DRAFT LOTTERY Q & A: William A. Torrey
The Architect on Potvin, Tavares and Hedman
Bill Torrey didn’t have a Draft Lottery to deal with. When the Islanders finished last overall in their inaugural season of 1972-73, the general manager knew he had the No. 1 pick in the NHL Draft. He had another advantage.
“Back then we were drafting 20-year olds,” Torrey said over the phone today. “My scouts and I were evaluating players based on four full years of junior hockey. That’s a big difference from drafting 18-year olds who are still growing.”
The conversation continued…
I wanted to catch up with you to get the truth behind this legend of “The Architect built around a top defenseman first”! My point is, you had Denis Potvin staring at you with that pick. Maybe if you had a stud forward and not an all-world defenseman as the clear-cut first pick, you would have taken the forward.
That’s not entirely true. Denny Potvin was special, no doubt. But Tom Lysiak was the best forward available, and there was plenty of sentiment at the time for him to be taken first overall. Of course, Denny went on to have a Hall of Fame career, while Tommy was an excellent player, a 25-30 goal scorer for Atlanta and later Chicago. To put it in perspective, Denny was dominant in junior and Tommy Lysiak was coming off two big seasons in Medicine Hat (143 and 154 points). Potvin and Lysiak were 1-2 in no particular order in the eyes of many people.
Sounds kind of familiar.
Yup. They’ll be talking about John Tavares and Victor Hedman for years.
What swayed your decision toward Potvin?
We figured the great defenseman, especially in the big games, was going to play every other shift, play more than half the game. Even the best forwards don’t match that time on ice. We went with the defenseman because we knew he’d be out there all the time for us. Look at Anaheim when they got Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer.
So are you saying the team that gets the first pick should take Victor Hedman?
No. When you’re picking first overall and you have two kids of this magnitude, it’s okay to assess what your needs are.
What if you need everything?
Now you’re trying to get me to make the first pick for a team! (Laughs) I’m not going to do that. I’ve met Tavares and Hedman each once. I’ve watched them play. It’s a very close call. They’re both going to be impact players. They are supremely talented and have played on the world stage. Tavares has dominated junior. Hedman has been excellent as an 18-year old playing against men in one of the best pro leagues in the world.
Do any other prospects in this draft compare?
Tavares is clearly the best 18-year old forward in the world. Hedman is clearly the best 18-year old defenseman in the world. That’s all there is to know.
But all things being equal, seems you’re saying teams should go with the defenseman.
It’s just not that simple, kid! Okay, I’ll give you this: it’s harder most years to get that great defenseman. There are usually more forwards who can put the puck in the net. But defensemen take more time to develop. And now with the CBA, by the time they mature and have got it all figured out, they’re free agents!
Look, this is why you have a scouting staff and testing and one-on-one interviews. You have to put everything into the equation: maturity, personality, toughness, strength. If the GM and his scouts determine one of the kids has clearly got it over the other, you go with him. You don’t get caught up in defense vs. forward. Sometimes you have to go by feel. Take the player who best fits your team.
Sounds like you feel the Islanders can’t go wrong whether they win or lose the lottery tonight.
No one’s going to feel sorry for them if they get the No. 2 pick in the lottery. They’re still going to get a hell of a player. If they get the first pick, it will be a difficult decision but it’s a problem they won’t mind having. No matter what happens, they’ll get a franchise player and they will be on their way.
Comments. Guidelines. Point Blank will be on NHL Home Ice on XM Radio tonight at 6:00 pm and on News 12 Long Island immediately after the lottery winner is announced around 8:20. The segment will be replayed at 9:20 pm. We’ll join you in the discussion on the blog all night.
100 Responses to DRAFT LOTTERY Q & A: William A. Torrey
The Architect on Potvin, Tavares and Hedman
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Brian G says:
1. Tavares
2. HedmanThis isn’t much a debate – unless the islanders have a big trade package from another team on the table the day of the draft.
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Angelo says:
You’re killing me CB! There was so much hair on my pillow this morning!!
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Macch says:
Anyone changing their mind from JT to Hedman after reading this lol?
