean Bentivoglio
Jeremy Colliton
Blake Comeau
Micheal Haley
Tyler Haskins
Mike Iggulden
Jesse Joensuu
Junior Lessard
Tomas Marcinko
Kurtis McLean
Jon Sim
Trevor Smith
Ben WalterI’m assuming we can substitute someone for Comeau.
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Paul says:
With either the #1 or #2 pick the Islanders will defintely choose either Tavares or Hedman. They need scoring up front and a franchise defenceman.
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mrlbem says:
RAmen (58),
So the Sarnia duo are not eligible for the Playoffs?
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Outside says:
the lotto show, the results are already done, he juat opens up the 5 envelopes going from 5 to 1 basically spilling the order, so if someone in the top 5 is not where they should be , you know they moved
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lovin lethbridge says:
Here in Canada, JT has been discussed and has been tagged the 1st overall pick in the draft since he was drafted in the OHL Bantam Draft. Now, what does that mean, not really a whole bunch when you consider the last person with this amount of hype was Angelo Esposito.
The main difference between Esposito and Tavares, is Tavares has followed through on that potential. He has played under the largest microscope since he was 15, so if there are “holes” in his game, it is more due to the over scrutiny of his game than anything.
He has been touted a franchis player for a while now. It is up to him to prove everyone right, and what better opportunity than with a team in desperate need of a face for the franchise. Tampa has Lecavalier, Colorado has Stastny, Atlanta has Kovalchuk, and the Islanders will have Tavares (hopefully!) -
Isles fan says:
CB – What do you think the odds are that the Isles will trade down – if they get the first or second pick ??
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jim from St James says:
Not trying to be a downer here, but I keep hearing “Duchene to Okposo, He scores!” in my head.
And I keep hearing ” and Hedman gives Okposo nothing!”
And I feel that I will never hear Howie say “Highway Robbery by Dipetro!”
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Dino says:
ATO’S are able to play in the playoffs
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Yeah, thats the way I understand it.
Now I don’t know if they can relace an injured player (Comeau) with one of the news signees.
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Staten Islander says:
“Highway Robbery by Dipetro!”……yes, that about sums it up
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Outside # 61 — interesting!
I tried to type all sorts of scenarios — well, if the Kings don’t get called it means….and then I realized that it could mean about a dozen things. So I stopped typing. We’ll just have to wait it out.
But we do know that if we hear a team pulled from an envelope that wasn’t in the bottom 5, we’ve got the first pick. Right?
Oh, man, I’m going to have a major heart attack. But if that’s the way they do it, they really deserve credit for dragging drama out of pulling one ball out of 1,000.
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No matter what happens tomorrow night, I think either way I’ll be super nervous. If we get #1, ill be nervous that we don’t take Tavares or trade the pick. If we don’t get #1, ill be nervous that we dont get Hedman or trade the pick or whatever else The Snowman has in his head of his.
Although..in my heart of heart, i gotta believe we dont trade the 1 or 2 but Snow tries to move way up to grab another top guy. I think he wants Duchene.
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If Outside’s #61 description is correct, then the one thing we DO know is that if we hear Senators, Stars, Leafs or Coyotes at any time during the opening of the envelopes, or they get to number 3 and call Lightning, we are drafting number 1.
Those four teams have a chance of moving up into slots 2-5, but not number 1.Whew….
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Hockey1919 says:
Why does everyone seem to think Snow wants Duchene? Is it because CB has had him rated at No. 3 for so long and think this is an indication to some inside knowledge? Just wondering what is causing so much Duchene speculation?
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geduffer says:
mrlbem (#60) – Players on amateur tryouts are eligible to play. What 58 was is the AHL “Clear day” roster. Only these players are eligible for the post season, plus you can include players on an ATO and substitutes for injured players and emergency callups. Blake Comeau can be replaced and Jeremy Colliton if he is still shelved. After the Worlds anyone eligible to play for the Sound Tigers without clearing waivers can be added. As for Josh Bailey, he could only play after Windsor is done (which may be after the Memorial Cup). I’m not sure if he could go play the playoffs for the Spits, but he isn’t AHL eligible until the Spitfires are done.
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Hockey 1919 (#71) – Nobody knows Garth Snow’s thinking because he plays it close to the vest. People speculate about Duchene, because he played really well this year, but after Tavares (I won’t say JT because John Tonelli owns that nickname)and Hedman the next 4 or 5 players could go in any order.
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Pete M says:
Well one good bit of news is that Phoenix finished with the 6th worse record and can’t get the #1 pick, so the NHL can’t gift it to Gretzky like they did with Crosby and the Penguins.
