JOHN TAVARES IS NOT THE PROPERTY OF TORONTO
Although you might think so by the TO coverage
What a bizarre dynamic, this notion in some quarters of the Toronto media that somehow they and the Maple Leafs are above the game because - you know - hockey is very popular there.
Where does this come from, the idea that John Tavares somehow belongs to them and teams like the Islanders are not worthy?
Maybe it’s because the Hockey Hall of Fame is there. No wait, I got it. It must be all the Stanley Cups captured in Ontario over the last four decades.
After the lottery on Tuesday night, I wrote about how Leafs Prez Brian Burke would immediately go to work on his “fawning media corps.” Sure enough, he did yesterday morning. He called Garth Snow and then he let word out that he called Garth Snow. Of course, the media jumped all over it - never mind the fact the Leafs do not have anything of value to offer the Islanders.
Anyway, I received an email from a major Toronto sports columnist taking exception to “fawning media corps.” It was from a writer I’ve known for a while and I like and respect, in large part because he doesn’t fawn. He’s tough, he stands by what he writes and he doesn’t let anyone - let alone a GM or PR flak - try to tell him what to do.
But instead of him bashing me in the email for what I wrote, he managed to turn it into a dissertation of how hockey matters in Toronto and doesn’t on Long Island.
“Should I interpret ‘fawning media corps’ to be a reference to hockey media in a town where people actually care about the team and thus significant numbers of media people actually get paid by independent media organizations to cover the team, not just blog from their basements? Too funny coming from Long Island of all places.”
(Ah yes, the ol’ everyone-blogs-from-their-basements counterpunch. I’m surprised he didn’t say we all write in our pajamas at mom’s house).
The hockey haughtiness in some parts of Toronto can be a little scary. Correct me if I’m wrong, but did any local sports columnist write that A.J. Burnett should sign with the Yankees and bolt the Blue Jays because baseball is much more popular in New York?
Funny thing about that email on Long Island’s lack of passion for their hockey team. Around the same time the Toronto writer sent it, Islanders fans were pounding this blog with more than 300 comments in the first 20 minutes after I posted a draft poll.
In Toronto, you have a Sun columnist telling John Tavares for two months that he shouldn’t join the Islanders. There’s the recent piece in the supposedly higher-standard Globe & Mail advising Burke to essentially tamper with Tavares (”the right phone call here, the proper whisper there.”).
A radio reporter breathlessly bragged in his online column about how he called JT right away to tell him the wonderful news that Burke wanted him. Okay, while you’re at it you might want to let the kid know the Leafs don’t have anything to offer. Remember now, Luke Schenn - the next Scott Stevens, the way he’s billed in TO - is already untouchable.
And then there was the excellent, pre-eminent Star columnist who authored a fairly respectful column on the Islanders, but chose not to take one minute to make a phone call or Google to get some vital facts correct: “Owner Charles Wang is threatening to move if he can’t get public money for a new arena on Long Island.” Besides the fact Wang isn’t looking for public money, the deal is already done with Nassau County for the land and the entire project is centered around a renovated NVMC and not a new arena, the columnist got everything in that sentence right.
The Toronto writer ticked off about my “fawning media corps” comment and I exchanged some follow-ups. I told him my jab wasn’t aimed at him. I made my baseball in New York analogy. I defiantly boasted that he could thumb his nose at hockey bloggers in New York all he wants, but I work as hard and I’m as passionate about the sport as any writer in Toronto.
He countered that I should have been specific, that by taking a broad swipe at every media person in his city, I brought down a lot of hard-working people. That was completely fair, and I told him I was wrong to do that. For the record, there are countless members of the Toronto sports media who are outstanding, dedicated, accurate and who are not Leafs booster club members.
And then I informed him I write most of this blog in my den, not my basement.
Comments.
CB-I blogged the same thing. It’s disgusting really.
Chris, you are the man!
BTW…is was in my parents basement and I was wearing my Isles jammies.
That analogy about AJ Burnett signing with the Yankees and what Toronto writers thought about it….
…that was your most stinging damnation yet. Just fantastic.
And that’s coming from a Yankee-hater!
CB, well timed entry. I just listened to Garth Snow’s interview on Leafs Lunch from yesterday. As much as I complain about him, anyone who hears that should agree…Garth handled himself admirably. He didn’t even acknowledge Burke by naming him when asked about possibly trading the pick away. Very well done.