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Joey303 says:
MR Torrey to us. Lets not forget, even he had bad drafts every once in awhile. Had the pleasure of meeting him back in 1978 playoffs at the Coliseum.
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Mike from Philly says:
Tavares please God!!
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Priest says:
If anyone is interested, TSN.ca is having a draft chat with Bob McKenzie today at 1:00ET… you can email in questions now (check the tsn.ca mainpage for the link). Sorry if this has been discussed in one of the other threads today.
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Intersting read. Nice perspective on D-man maturing right about the time they are UFA. Something to consider.
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Justin Marques says:
Just an opinion on the draft, and another reason for me to keep an optimistic outlook on landing Tavares. The five teams eligible for the first overall pick are the Islanders, Lightning, Avalanche, Thrashers, and Kings. If the Islanders, Avalanche, Thrashers, or Kings win the number one overall pick, odds are they will pick Tavares considering the basic needs of the team. Only the Lightning, in my opinion, are a sure-fire bet to pick Hedman, considering their depth at center for the first two lines. This is good for the Islanders, considering their 25% chance to win the lottery, coupled with Tampa Bay’s 18.6% chance to win the lottery. Although I believe Hedman will be one hell of a player, and a generational defensive talent, I believe the Islanders should really go with Tavares, for many reasons including marketing and actual talent.
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Johnny Islander says:
Johnny Islander on Apr 10th, 2009 08:22:22 said:
Given that the Islanders supposedly developed some formula to jugde character in a player, I wonder how Taveres would rank vs Hedman in their ratings. Now I don’t know if their system works, but if they truly believe in it, and you’re talking about two franchise players, then you take the one you believe will be the better team guy. All of your potential targets should be interviewed and vetted before deciding who you’re taking.Bill Torey says:
“Look, this is why you have a scouting staff and testing and one-on-one interviews. You have to put everything into the equation: maturity, personality, toughness, strength. If the GM and his scouts determine one of the kids has clearly got it over the other, you go with him. You don’t get caught up in defense vs. forward. Sometimes you have to go by feel. Take the player who best fits your team.”This is why you don’t just announce to the world that you are taking Tavares if you win the lottery.
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IsleofNJ says:
Kudos to you on this story CB. You get the stories we want to read ! Sure many of us were thinking “What would Bill Torrey do ?” Gentleman that he is, he was careful not step on anyones toes however.
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Johnny Islander (#11): Do you have any articles or links that talk about this “formula?” I’m not doubting that it exists, I’m just curious to read anything I can about the Islanders vetting technique, since I’ve heard some rather odd things about how they interview potential draftees.
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Jethro09 says:
Sounds like Bill is telling Snowy to use their pick whether it be 1 or 2 and forget about trading down. I like that idea. I like Bill Torrey. I hope Snow listens to the “advice” of a guy with a significant track records for building winning hockey teams.
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CB, you never cease to amaze with some of your posts. TORREY!! Wow.
Like Torrey said, we are in a great position with either of the 2 players. As Brian G #3 mentioned, it’s one or the other, unless there is a package that truly blows Garth away. And not like last year where he said that and traded down for some 2nd rounders. We need a star and either Tavares or Hedman should be just that. No more filling the cupboards. -
kevin fitz says:
Hedman Hedman Hedman Hedman! I have been saying it for months.
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The only way the trade one of these picks is if they get ABSOLUTELY blown away. It would have to be a deal like Atlanta’s first round pick (probably 4th) along with a signed Kovalchuk and hainsey. This will never happen. So do not fear Snow trading the pick away
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Chris S says:
Can’t they just have the draft tonight? I don’t think I can take two more months of this!
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
Guys, only reason why Snow traded down last year b/c we had #5 pick. look at past drafts even #3 to #12 is total crap shoot. Also he need to stock pile on picks which we did.
We have 5 top two rounds picks this year including the #1 or #2 overall. He is not a idiot. He will not trade away that pick. we are getting either tavares or hedman. Last place was worth it.
makes no difference whether you finish 30th or 17th. Expect in 17th you are out of playoffs and you get lame draft pick.
