FIRST OVERALL PICK POLL: FINAL RESULTS
John Tavares - 553, Victor Hedman - 67

Thank you to the more than 600 individual readers who participated. If you have a follow-up thought, please note this is also a one-Comment-per reader thread. Next up: a preview of Bridgeport vs. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton.

89 Responses to “FIRST OVERALL PICK POLL: FINAL RESULTS
John Tavares - 553, Victor Hedman - 67”  

  1. 1 Glenn

    I don’t seem to remember if Toronto thought it was entitled to Crosby, but I don’t think so. DO THE RIGHT THING, GARTH!

  2. 2 hathead68

    Mr.Snow, please draft Tavares not only for everything he will do for our Islanders, but also so we can stick it to Toronto!!! Can’t even say what I feel about them, so I won’t even try.

  3. 3 Sumo Goalie

    And with the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the Toronto Maple Leafs….errrr…I mean the New York Islanders pick,from the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, John Tavares.

  4. 4 Ajax

    Be humble Garth, then take JT

  5. 5 Blizzard

    Ummm I guess the fans want JT.

  6. 6 shappy

    I cant decide who i want more so ill leave it at this: We have the first pick, as long as one of JT or VH is an islander come draft day, we win.

  7. 7 jethro09

    The Toronto media, all of them, are a bunch of pompous a**clowns. Its amazing how they try to create a sense of entitlement to John Tavares, as if he is pre-ordained to play there. I am really starting to despise all of them, including the Leafs’ fans, who are buying the crap and propoganda being sold to them by the Toronto media hook, line and sinker.

    Screw them all Garth. Now take Tavares not only because he’s the best available, but also to stick it to Burke and the rest of the tampering, pompous media and arrogant fanbase in Toronto

  8. 8 Devon

    HEDDDDDD MANNNNNN

  9. 9 Kevin Schultz

    lmao @ that vote total…

    /not using my one comment wisely

  10. 10 Islebethere4u

    First and foremost I’d like to thank you Chris for creating this blog and giving me and all the other Islander fans a place to talk Islanders. The number one reason I think you should keep this going is that there is no one else to “clear the air” where the Isles are concerned. Your previous piece about the “fawning TO media” proves that. Your insight and knowledge far and away blows anyone else away. For this we thank you.

    I do not envy the organization one bit going into this next draft. Some people think this is a no brainer and others like myself think its a tough call no matter how you look at it. After seeing the numbers on who to take, there’s no question Tavares is clearly the fan’s choice. So now I lean that way too. I know you said Gilroy is out of the picture but I’d still like to see him on the Island. I think He’d be worth it, especially if you don’t look at any FA’s seriously. He’s a young kid yet to be molded. So, Garth, if you reading this, my choice is now Tavares and also go for Gilroy. Thanks for listening.

  11. 11 upstatenyifan

    I am so glad I just have to live with this decision and not be the one who makes it. I really want Garth to come away with Tavares, but would not be disappointed at all if they decide on Hedman. I am really looking forward to the draft. but not only for the #1 pick, but to see what they make of all of the stockpiled picks in the early rounds. It’s fun to be an Islander fan right now!

  12. 12 heineken

    Now CB bring the final vote and present to Garth And Co.
    Great work CB! Thanks for the intresting articles each day!
    Tavares is ours NYI!

  13. 13 txdbog

    thats 88% for Tavares. Newsdays poll was also around that number. If on June 26 Tavares doesnt become an islander i will literally cry

  14. 14 Justin

    I’m not a fan of Brian Burke at all, but I think it’s obvious the Leafs will get much better in a hurry because of him. But I love Garth’s style, very professional and I don’t think he’ll ever get intimidated by a rival GM. Kind of the way he played, never backed down.

  15. 15 JD

    If nothing else, we’re showing Tavares how much he is wanted here on LI. We need him because he is the best out there to be had, and he will have the biggest impact on our drive for 5.

    And as far as the Toronto/Burke media show, who cares! Let them make their noise…it’s actually kinda fun to listen to that level of desperation, and it’s not like I forgot our playoff series against those bastards in 2002. Revenge is sweet. Heh heh.