If anyone hasn’t heard it yet, it’s here
http://www.640toronto.com/HostsandShows/LeafsLunch/Home.aspx
yeah CB you tell those ba$terds we are not gonna take it anymore. They can stick their elitist holier than thou attitude you know where! Take Tavares just to piss them off.
Its nothing new just ask Eli Manning or Eric Lindros. Difference is that the Giants had something tangible to offer - o good team with a good chance of winning. And if you think this is bad just follow the saga of Christian Rinaldo in European soccer.
Just saw an article on Globe and Mail that Snow and Lawton are willing to listen to offers. Really does seem like a conspiricy. The one thing that Garth should recognize is that no-matter who he likes-Taveras is the number one pick. If he wants Hedman he needs to trade down to #2 to take him and get extra assets…he cannot just pass on Taveras. If he really wants Hedman, he can then let Burke rearrange all the picks like he did in the Sedin draft year. Leave the draft with Hedman and Duchene with alot of manuevering….and I think we could get over leaving Taveras behind. Make Burke work VERY hard and give up EVERYTHING. To just take Hedman would be a waste of a prime asset. Kind of like picking a goalie first that happened to have a good game when the GM was there scouting.
I can’t wait until the hockey world realizes how much we love hockey in Long Island.. Its so funny that half of the current Ranger fans were probably Islander fans sometime in the early 80’s or at least watching us and envying us. It just goes to show how the times have changed and we are where we are. Even if we do draft Taveras there will still be some people that are hesitant to come to the games and still watch. All i am saying is that LI’s fanbase is still here and we will get our respect as a hockeytown soon..
I love how Toronto media thinks they own Tavares, yet the Leafs want to sign Long Island’s own Gilroy.
I think we should trade the #1 pick to Tampa - let them move up to #1 and we take #2 and another draft pick - then we just draft whoever Tampa doesn’t pick. I am tired of this Tavares/Hedman/Toronto Media crap. I’d be happy with either player and right now Hedman is beginning to look like the better catch - he doesn’t have Canada media crap breathing down his neck.
I’m not a vindictive, spiteful person by nature. My sole criteria for who Snow will pick is to make sure Tavares, Hedman, Duchesne, or Joe Blow will be the right guy to foster the development of this team back to respectability, then beyond to challenge for the Cup.
But reading the superior attitude of some in the Toronto media, and the incredibly dismissive attitude they have for Long Island, I implore Snow to take Tavares. I was leaning towards him before. Now, I just want to see Toronto lose their collective lunch on Draft Day.
I’m an Isles fan living in Toronto and it is absolutely comical what I hear on the radio and TV these days. The Leafs have NOTHING remotely close in assets to try and lure the #1 pick away. I think they all know that and are bitter that “their boy” will be playing on Long Island for many years to come.
CB for the win.
[IMG]http://i365.photobucket.com/albums/oo93/mwhitmire1/byahfn1.gif[/IMG]
Even if Snow doesn’t have Tavares ranked #1 he should take him anyway just to shove it in Toronto’s face. This may sound dumb but we all know that Tavares is an almost “can’t miss prospect” either way.
all due respect to islander fans (which i have been for 17 years) but could you understand why people in toronto would think that we don’t care about hockey? sure we sell out from time to time on hollidays and when the rangers come in (half the building is ranger fans) but when the building is half full more often then not people take notice.
The Toronto Media is complete garbage. Everything is soley focused on how hockey is so much better there versus here. I am tired of it. This blog has been blowing up with comments from fans that are more passionate then Leafs fans. Why because we have put up with so much turmoil and we are still here. The Leafs sucked for a couple years and they want this magic pill of Taveras well its our turn so were taking your Golden Boy (Hopefully) so deal with it.
Great post CB! Finally someone to give it right back to the Toronto media. I can’t wait for the Isles to draft Tavares and stick it to the entire city of Toronto.
CB… after having read this blog, now I WANT the Isles to draft Tavares.
Simply to have the folks in Toronto roll over in their graves.
It’s going to be a great day when JT donns and Islander jersey.
**** you Toronto.
CB, this is one of the best articles Ive ever read haha.
#5….thanks for the link….Garth sounds good.
We better hope that Tambellini doesn’t have too good of a bounce back year next season. If he manages to score 40 goals, we’ll lose him in free agency to a Toronto 5 year, 30 million dollar offer!
I listen to Toronto all the time since NY sports talk is mostly baseball. Burke was on a show later in the day and said all negotiations will now be done in private.