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MSA says:
Hey CB,
You better be into this blog for the long haul. Having pre-draft lottery interviews with Torrey is just downright cruel, if you are not keeping this alive!!!Obviously, I am jesting, and you have to make decisions based on you, and your family, but you have taken this blog to the top, so if you wanted to try your hand at creating an elite blog, as we all know, you have. Don’t ever leave us!!!
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upstatenyifan says:
Bill Torrey says, “it’s harder most years to get that great defenseman. There are usually more forwards who can put the puck in the net.” I’ve never thought about it that way. I think I still would like to get Tavares if we get the number 1, but that comment has me thinking twice.
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Smitty says:
Spartiarti (19):
I could not agree with you more. I think alot of people here need to step back from the ledge (although I imagine most of them are those that like creating drama in order to scream about it).
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Mark P says:
1) CB-great job with these interviews….no need to go anywhere else for information
2)Everyone remembers how Torrey built the team….but lets not forget how he saved the franchise right before he left for Florida….Lafontaine for Turgeon, Krupp, Hogue (and Mclvaine) AND Brent Sutter for Steve Thomas.
His final moves still represent our last playoff victories. Of course he left it all to a GM worse than MM. I still say Maloney was paid off by the Rangers to destroy our franchise!
Maybe we should have Torrey sit in on Wangs crazy hockey decision committees. -
todd says:
LOVE YOU BILL. WISH YOU WERE STILL HERE. But having said that, it looks like Wang and Snow may have learned from you and the alumni. Hopefully they run the show exactly the way you would have. I have begged for this for years. I always noticed that you went after the defensmen first it seemed. How anyone can possibly dispute your opinions is crazy. As far as I’m concerned, you are as smart as anyone possibly could be when it comes to hockey and psychology. I WISH ONE DAY YOU WOULD WRITE A BOOK. I WOULD STUDY IT AND IT WOULD BECOME MY HOCKEY BIBLE
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CB,
I have debated over and over Tavares vs. Hedman… at this point I dont care to analyze it anymore. What I would like to know is if you have any kids in the late first and second round you think we should have our eye on? Any inside info?
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I generally lean D-cornerstone first, flashy forward second (when marketing/tickets/coverage is not an issue), particularly since truly elite D-men are hard to find.
But the point about the long development time for blueliners and the early free agency under this CBA is what’s really nagged me throughout this debate.
I assume Hedman has a better head than Pronger did at 18, but Pronger didn’t become “Pronger” until after one Islanders-like “we give up on him” trade and one severe beat-down from his new coach.
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HOW BOUT IT CHRIS? WHY DOESN’T BILL WRITE A BOOK co authored by you? PLEASE.
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pablo says:
Boy, you get more out of Torrey than you do Garth Snow. With that said you dont pass on Tavares if you get that shot.
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stopthepain says:
CB – just a comment about your fine reporting. If the print media had more reporters like yourself, they would not be nearing collapse. You consistently post interesting, researched, and for the most part sourced information. Most impressive. I would subscribe to whatever newspaper hires you just to read your insights.
Onto the Torrey interview. I think Torrey hit it on the head as to why you take Tavares with the # 1 pick this time. It’s not 1972. As in the CBA allows teams to pluck other developed players. See Mark Streit. Years of development, and the payoff goes to the Islanders. Forwards, for whatever reason, seem to develop at a faster clip than most defensemen. In addition, you can stock your team with several A- or B+ defensemen and have an excellent team defense (and many of those can be had via free agency). The funny thing was before this Torrey interview, I was in the camp leaning toward Hedmen. Now I’m a Tavares guy. CB, did the interview alter your opinion at all?
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DP says:
Great articles CB, thanks for keeping us on top of the stories even though our season is ended. Looking forward to tonight just to read the poker faces as the numbers are called.
We certainly need a finisher like Tavares, but I’m getting vibes that Hedman has more of what the islanders call “character” – - just a feeling. I’m worried he’d be homesick for Sweden. . .
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(13) I don’t necessarily think they have some mathmatical “formula” for character assesment. But I do remember reading that they Islanders focus very heavily on a players character, which I believe they determine through a rigorous interview process. I thought they had some sort of grading system for it too.