  16. 16 Lee

    Wow — that was a real barn burner. I’m one of the people who voted for Hedman, but to be honest, I’ll be ecstatic to root for either one of them.

  17. 17 KO21

    I love how Garth actually said “I won’t even mention the name” and “Im not going to sit on a soap box and grandstand”…

    I’m starting like the way Garth is handling himself, a contrast of what “Mad Mike Milbury” would do…All Isles fans need to hear this…
    http://www.640toronto.com/HostsandShows/LeafsLunch/Audio.aspx

  18. 18 The PolishPrince

    Mad Mike would go to Toronto and beat Burkie with his own shoe and then pick a goalie with the #1 pick. I can’t say I’ve been real disappointed so far with Garth’s moves and the way he has handled himself. Is it because I had the bar set low or because Snow’s actualy doing a decent job? Please Garth, do the right thing and draft Tavares. The fans have spoken lol.

  19. 19 Zigmund

    Normally I would understand taking the Defensemen over a goal scorer but the Isles are not in a normal situation (lighthouse being the main reason) and therefore need the star power that Tavares will bring.

  20. 20 DC23

    I have only seen each of them play once, so like most people posting on this blog, it’s a matter of how to build a team. I can see why most want JT. I believe you build with defense, sort of how Boston did it. I stick with my pick of Hedman.

  21. 21 Brian from Massapequa

    The results of PB poll are no surprise to me. I’m on board with the clear cut fans choice. Though I know that Garth and company’s choice will not be based upon fan sentiment, it would be nice to see both views coincide unlike last year’s draft when 2/3 of the folks walked out of the coliseum when the Isles traded down.

    I also appreciate what the Islanders are doing by not coming out and saying they will draft Tavares right away. There is the minimal possibility that someone could offer a deal that completely blows away the Isles (ala the Philly-Quebec deal for Lindros, yes different circumstances I know). I assume this will not happen and would rather see Tavares on LI next season, but you never know what could be offered.

  22. 22 Macch

    I hope Garth checks out your website CB

  23. 23 Dank516

    554 Tavares!

  24. 24 eric

    even potvin #1pick said we should pick travares #1.
    on hockey this morn. xm. go potvin!!!!

  25. 25 Rob

    ya potvin

  26. 26 Bill Jaffe is the Man

    I already created John Tavares in an Islander uniform in my 2009 NHL game. It’s a sure thing. I know we all reacted when we traded down for Bailey, but that actually worked out, funny enough. Snow isn’t stupid. Even if Tavares sucked and we we’re all chanting Tavares, if he knows all of us are dying for him and looking at the poll Chris layed out for us, he’d draft him to make us happy. Happy fans fill seats. That’s the game. Garth is doing a good job. If anything, he’ll wind up packaging our San Jose pick with a 2nd rounder for a mid first round pick probably to Toronto or even Edmonton. Both of them need as much help as possible.

  27. 27 Dlr

    If the Isles can use unproven talent to lure proven talent, fine. But, it better be a solid trade Garth. Frankly, I couldnt care less which one we draft or if we trade the pick. Just get the best value. Im not in love with some player we dont know: Im in love with winning. CB- thxs for all the info. Great reads.

  28. 28 dmen77

    We, as loyal fans, stuck with this team and bought into Garth’s plan that we need to rebuild from the ground up.

    I totally bought into it and would feel even more confident if a sniper like Tavares is drafted, it will make this painful season actually feel worth it.

    Although Hedman might solidify our defense so we can win 2-1 games, that brand of hockey is boring and does not make the team very attractive.

    Let’s win with excitement, not with boredum!

  29. 29 Frank

    #26, I did the very same thing by creating JT on Be a Pro Mode. But you’re also right about Snow; he’s really not that bad except that I just wish that he would go for more UFA’s

  30. 30 Islesman

    If I was Snow I would tell Burke if he wants JT so bad he and is management team have to show up at the draft dressed as all four village people, and He would have be dressed as the Indian Chef with his butt checks exposed. As they walk up to the Podium they have sing YMCA.