Burke says all parties get what hey want when he moves up in the draft, I would tell Burke get me Hedman and Duschene, and the #1 is yours, otherwise get the NHL center ice next year and you can watch Tavares all year on the Islanders
1967 duh duh duhduhduh 1967 duh duh duhduhduh 1967 duh duh duhduhduh.
CB - thanks for exposing the bs and lies of some in the Toronto media. Burke the blowhard is a perfect fit for them.
After listening to that interview, I gained a lot of respect for Snow. He did not show his cards, call people out, or try to negotiate in public. He was a professional, which is what I’ve been dying for in a GM since the days of Mad Mike. That’s why I think we should stop getting worked up about JT and just trust Snow’s team to make the right pick. They deserve our support for now.
JUST DRAFT JT
Why not send this to the boys up north.
Toronto Maple Leafs Playoff History
Overall Record: 240-252-3
Stanley Cup Championships: 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1967
Year Opponent Result Round
2004 lost to Philadelphia 4-2 Second round
defeated Ottawa 4-3 First round
2003 lost to Philadelphia 4-3 First round
2002 lost to Carolina 4-2 Eastern Conference finals
defeated Ottawa 4-3 Second round
defeated N.Y. Islanders 4-3 First round
2001 defeated Ottawa 4-0 First round
lost to New Jersey 4-3 Second round
2000 defeated Ottawa 4-2 First round
lost to New Jersey 4-2 Second round
1999 defeated Philadelphia 4-2 First round
defeated Pittsburgh 4-2 Second round
lost to Buffalo 4-1 Eastern Conference finals
1996 lost to St. Louis 4-2 First round
1995 lost to Chicago 4-3 First round
1994 defeated Chicago 4-2 First round
defeated San Jose 4-3 Second round
lost to Vancouver 4-1 Western Conference finals
1993 defeated Detroit 4-3 First round
defeated St. Louis 4-3 Second round
lost to Los Angeles 4-3 Western Conference finals
1990 lost to St. Louis 3-1 First round
1988 lost to Detroit 4-2 First round
1987 defeated St. Louis 4-2 First round
lost to Detroit 4-3 Second round
1986 defeated Chicago 3-0 First round
lost to St. Louis 4-3 Second round
1983 lost to Minnesota 3-1 First round
1981 lost to N.Y. Islanders 3-0 First round
1980 lost to Minnesota 3-0 First round
1979 lost to Montreal 4-0 quarterfinals
1978 defeated Los Angeles 2-0 First round
defeated N.Y. Islanders 4-3 quarterfinals
lost to Montreal 4-0 semifinals
1977 defeated Pittsburgh 2-1 First round
lost to Philadelphia 4-2 quarterfinals
1976 defeated Pittsburgh 2-1 First round
lost to Philadelphia 4-3 quarterfinals
1975 lost to Philadelphia 4-0 quarterfinals
1974 lost to Boston 4-0 quarterfinals
1972 lost to Boston 4-1 quarterfinals
1971 lost to N.Y. Rangers 4-2 quarterfinals
1969 lost to Boston 4-0 quarterfinals
1967 defeated Chicago 4-2 semifinals
defeated Montreal 4-2 Stanley Cup finals
CB, that made me roar out in laughter. Tell that hoser to (respectfully) shove off!
The Isles are in the driver’s seat; I’m looking forward to hearing about the sort of packages Burke will put together–which will hopefully only get bigger and more ludicrous. I want the Isles to keep Tavares, but I want to see how far these Toronto clowns will go. Nice to see an org somehow more crazy and desperate than us for once!
so our picks in this years draft is…
round 1 (2 picks)
round 2 (3 picks)
round 3 (2 picks) <—- pitt will win
round 4 (1 pick)
round 5 (1 pick)
round 6 (1 pick)
round 7 (1 pick)
is this right?
Bravo CB.
Burke is an ***clown.
This struck a chord with me that has been there for a couple years now. I am absolutely sick at how elitist the Canadian media in general is regarding metro area hockey. They rag on the Isles, Rangers, and Devils consistently. I enjoyed games the last few years when the Isles beat the Habs or the Sens after they were mocked in the media (of course, its usually about how the Habs/Sens underperformed and not how the Isles played a good game).
I am not an anti-Canadian, I think Canadian fans are great (have met several at the Colly and MSG). But I absolutely detest the entitled, elitest Canadian hockey media. Give me a BLOG over their horsedung any day.
Hey acisles(12) It’s been a long time!!! NHL 2k series…remember?
Couldn’t agree more with your comments. It’s not a secret to anyone in Canada that the Laffs think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread and that all the other NHL teams owe them something.