Maybe CB could provide some more insight into this?
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art says:
A well known Bolts blogger just suggested a scenario which 99% of us would reject. If tampa gets first pick they trade with us for Mark Streit. We now have #1 and we take Tavares. Then their defence problems are over because they have Streit and Hedman! plus they would throw in another player to sweeten the deal for us. BARF!!!
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Ajax says:
(32) …. Uhhh no.
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Mick Vukota says:
A week or two ago I mentioned how I feared Burke goading Snow into trading the #1 pick provided the NYI win the lottery: http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/04/14/burke_tavares_pursuit/
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Art – 32 – where is the link to that article?? I am in need of a good laugh!
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mick – He may want the number 1 pick. But the sad truth for the maple leafs is that they just do not have the pieces to get it done. They would have to get a third team involved somehow. Their first pick and Schenn will not get it done. And that is the best package they could really offer.
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(32) Please tell me that wasn’t Jon Jordan
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Very true Fritz, but I am deathly afraid of Burke. CB indicated that he would like to see the NYI announce that Tavares is their man should they be fortunate enough to win the lottery. What I would also like to see is Snow inform all 29 GMs that he will NOT listen to any offers.
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eye on the island says:
how does toronto even trade up, we already have their second round pick this year
they must be offering anyone in the system
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rb says:
Brian Burke can go pound sand
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quick question, why would we reject hedman/tavares for streit? as much as i like the guy, he is 32.
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Jon Mac says:
Is he nuts? Toronto has NOTHING to offer that would get them the number 1 pick.
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Mike says:
I think Mr. Torrey said it best:
it’s harder most years to get that great defenseman. There are usually more forwards who can put the puck in the net. But defensemen take more time to develop. And now with the CBA, by the time they mature and have got it all figured out, they’re free agents!That’s why they should take Tavares.
CB, can you post a link of your News12 segment here for us people who have DirecTV?
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I have been thinking of what Toronto can offer to get the first pick. I think the ONLY way they could get it done is if they win the lottery. They will move up to the third pick and they could offer Schenn, the third pick and their first round pick next year. I still don’t think it’s enough, but it would be the only way of them remotely having a chance at getting it done.
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Coach B says:
Burke just said as soon as the lottery is over he is going to make calls to GM’s.
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Open a new internet window (so as to not be directed away from Point Blank!) and look at the picture on the front page of tsn.ca. Please let it be!!
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(31) Thanks. I knew that was what you meant, I just didn’t know if you knew more than I did. I agree it would be nice to have CB cover it, but I think it would be damn near impossible to get anyone to talk about it on the record.
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art (32): There is NO WAY Tampa management is stupid or short-sighted enough to make that offer. However, if Tampa offered either #1 or #2 for Streit straight up, I’d make that trade in a minute. Getting Tavares and Hedman out of this draft would be larceny. I love Streit, but he’s expendible for either the #1 or #2 pick.
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I wouldn’t give up the #1, the #2 … I would listen to offers.
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i didnt catch the last 2 home games
were there tavares chants coming from the crowd?
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Mason says:
All I know is if there is God, we get the #1 overall tonight. If we don’t, well then, the trading draft picks games will surely ensue.
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JKP in Halifax says:
You continue to amaze, CB. Keep up the excellent work (please!).
As for the Burke / TO comment, what else would he say if asked? No, I’m not going to try to get the best player? That’s not how the Toronto hockey media works…
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Isles21 says:
No one doubts Torrey’s place in history but there were just as many bombs in his draft picks as gems. These are former #1′s
Steve Tambellini
Duncan McPherson
Paul Boutellier
Brad Delgarno
Tom Fitzgerald
Kevin Cheveldayoff
Dave Chyzowski
Scott Scissons -
dose says:
Chris – that was awesome. The Architect is one of my all time favorite sports people and you got really good comments from him, and humour too – “kid.” Your initial reference to his D-man first plan as a “legend” seems to have turned to trying to get him to admit that it really was his base philosophy. It sounded like you became convinced of that as the exchange went on. I am convinced of it also, always have been. Anyway, that was great.