  31. 31 eric

    wait for it… wait for it… wait for it…

    cup.

    in garth we trust.

  32. 32 Islanders1984

    We should all chip in ( well the Tavares supporters) and buy a full page ad in Newsday asking Snow to draft John Tavares. U htink that will get JT’s attention

  33. 33 19 ISLE in NJ 22

    Tavares will love the passion and loyalty us DIEHARDS have … we are every bit as passionate and insane as the most passionate and insane Leaf fan … sure there aren’t as many of us … but in the NYC market there is so much more to spend time and money on… and none of it comes close to being as good as hockey.

    In the previous thread us Isles fans and Leaf fans got worked up into a lather … it just shows the passion of the fan base and I love that … I just wish insults to Canada, Toronto, NY, USA & Long Island weren’t involved … it shows lack of debate skills. The issue is Toronto media and their elitist attitude … nothing personal against Leaf fans or Isles fans .. we’re all hockey fans that love our teams and it’s great that we defend them. Canadian fans would be pleasantly surprised at the respect and love we have for the game down here, and how well we can play it. The worst things for hockey in America is our own media and the expense to have a kid play … more than school tuition by far.

  34. 34 Rob76

    Islanders1984(32) - I’m down to throw money in for that…all i need is where to send the check!

  35. 35 Steve

    The fans have spoken. Thank you for giving us this platform, Chris. I hope Garth and Ryan are listening.

  36. 36 Justin

    Well said 19 ISLE. Nothing made me sicker than the booing of the American and Canadian anthems in the playoffs a few years ago and it happened in Canada and here. Toronto is an awesome city. I don’t like their hockey team, but the city is well worth a visit.

  37. 37 isles99

    after listening to snows interview on leafs lunch, im pretty sure snow is NOT TRADING….he specifically said “we are getting a special player with THIS PICK”

  38. 38 Matt

    isles99, snow said the same thing last year and traded down twice.

  39. 39 mapisles2025

    I really like Ryan Ellis. I think he would be a great addition to our team, especially filling the role as a possible NHL ready defensive prospect. He’s expected to go around 10th earliest, so I say trade SJ’s pick along with a 2nd or whatever else it takes to move up and grab this stud. He’s played with Tavares on Team Canada and this year in the OHL he had 89 points in 57 games. Not bad for an 18 year old d-man (lead all OHL dmen in points)…and as of right now he has 20 points in 11 playoff games. Add Ryan Ellis, along with John Tavares, and we will have one hell of a young, talented team.

  40. 40 JZimm

    A little help from Islander fans, please:

    About 27 years ago, there was a Christmas cartoon, where the kids were playing hockey. One of the kids in the cartoon was wearing an Islander jersey with a #22 on it. Anyone remember the name of that show?

    Anyway, the reason why I’m writing this is because if the Islander do in fact draft Tavares, an Islander Tavares jersey will sell nation wide…. and internationally (meaning Canada). Unless there’s some funky clause in some funky contract, that should be revenue in the Islanders’ pocket. Drafting Tavares is the wisest thing that the Islanders can do in so many ways. As far as the skating goes… Mike Bossy and the WONDERFUL (a little sarcastic, but in a positive way) Wayne Gretzky weren’t fast skaters either. Tavares will be great here… as will Hedman, but I want the offense more. Wish we could have them both.

    Still, if anyone remembers the name of that cartoon/Christmas special, I would love to know. Thank you.

  41. 41 Tim

    I didn’t get a chance to vote, but would have voted for JT. He’s a special offensive player who will give the Isles an identity throughout the league. That said, if the scouting staff decides that Hedman is their guy and they draft him, I can live with that. If they trade the pick, though, I’ll go nuts.

  42. 42 JZimm

    #39 - I agree, Ryan Ellis is an absolute gem. If you saw him at this past WJC, there are plenty of reasons to want him.

  43. 43 Islesman

    What’s great - we were the reason they didn’t get into the playoffs in 2007 and now we have this player they are just gushing over.. Looks like Karma is bitch for 2001 playoff B.S. they pulled..