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# 71 I think the logic is that if we get the 2nd pick ( probable ) then snow would take Duchene on the assumtion he would be able to help the team faster than Hedman, as well as satisfy the fans who are convinced that we need scoring more than D, which after the last week is very debatable…
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jim from St James (75) – My worry isn’t if we get second. It’s if we get first and trade down to Duchene. If they did this the old barn might get trashed at the draft party.
I would have no problem if we pick 2nd and pick Duchene or trade down to get him.
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dedshark says:
Its safe to day we all want tavares… atleast most of us. What the debate comes down to is that if we trade our number one for the 2 or 3 spot…or we lose the lottery and get #2…the debate is…hedman or duchene. who would you take outa those 2?
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Unit_King says:
My cat signed a three year, two way contract with the leafs. Listen we don’t want kovalchuk. He is gone after this season. we need tavares.
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mLemb says:
Your cat is a poor negotiator…could have at least worked a one way…should have cited his quick reflexes and excellent 40 time
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#42 absolutely not.
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lol – I can see the Canadian press now – “did Burke sign the right cat?”
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Polish (#48)
From what I’ve seen:
Danis and/or Joey Mac can be “adequate” NHL goaltenders next year. They were both playing their first full years in the NHL and had varying levels of success. There is some potential there.
From what I’ve read:
Nathan Lawson @ 26 had a fine inaugral season at the AHL level(all-rookie team). I can’t find any recent info on him, maybe a BP fan can add something. I assume he is injured.
There was a lot of buzz at the beginning of the season about Ridderwall. He’ll probably be in the US next year if they don’t sign BOTH Danis and MacDonald.
Unless DP’s career is OVER, I don’t think they need to panic about who’s going to be between the pipes.
their biggest goaltending problem this year was the 5 in front of the goalie. I’m pretty sure it will be the same next year. -
STP says:
I hope Hedman isn’t reading any of this. Talk about starting off on the wrong foot (skate) if we select him. Consolation prize. Grrrr. Also, the way Bailey handles all this Tavares hype will say a lot about his character IMO.
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How so? I don’t see how Tavares has any real effect on Bailey. To me they are 2 different players and aren’t really comparable.
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Marty says:
Why all this trade the pick for Kovalchuk talk? Kovalchuk is obviously not enough to get you into the playoffs. How many appearances has Atlanta made with him leading them?
If you want to acquire a true sniper, why trade the pick when you could just sign Gaborik is is just as good, if not better WHEN HEALTHY. I know he has had his fair share of missed time, but this season in 17 games, he had 10 goals and 13 assists. Sign him, pick Taveres and the Islanders are one of the must watch teams in the league.
Who cares if year 2 of the rebuild doesn’t net a playoff apperance? It would definitely be the most entertaining team of the past 17 seasons, and I would pay to watch that.
It isn’t my money and we have the cap room. Wang and Garth, make it happen.
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Mike says:
If we get #1 and don’t take tavares i will have to boycott the team for 20 games. I did it this years since i was so pissed about the Nolan firing. I live out of state now and didn’t order center because of it.
Lets put it this away Tavares = me buying center ice again. I am sure that goes for other an ticket sales and jersey sales. I will still follow the team hardcore no matter what though.
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NYI FAN says:
Nice article, CB, now Tavares broke the 33yo league scoring record held by Peter Lee. I am wondering why I never heard of him. With all the talent over the last 33 years,why was this record held for so long?
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Matt says:
even my father who is a casual fan has gotten into the “we want tavares” group.
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Danis and Macdonald had up and down seasons. Neither is ready for full time duty Drafting another potential starter is not possible. So its DP or avet like Scott c. as a starter for next season. If Snow knows that DP is finished he ought to trade for a starting goalie now or soon after ufas are available and not wait till the fall when we would have to settle for whats left.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I think the Isles should follow the KISS doctrine … Keep It Simple Stupid … If they win the lottery … Draft Tavares … and don’t look back … simple … if they don’t win the lottery … Draft Hedman … and don’t look back … It can’t be stated any simpler than that.
Either way … the Isles will not have a top 10 caliber team until a few more of their 2007, 08 and 09 draftees make it through the system and become legit NHL’ers … and this helps attract some premo UFA’s…. No more of this 4th line talent taking up half the roster.
I dont know why, but I just have this feeling that the isles dont like Tavares, and wont pick him if given the chance. I hope I’m wrong, but I dont expect to see Tavares donning an isles jersey on draft day.