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StevieL says:
With all due respect to Mr Torrey, when he was building a Dynasty there were 18 teams in the league which allowed drafts like 1974, when Gillies was picked at 3 and Trottier was picked in the second Rd. but was 22 overall! That is a solid first Rd. pick now! That is why it is so important to pick right, without a trade, you get 2 picks in the top 60, in Torreys day , if you were lucky, you got 4!!
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nystrom23 says:
anyone that seems to critcize Torrey seems to forget without him this team would have never won those 4 cups and would have probably been moved about 20 years ago
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#57. It’s not critisism its just a plain fact. He won four cups and I love him for it but he didn’t sustain the drafting. He did get Patty LaFontaine and Pat Flately but when Jimmy Develanno went to Detroit Bill was lost. Also Torry didn’t keep the Isles on Long Island, a GM doesn’t weild that type of power.
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NYI FAN says:
#55, nice list of klunkers! Remember though, the Isles were a top finishing team for most of those klunkers & I don’t think any of those were top 2 picks, but could be wrong.
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Railbait says:
Guys, re-read post 32.It says we trade the # 2 AND Streit for the #1 pick. Tampa ends up with Streit and Hedman, we end up with Tavares.
It would be a dumb trade. Never happen.
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59 Those were all # 1 picks and as far as the analogy of finishing in the top, there were less teams so they were picking between 15-21
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Matt says:
why does Brian Burke think that every team is out to help the toronto maple leafs? snow better not deal our pick to toronto for extra picks. they already stole luke schenn from us.
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I agree with 59….unless they throw in stamkos i would never do that deal
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PS…..all the whinning leaf fans are bashing us fans on tsn hoping we lose the lottery…..im sayin a prayer tonight before the lottery
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lovin lethbridge says:
58 – Chyzowski was #2 behind Sundin…
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jonw says:
#55 would you consider a 19 year career and over 1,000 games played in the nhl as a very sound defensive foward a bust? If you don’t then Tom Fitzgerald comes off that list. He was drafted #17 out of 21 in the first round with wich no one behind him in that round ammounted to anything.Graves and Teppo Numminen went in the second round but that meens every gm passed on them in round 1.
There is now way you can say there were equal ammount of bombs as gems. -
Hahahahaha!
Here comes the Toronto Media Machine spewing their fantasies! Berger makes a big deal out of Tavares saying he was flattered by Burke’s comments of trying to get him. What else could he say?
As a canadian and heavy reader of any newspapers carrying hockey (plus Sportsnet watcher and TSN, etc.) let me just say that it is going to get silly with the stories coming from T.O. You see, most Leaf fans live in a fantasy world where every other team wants truly desires their prospects. The Toronto media knows this and knows the Leaf market is huge. Thus, any chance to throw some of this stuff out there to get their fans buying their papers and listening to their radios they will.
You’ll start hearing how Tlusty, Pogge and Toronto’s first will do it. Berger just said that it would have to be Schenn, Toronto’s 7th pick and a second rounder to have a chance at getting it done. He then goes on to discuss how Schenn is a good blueliner but nothing compared to Tavares (then why would the Islanders do it, Berger?). I’m really looking forward to this draft.
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JKP on LI says:
Chyzowski was also the consensus #2 that year. Drafting isn’t an exact science.
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randy boyd says:
CB. Thanks for your relentless effort at trying to get Torrey to tell Snow what to do. The architect was shrewd enough not to swallow the bait, a surprise to no islanders fan.
For what it’s worth, it wouldn’t matter what Torrey said, Snow will make his own choice. I hope he gets this one right.
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64, I’m sorry I meant they were all Isles 1st round picks. 65 I don’t consider Tommy Fitz worth a first round pick. Hind sight is 20/20
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After reading the “comments” from Leafs fans on TSN, Now I hope the Isles get the #1 and pick Tavares just to stick it to the Toronto Media Machine and all the arrogant Leafs fans that continue to bash on the Isles. Drafting Tavares would be a great way to piss in their soup.