  44. 44 TimQ

    I voted for Hedman but I’m obviously not going to cry if we pick Tavares. My only concern is that we’re constantly hearing about these can’t miss offensive studs that turn into 20-25 goal guys. Hopefully JT is the real deal.

  45. 45 eric

    how is jt at face offs?

  46. 46 greg

    I was thinking the same thing #45, after watching Toews dominate the circle at 20 years old, I would like to see what Tavares has to offer. Camilleri and Havlat both UFA this summer, I know its a never happening, but they just sold themselves tonight.

  47. 47 Scott D.

    Two points:

    1. Now way they do anything but draft Tavares. Initially, I agreed with CB and everyone else that they should declare Tavares their choice right off the bat. But I’m coming around to this waiting thing. Just look at the buzz this has generated. The fan base is in a frenzy. Why not let that build up for a while, especially knowing that in the end you’re going to deliver what the people want?

    2. Watching Chicago tonight, I couldn’t help but see them as a team the Islanders could very much resemble two years from now. In many ways, Tavares and Okposo could be to the Isles what Kane and Toews are to Hawks. Kane is the former first overall pick, the face of the franchise, the high-scoring sniper whose arrival re-energized the fan base. And Toews is the talented, hard-working team captain (as I suspect Okposo will be someday soon) who is the team’s best all-around player. Khabibulin even has some resemblance to DiPietro in that he missed two full seasons at a young age. Anyway, just an observation.

  48. 48 JZimm

    Don’t forget to root for the Ducks tonight.

  49. 49 jonw

    Of the 550+ that voted for JT wonder how many actually know anything about him other then he’s a pure finisher.How good is he on draws?,what’s his work ethic like?,how well of a passer is he?,how good of a skater is he really?,can he forcheck well?,how hard does he backceck?

  50. 50 Jason W.

    I’m just happy that we have the overall #1 pick and we can debate this ’till draft day.

    All season I worried that we would suffer through this season and not get the #1.

  51. 51 Snowman

    CB, I know the NYI read your blog and that total will get back to Garth. But if you could please mention that vote total to him the next time you speak to him that would be great. I would think eventually he’d have to make a move that was overwhelmingly popular with the fans and actually be happy about it.

  52. 52 Luke R

    50, complete agree. no country EVER deserves to have their anthem booed. the mere suggestion is an embarrassment to read as an islanders fan. let’s show some class here.

    the islanders are in the drivers seat. there’s nothing toronto or anyone else can say or do to change that. its not worth getting up in arms about burke because he can’t, and won’t, affect the islanders’ decision on draft day.

  53. 53 DPS

    The thing that kills me is that the leafs have been horrible for 40 years. Its not like the Green Bay Packers or something where they have a great history and have recently won a couple superbowls. This team has been just as bad as the islanders. I agree we have a ton of work to do but TML fans I hate to tell you, your leafs are terrrible.

  54. 54 Peter

    I dont think any of us are qualified to even have an opinion on the draft including CB (ya I know opinions is what makes sports talk fun).

    Watching one or two tournaments and a handful of games is not enough to get a feel for any of the players. Basing one’s opinions of a player on someone else’s opinion is also very weak.

    Need I remind you that there were people who thought Bailey was a defensive two way player and had strong contempt for the GM. And this is a player who played in the OHL.

    The fact of the matter is that most of us would not be able to pick out who is who if all of them skated without jerseys or any identifiable piece of equipment (ya except for the unusual such as Hedman who is tall and Kane who has a dark complexion) yet we will go to great lenghts to classify decisions as steals and busts waiting to happen based on less the 1% of info on the player in question when the scout of gm had 70% of the info needed to make a good decision (arbitrary numbers obviously).

    That is my rant.

  55. 55 eye on the island

    where are you hockey faithful? no commenting on the ducks being up 1, this is arguably just as important to our future, for if the sharks loss in the first round we can do some major damage in terms of moving up

  56. 56 Strummer's Army

    I am still so excited that the Isles can choose between John Tavares or Victor Hedman!