#15.
I agree 100%.
Also, it is Garth’s job to listen to every offer that comes his way.
Some might be dismissed in seconds, while some will be dissmed after days of discussion with Garth and his crew.
If Toronto wants Tavares, this should be the MINIMUM:
Luke Schenn
Tomas Kaberle
All their draft picks for 2009
All their draft picks for 2010
All their draft picks for 2011
That’s a good starting point.
Similar to what the Coboys did with Herschel Walker.
Clearly CB, this person in TO is confusing the basement bloggers with Ranger fans. We all know they are the ones living in their mom’s basement while only talking to women by giving them their credit card first.
CB last I checked its not your fault Toronto has been forced to make awful moves every offseason for the past 2 decades… Oh wait it is the Toronto Media’s fault for forcing their hand.
It’s amazing to me how you only see this with hockey and specifically Canada. Take, for example, the Crosby vs Ovechkin debate. It’s a no-brainer right now, Ovechkin is the better player. He beat Crosby for the Calder, he’s going to win the Hart for a second year in a row, he’s scored the most goals by far since he’s been in the league, he plays a mean game, doesn’t whine and is the most exciting player in the game. But the only thing you hear is how Crosby led Pitt to the finals and Ovechkin hasn’t done that yet. True, but does he have Malkin playing with him? Leaving Don Cherry aside, because his opinions are ridiculous, it’s just funny the bias most of the Canadian media has. I see it a lot with The Hockey News bloggers. I guess the feeling is that hockey is their sport.
I hope the Isles draft Tavares, he becomes a franchise player, scores 40 goals his rookie year and the Leafs suck for the next 10 years.
Yes draft Jt and let the drama begin on the ice between these 2 teams
CB-
You should hold yourself to the same standards that Toronto writers do.
You know, write that every NHL player wants to play for the Leafs, that the Leafs have the best players in the NHL, that Brian Burke is the greatest GM in the history of sports, and that any hockey not played in Toronto isn’t really hockey.
lets not forget about the fact that garth snow fleeced toronto out of their second round pick this year
Alex(21) Good one! Let’s not forget when the Avalanche gave the Laffs the Finger…Jeff that is.
Hey Toronto- how is that Jason Blake contract working out for you guys?!?
I think Canada still pines over the fact that we were the only U.S. hockey dynasty.
Couple of Points:
1-Why is Garth Snow even on Leafs Lunch? Why not ESPN radio or WFAN?
2-I think the Leafs fans and media probably act very similar to Yankee Fans. Just listen to WFAN, how many times have you heard ridiculous trade offers from Yankee fans that offer Melky Cabrera for the world. They think because they are the Yankees they can trade for any player in the league and get them.
CB or anyone on here… do you guys know if any of these type of shenanigans went on when Sidney Crosby was going to be drafted by Pit? I see some similarities here (bottom-basement team, hailed Canadian player).
I wasn’t following that draft as closely, did the Canadian media do the same thing then?
# 32 - totally agree and NO ONE is worse than that Bruce Garrioch… he’s a bung hole par excellance’.
Great points re Crosby and Ovechkin by the The Mick (38). However, that’s the same reason why I’m not fawning over Tavares yet. Can you imagine if Hedman was a Canadian boy from Toronto dominating in the OHL and Tavares was a Swedish scoring phenom? The Canadian press would be declaring VH the “consensus” number one pick. Don’t you think it’s a coincidence that Red Line Report (an American publication) has Tavares ranked third?
Healy, I don’t believe they did with Crosby because of the fact that Mario Lemieux owns the Penguins and is obviously a pretty important figure in Canada.
i can’t stand the leafs or the toronto media. they are so arrogant. note to tml - you have done nothing the last 42 years. we’ve won 4 cups in that timeframe. john tavares will be an islander. we deserve him. deal with it. you look ridiculous complaining about it.
It probably still stings that Gretzky didn’t play in Toronto.
Scott #45
Please tell me you’re kidding.
Leafs Lunch is all about hockey.
WFAN? ESPN RADIO? The football, baseball first networks?
Any passionate hockey fan who would watch an NHL exhibition game over the World Series or Super Bowl would comprehend the relevance of Leafs Lunch in the Hockey World vs the nonsensical notion that ESPN and WFAN have any semblance of importance to a hockey audience.
But yes, as bias and skewed as occasional rumors may get at times…at the very least, radio shows up north, particularly in the center of the hockey universe like Leafs Lunch are relevant…to HOCKEY fans.