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King says:
This is the last straw I am sorry CB if I am breaking any guidelines by saying this, but it needs to be said. Garth Snow by telling Newsday what you did, you are a fool and if you dare to trade down again you are the dumbest person I have seen since Mad Milbury. This is our last chance it by saying what he did, I know now that he is capable of the same stupidity that Milbury was. If the Islanders trade away this pick there will not be a fan left in the stand. Tsn just posted an article on how Burke is going to try to trade up. You can bet that he is going to be calling Garth Snow after that ridiculous and completely unnecessary comment.
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Dr. Generosity says:
Great stuff. I can only wonder whether Torrey was willing to answer the JT/VH question off the record; I suppose not but we may never know. One question I’d love to see answered for the historical question—what did Pollock offer for Potvin at the ’73 Draft? As far as I know, that’s not on the record anywhere and hopefully the history of that trade offer can be told someday.
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burke has no bargaining chips. Its all chatter.
NO #1 or #2 picks are gettings traded unless the two teams decide to swap with each other.
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Yashin for President says:
everyone just relax, Garth will do the right thing.. he is just using the newspapers to get other GM’s excited.. Burke can talk all he wants but we all know that he doesnt have the assets to trade up for the 1st or 2nd in my opnion. Schenn is a nice player, but the fans love him up there and there is no way they are trading him. After Schenn, who would i want off that roster? Nobody..
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CB Great job.you have given us as fans everything that has been asked for.From expert opinions to a former GM(who somehow managed to get dumped on)and builder of a franchise.I hope in some way your work which seems tireless and unending sometimes gets rewarded at the end of the day.
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. Generosity on Apr 14th, 2009 14:13:42 said:
Great stuff. I can only wonder whether Torrey was willing to answer the JT/VH question off the record; I suppose not but we may never know. One question I’d love to see answered for the historical question—what did Pollock offer for Potvin at the ‘73 Draft? As far as I know, that’s not on the record anywhere and hopefully the history of that trade offer can be told someday.i think i once heard the story of how pollack and torrey took a walk around the block and pollock offered the world for the pick. i could swear it was torrey who related it. now i want to find it.
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whoa. apparently pollock made the offer for potvin after torrey had already drafted him. i forgot that.
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sorry CB, but this is priceless – “Before the 1973 draft, (Canadiens G.M.) Sam Pollock took me outside the Forum and around the block trying to convince me to trade him the first pick,” says Bill Torrey, remembering his days as Islanders G.M. “It was almost like he thought I’d get a vision of Bill Durnan or Howie Morenz telling me to trade Denis Potvin to the Canadiens. And maybe I did hear them.
“But his argument–their argument–wasn’t powerful enough to convince me not to take Denis Potvin for the Islanders.” -
Torrey has been around the block a few times
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Don't Mind The Haters says:
#76 – the names escape me, but the offers were not “out of this world” they were serviceable 2nd or 3rd line players. Nothing to throw away the #1 pick for.
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Taveras will sell jerseys…..Taveras will sell seats….Taveras will get the Islanders on Hockey Nite in Canada more often….What he wont do is singlehandedly change the fact that the Isles need plenty. If Atlanta offers you Bogosian, their #1 pick, a #2 and more……If Toronto wins the lottery and offers you Schenn, Hagman, their #1 pick and next years #1 pick……If Tampa offers Malone, their #1 pick, next years #1, and a #2……well ya gotta at least think about it. As fans we get nuts, the GM’s know what they are doing. Give Garth the benefit and let the draft day chips fall where they fall. That being said, I think we keep our pick
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John says:
Looks like if we end up with the first pick Mr. Burke will come calling…
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/618137
Heaven forbid, if the Leafs win the lottery they will have the 3rd pick overall… then we can worry away because Snow will be tempted to deal knowing he will be able to get Duch at 3. Ughhhh!
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what is even more funny is that leaf fans think they can get tavares without giving up luke schenn and instead they would give us kaberle. what a joke.
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jaf10 says:
What time is this thing tongiht???