  57. 57 nyislanders93

    eye on the island (60)- The way the draft order is determined is:
    First the Clubs which failed to qualify for the next preceding playoffs in the order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest points total and followed by the Club having the next lowest points total, and so forth.

    The Clubs which participated in the next preceding playoffs (but had not been ranked first in their respective Divisions and did not make the Conference Finals) in order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the next preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest total points and followed by the Club having the next lowest total points, and so forth.

    The Clubs which had been ranked first in their Divisions during the next preceding season (but had not made the Conference Finals ) in the order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the next preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest total points and followed by the Club having the next lowest total points, and so forth.

    The Clubs who lose in the Conference Finals in the order of points earned by each of them in the regular schedule of the next preceding season starting with the Club having the lowest total points and followed by the Club having the next lowest total points.

    The Club which loses in the Finals shall select next to last.

    The Stanley Cup winner shall select last, thus, positioning all Clubs on the list.

    If the Sharks lose in the first round, they would fall under the category of a division leader who didn’t make it to the conference finals.

    Sorry if this is above the 100 word limit, but it is useful information for the Sharks 1st round pick.

  58. 58 Mikey

    Great post Peter (59). I agree 100 percent. It’s fun to play armchair GM and pretend you know who we should draft. I did it last year and became obsessed with Filatov based on a few games I had seen. In hindsight, my opinion was based on emotion and not information. I’ve learned my lesson;I’m not going let that happen again.

    At the end of the day, there’s only one number in this poll that really matters: zero. That is likely the number of people on this board (including CB) who have seen both players in 10+ games. We are simply not qualified to make a recommendation to Garth. Just let him trust his scouting staff, and let’s calm down during the next 2 months.

  59. 59 Brian from Massapequa

    Anaheim 1, San Jose 0, 8:30 left in the 3rd, San Jose power play.

    Save the cheering or (and dare I say booing) of anthems where it belongs, the Olympics and other international competitions

  60. 60 DM

    just read on newsday that gilroy’s not coming here…fine by me - still think we should draft tavares #1, but 3 million per year on that “kid” isn’t worth it even if we need a few more impact d-men, too.

  61. 61 JZimm

    Everyone is qualified to have an opinion. To say that specific people do not have qualified opinions is not right. No one can speak for what someone else has, or has not, seen. I saw Scott Hartnell play for play for Prince Albert in 2000, Mike Comrie play for Michigan Wolverines in 99, and Mike Komisarek play for St. Anthonys in ‘97. And that’s just to name a few. I have seen a fair share of players who were yet to be drafted play the game. I am not a scout, but I am an avid hockey fan who’s been all over the states and Canada. Hell, I even saw Eric Lindros play before he played his first NHL game when the Flyers had their training camp in Prince Edward Island in 1992. I’ve only seen Hedman and John Tavares in World Junior Championship hockey on TV. But based on what I’ve seen, Tavares has tremendous hockey sense, passes well, and is a pure goal scorer. Hedman is a silky smoot skater. Has a great shot, and will make any team happy. So having said that, I can not speak for what Chris Botta has or has not seen. I can’t speak for anyone else, either. So it is a considerable assumption for you to judge us and/or our opinions.

    I agree with you on the Bailey thing. I had no feelings about it. I didn’t know much about him. I think that Tavares will be an Islander, and based on what I’ve seen out of Bailey, he will be a #2 center that will be the envy of 29 other NHL teams.

  62. 62 IslesFanInBkNY

    Go! Go! Anaheim Ducks 2 : 0 San Jose Sharks… 2 min to go… @ San Jose.

  63. 63 randy wood

    Its all over , go DUCKS . 3 more games plzzzzz

  64. 64 lefty

    Thanks for taking the time to count them up!! Does Snow read this site?

    Nice victory for young Chicago tonight. That can be us soon.

  65. 65 DavidNYC

    If San Jose is somehow upset, how far down can our 2nd 1st rounder move down?

  66. 66 Booten

    This is most likely a moot point when all is said and done but I think the Islanders are favoring Tavares because both Kenny Morrow and Garth mentioned how they were excited for the fans first in their respective addresses (Morrow in the draft lottery and Garth on that Toronto radio station I believe). Obviously, Tavares is the fan’s choice and by them both choosing to mention the fans first I believe they recognize both the organization and the fans are on the same page by ranking Tavares as their #1 pick.