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isles3113 says:
im really getting pissed off about this stuff… y do we always have to be on the edge of our seats… cant snow just make it easy on us and say if we r 1 or 2 we r picking either tavares or hedman… i will def have to think the lottery is fixed if toronto ends up winning it… snow, do us all a favor and choose tavares or hedman
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Jim says:
From McKenzie’s chat today on TSN:
JP in New York: Bob, who do you think the NY Islanders should take with their pick?
Bob McKenzie: JP, I don’t think the Isles can go wrong either way – Tavares or Hedman. Tavares is a pure finisher – he is going to score goals in the NHL and that’s never a bad thing to have – but to use a basketball analogy, he’s more of a half-court player than the other top offensive players who have gone No. 1 recently such as Steven Stamkos and Sidney Crosby, among others. He’s not a dynamic full-ice player but he has amazing finishing ability and will go to the hard places to score goals and do so in pressure situations when his team needs a goal the most. The scouts do get frustrated at times that he doesn’t play a harder, more complete game but he’s better at that now than a year ago so there’s no reason to think he won’t continue to improve in that regard. As for Hedman, there’s nothing wrong with 6-foot-6 defencemen who can move the puck and Hedman has played well enough against men in the Swedish Elite League to indicate he’s likely going to develop into a top two defenceman in the NHL. Whether this comes into it or not for the Islanders I don’t know, but defenceman take a lot longer to develop than forwards. That’s why the Carolina Hurricanes traded Jack Johnson when they did. They couldn’t afford to wait for JJ to fully develop and took Tim Gleason to give them immediate help. If time frame isn’t an issue for the rebuilding Islanders, they go either way. I kind of think they have a little more up front in terms of youthful potential with Okposo, Bailey and Comeau than they do on the blueline, but the Isles are at the stage of their development where they still need “everything.” If it was me making the pick, I would go with Tavares.
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Luke R says:
Burke is being awfully loud about wanting Tavares and its smart. If JT expresses any interest in wanting to play for Toronto, Burke is making it very difficult for the top team not to at least consider trading him. After all, who wants a franchise player whose heart isn’t entirely with your frachise? Hope he doesn’t take the bait.
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CB, I’m a big fan of the site always have been, and I just wanted to say this coverage of the lottery is fantastic. Great interviews and we’re really getting awesome insight into it. Thank you.
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Will77 says:
What I don’t understand is how could this not be considered tampering? He’s pretty much creating a situation where Tavares won’t be happy with whoever drafts them because he’d rather play in Toronto. If Tavares suddenly demands a trade after being drafted, if I was Snow I’d go balastic
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87, totally agree. It would also have some impact on his trade value if he openly said he wanted a trade. At the same time, say Tavares keeps quiet and goes to whatever team drafts him, no matter how bleak. that would show a lot of character and respect for the process. with all these rumors out there that he doesn’t want to go to LI, i’d rest a little easier.
i’m totally with 84 though. for the love of god, just say we’re picking 1 or 2.
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woops, i meant 89. of course i agree with myself.
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Frankie Boy says:
interesting little article about toronto
check out thefourthperiod.com, it says that burke wants to get his hands on the 1st overall pick -
adam says:
Tavares is the only choice if we get number one. I read before people changing their minds from JT to VH because Mr Torrey took Potvin first. Anyone who is a fan remembers guys like Bossy or Trottier, you need scorers and JT smashed #99’s record and is in a class like crosby, How is Pitt doing these days? With JT we can see real fans come back to see a great player , I am sick of all the soccer moms and kids that are more into catching a teeshirt then learning and watching the great sport of hockey. I just hope Snow does the right thing and takes the best player out there,I rahter take a chance with a scorer over a Dman. just do not pull a Mike and grab a injury prone bust (#39DP), would could have been with Luongo.
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Otter says:
Tavares! No matter how good Hedman is, nobody pays to watch defense. Look at what Crosby/Ovechkin did for their respective teams when they arrived. Neither were in the playoffs that first year but they were packing the barn day in and day out. And now look! Not to say Tavares is on their level but the buzz surrounding him is worthy of getting people to the games. And from there it’s a snowball effect. Suddenly the Islanders are a team that seemingly turns the corner, starts making some noise and no longer a buried in anonymity.