    As always, this is just my two cents.

  67. 67 DonK

    I have no idea how Burke plans to get a pick that would get him near enough to Tavares to shake his hand. The Leafs have almost nothing that the GM of a rebuilding team would want — their farm system is nearly barren. But if I’m Snow and I detect that Burke will do almost anything, here’s the price:

    1) This year’s No. 2 overall pick (meaning he needs to deal with Tampa Bay first to get that one) so I can draft Hedman
    2) Luke Schenn
    3) Your first-rounder in 2010

    When Burke has that available …

  68. 68 Ugly Roe From Massapequa

    #66, good trade idea, except I would make them throw in their arena for ours as well.

  69. 69 Dave

    I was just watching Highlights from that 2002 playoff series Vs Toronto and man i cant wait for playoff hockey again on the island. People think that we dont have a passion for our team let them listen to the crowd when bates scores that shootout goal against cujo or When Cairns pumbles corson in game 6. Playoff hockey will be back on Long Island soon and i can not wait. P.S. John Tavares =)

  70. 70 KO21

    The more I worry about it the more I realize we shouldnt worry, Garth will chose Taveres, he hears us and hopefully both himself and Wang realize whats best for ticket sales…they should take Taveres, makes perfect business sense….

  71. 71 C.J.

    My only hope is that Snow and co. make a “hockey decision” as opposed to a “business decision”.

    If you can assure me of that, I’ll be happy with whoever the Islanders select.

  72. 72 Joey303

    Lets go back to 1981 - A year where the Islanders won the Cup :) A sexy, cant miss running back, who happened to be a Heisman trophy winner, broke all records at South Carolina. Man, he was special. Man, he was the goods - a game changer, All American. There was this linebacker, also an All American, a beast at North Carolina. Rogers or Taylor, Taylor or Rogers. Rogers or Taylor…lets have a poll………..553 Rogers, 67 LT.
    The rest is history….Lets not be too quick on annointing a new king. Im in the 8%, but my gut says Hedman all the way!!!
    I see a Rogers/LT here

  73. 73 Healy

    CB…Any plans on sharing the poll with the organization in any way? I am not saying Snow would make a decision based on what the fans want, its his call to make. But I am very curious if he is aware of the attitude of the fans regarding this upcoming draft. Most everything I’ve read and people I’ve talked to are saying they would rather see Tavares, wouldn’t mind Hedmen, and would hate trading the pick away.

  74. 74 Brother Rat

    Peter (now #54): I agree completely.

    By and large, none of us fans are really qualified to make these decisions…as none of us are privy to the sorts of info that GMs can get, nor are we really schooled in player evaluation as I bet most of us haven’t played professional hockey. Hearing some commentators talk about some guys or catching some small clips of a guy on youtube isn’t enough, nor is just having some gut feeling–we haven’t watched these guys develop, met their family, spoken with real guys in the game about their take, etc. Presumably, Garth & Ryan have.

    That said, the dynamic between fans & their teams is interesting to see. It’s not like we’re taxpayers, able to hold our elected officials accountable. But, we can vote with our voices and paychecks, and we do have a vested interest in keeping the team around and doing well–but that’s more of an emotional interest, so you can argue as to whether that should trump those with large financial/employment interests. The problem is that we haven’t had a lot of faith that player decisions were made in truly the best interests of the team for many years before fairly recently. I trust Garth’s promise, but both he and Ryan (at 35?) are still growing into their roles.

  75. 75 The Commodore

    Ha! This is hilarious!
    We’ce chosen… wisely!

  76. 76 MaxC

    Fantastic site. Have enjoyed it all season.

    My only hope for the draft is that Snow stays focused on the ultimate goal. Not simply making the playoffs. Not making the fans happy on draft day. Not being praised by the media. The only objective should be picking the player who will further the goal of winning a championship.