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Burke is willing to trade up,Lawton and Snow have not not ruled out trading down.It professional jockeying and it’s done at every draft.Each GM is trying to walk away from draft day a winner.I see no harm in each GM trying the best they can within the rules to beeter their team.I only hope that this continues right up untill draft day.Some of this stuff is hilarious.Garth Snow has not given any Islander fan any reason to doubt his ability at making this organization better.
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Jim Clark says: #50 I was there for the Sunday game (first two periods anyways) and the only “We want Tavares” chants I heard were the ones coming from me.
Not sure if CB wanted to get into a history lesson on the NHL draft but one thing Torrey had to worry about was the WHA. The Rebel League had shocked people the previous year in signing Bobby Hull, Gerry Cheevers, Bernie Parent and Derek Sanderson. Torrey during the regular season had traded for Dennis Potvin’s older brother Jean which was a signal and incentive for Potvin to become an Islander.
Don’t feel too sorry for Montreal GM Sam Pollack. He ended up drafting a Hall of Famer in Bob Gainey, although that was a surprising pick.
There are more teams now than 36 years ago but keep in mind the talent pool is much larger. There were a few Swedes such as Borge Salming but nobody from east of the Iron Curtain (unless you count Stan Mikita). Not many Americans either. So you ought to be able to find talent in the second and third round.
Got a letter from the Town of Hempstead in response to my email asking Kate Murray to support the Lighthouse project. Threw it away unread after seeing the first line about “information not being told”. Build it, Kate, and I will come. -
EVERYONE TAKE A LOOK AT POSTING NUMBER 53. I’m sorry Chris, but I have to get a little hard on this guy.
1. Nobody is perfect. To point out the few times that Torrey wasn’t perfect is absurd. Are you perfect? Have you never made a mistake?
2. There are clearly a few names that don’t belong in that list. It is very cruel and judgmental to inlcude people like Duncan Mcpherson (WHO DIED before his potential was known) and Dalgarno who got seriously messed up by Joe Kocur, and IMO could have been a great power forward if not for the kocur fight injury. Tom Fitzgerald was not a serious scorer, but he was a character guy that every championship team needs. He was huge in 1993′s run and for the panthers 96 run also. Dave Chyzowski had all the tools on draft day. Torrey is not Jesus Christ and he is not a psychic. No body on earth could tell ahead of time that Chyzowski would be a pothead loser. Making draft pics is a very hard thing to do. It is not in human beings nature to make predictions about how a human being may or may not behave in 5 years. STOP WITH THE UNFAIR JUDGMENTS. DRAFTING IS NEVER PERFECT -
Gloobenberg says:
On TSN.ca,,,the picture of the guy holding the Isles logo, click on that and scroll down to the end..people post comments.
You gotta see what theyre saying about us!
all the more reason i want Tavares!
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
LOL CB!! After reading Logie’s Newsday column that suggested that Snow may get creative again … because he hasn’t decided … and needs about 3 more meetings to decide on their needs .. Come On!!! 3 more meetings … we all here know what the Isles need … even if we disagree on the priority of those needs.
Torrey made it clear that the Isles can’t lose if they draft Tavares or Hedman … This is a Hall of Fame Legend Garth … listen up!!! … My faith in Garth is hanging on the thread of this draft … he makes the wrong move he’s worse than Milbury in my eyes.
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Nobody and I mean nobody can put more fans in the seats at a faster pace than Taveres. So it does not matter who some of these GM’s attempted to trade to get the pick. the bottom line is Taveres will fill the stands and bring hope to a desperate team, no other player can do that, not Lacaviler, Bozak, etc. Nothing will create the electricity of this kid. So Snow would have to be boaderline certifiable aka Milbury if he made a trade, that goes for the second pick as well!!
Very predictable by Torrey. God bless him. But unfortunately we have Garth Snow and whether or not he was being prudent in leaving all his windows open (even hinting at trading) it was the last thing we as a fan base needed to hear. History can repeat itself. Hopefully it will be the history from Torrey’s era and not last years draft day.