    Other than a few youtube highlights, I have not seen any of the top prospects play. I suspect that is the case for most Islander fans. If Snow believes Victor Hedman or Matt Duchene will produce more wins for the team, I have no problem with choosing either player.

    If Snow gets it right, chooses the player who turns out to be a winner and the team succeeds, he will be a hero. If he blows it, he will be fired. Whether or not the fans or media are happy on draft day will ultimately be irrelevant.

  77. 77 UIF

    Jonw (49) - I’m sure the same is true of many who voted for Hedmen. I’ve seen people say we should draft Hedmen because we drafted Potvin first overall and “defense wins championships”. That’s not exactly displaying in-depth knowledge of the finer details of Hedmen’s game. I think because we don’t know how they will turn out in their pro careers, the decision for most of us is, given the assumption that both develop into legitimate #1s at their respective positions, do you want the goal-scoring center or the all-around defenseman?

  78. 78 Justin Marques

    Snow knows he needs both Victor Hedman and John Tavares. He understands how desperately he needs a true number one defenseman, and he understands how desperately he truly needs a franchise center to build around. In my opinion, I think Garth is going to see what Tampa Bay is willing to give up in order to move from number 2 overall to number 1 overall. If they are willing to give us their second round pick this year, and maybe a third rounder next year, I wouldn’t doubt seeing Garth make the trade. Tampa Bay’s second round pick this year is 32nd overall. We’d have the second overall pick, 28th (most likely) overall pick, and the 31st, 32nd, and 37th overall picks. That’s insane. We could either select 5 top quality players, or we could try to package our late first and two seconds to try and move into the top 12. Just an idea.

  79. 79 JoeRiverside

    CB: Find a way to send JT a link to this Blog.
    Keep up the great work. I check this site almost daily!

  80. 80 kevin fitz

    Huge win by Anaheim last night!! Let’s hope they win the series so we also get the 22nd or 23rd pick in the draft!

  81. 81 bob l

    @49, plenty of helpers for my taste…
    OHL totals 247games 215g 218a 433pts 255pim, couldnt find anything on face-offs though

    @77, i think TB would have taken Hedman, they have a nice offense and most of their prospects are offensive players, hedman is the best fit for them, so trading up is unrealistic unless they planned on trading vinny and replacing him with jt…

  82. 82 sec301

    show those numbers to garth, CB

  83. 83 NYI FAN

    553 to 67, what a landslide! I’m glad this blog is not on the LH approval voting committee! :)
    CB, thanks for the great new blog, all tavaresallthetime.com, this is going to drive people crazy till June. Seriously, thanks for letting Isles fans a have chance to feel good about something for a change.

  84. 84 Mark P

    I am on board with the full page ad(#32), CB get you organize the collection efforts?

  85. 85 bob l

    @80, i think SJ’s lowest possible draft spot is #26, here are the rules…
    # The current Stanley Cup champion picks last (30th).
    # The Stanley Cup runner-up picks 29th.
    # The other two Conference Finalists pick 28th and 27th.
    # Regular-season division winners hold the other lowest positions.
    # Remaining teams draft in order of fewest points to most points from the previous regular season.

  86. 86 dalcy

    the mob has spoken. We Want Barabbas…,I mean, We Want Tavares!

  87. 87 gary9-19-22

    Call me dumb but… We have a stock pile of top picks in the first two rounds and Colorado is depleated.
    Whats the chances of trading all our picks (excpet #1 overall) for the #3 pick? Throw in a J-Tam or someone plus a goalie.
    Col has nothing in the minors and are probably in worse shape than the Isles at this time. We could even take someone to releave Cap pressure if they like.
    Then I would take Hedman #1, and then whomever is left at #3.

  88. 88 Since72

    #s 39, 42- Let’s start a “draft Ryan Ellis” fan club. Kid is dynamic. Dominated WJC. Sure we have lots of smallish “D” prospects already, but let’s sign Komy from Montreal for size and if Ness et.al. pan out, there is always a market for offensive d-men. There is something about that Ellis kid! A lot of teams are going to wish they had drafted him.

  89. 89 lefty

    Come on Snow make us happy.

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