Forget WFAN in terms of hockey. That is comical.
I would couple Mick(49) comments also with the fact that Crosby is from Nova Scotia and Tavares is from Oakville, Ontario.
As a Canadian in London Ontario, I want to see JT in an Isles uniform. It seems the media circus here revolves around T.O. even though its been a piss poor franchise for years, and how the owners, the teachers pension fund only cares about lining its own pockets. Do you hear the Montreal, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver or Ottawa media squawking about how JT should go there. Watch, once the Canucks season wraps up whenever that maybe, the hype machine will turn to how the Leafs will be targeting the Sedin’s. I hate the Leafs and Bruke et al can blow it out their A$$.
Seriously! How is this allowed to go on?? Where is Bettman?? Is it legal to tamper with un-drafted kids and poison their minds regarding a possible destination?? This is ridiculous! Maybe somebody should explain to Tavares that we are talking about NEW YORK!!! The media capital of the world! He will have 10x more opportunities in NY than he would ever have in Toronto. God I hate the Maple Leafs! They are starting to rank right up there with the Rags!! They can rot!!
Chris your professionalism in writing is why I check here every day for my Islanders information. Keep up the great work!
Thanks
John #54, since you are in London have you see Tavares play on a consistant basis? do you think once he reached the NHL he will live up or close to the hype he has gotten or do we have to worry about another alex daigle?
Hey Isleguy, good to hear from you again. Those were good times. Hope all is well. I can’t wait to hear the Burke rant when he doesn’t get Tavares.
CB - I always pictured you blogging on the crapper. I guess not. LOL.
CB: I’ve been reading your blog since its inception. This is by far my favorite piece to date. Fantastic job. I cannot stand the Leafs and the Toronto media in general. Please keep up the good work.
I was thinking about this as I drove home yeserday and they** continued to talk about Burke/Tavares and they said on the radio that Burke had “managed to take the spotlight off of the playoffs and put it onto this subject.” and I thought to myself “I don’t know a single person, including to any of my friends, all of whom are Leafs fans who care ONE BIT about this story.” The only people talking about it are the people in the media. It is a completely fabricated story, and it started right from the press conference. When Burke first brought up the subject of moving up in t he draft, he didn’t even mention Tavares until he was asked directly if that was the guy he was after. Of course, once Burke realized he has created a story he ran with it because there is no one who loves seeing his face on the TV more than him.
**for those who don’t know, I live not far outside Toronto and work in the GTA
Great article Chris…kick his a$$ seabass.
This is why I LOVE the fact that Garth isn’t playing his hand. Just makes the folks up in Toronto that much more hysterical. I would love to Garth to play it tight all this time, walk up to the mike at the draft, look directly in the camera, down a jello shot, and announce:
“Greeting to our great fans at the draft party in Long Island. With the first pick in the 2009 NHL draft, we select centerman John Tavares…..and to Brian Burke, Howard Berger, and the rest of the a-holes in Toronto, I’ve got two words for you….SUCK IT!”
I don’t want to bash Toronto it is a beautiful place.I spent a good portion of two years there and loved it.That being said they have 1 pro baseball team,1 pro basketball team,1 pro hockey team and zero in the NFL.They also have the CFL and Curling.Think about what 1 professional hockey market in New York could do if their closest competitor was Boston and Philly,and then not another pro hockey team till you hit the west coast where there were only 3 others.Sorry Toront but your market just does not compare to ours with all things being considered. We are sorry if you feel you deserve the first overall pick over the Islanders but if it’s any consolation the Argies did win they Grey cup in 04.Yayyy eh?
When you look at the list of players taken with the first overall pick, there really aren’t that many busts. Lets just say from ten years ago to now:
1998 - Lecavalier - All Star
1999 - Stefan - BUST
2000 - DiPietro - All Star (I know)
2001 - Kovalchuk - All Star
2002 - Nash - All Star
2003 - Fleury - All Star
2004 - Ovechkin - Superstar
2005 - Crosby - Superstar
2006 - E. Johnson - Looks to be a keeper
2007 - Kane - All Star
2008 - Stamkos - Too soon to tell
I would say that Patrik Stefan is the only significant bust. There are two superstars (Ovechkin/ Crosby), 6 all-stars (Lecavalier, DiPietro, Kovalchuk, Nash, Fleury, Kane) and Johnson looks like a keeper, book is still open on Stamkos. All in all not bad. My guess is that Tavares will fit somewhere in between a Lecavalier and a Kane. You know what, I would take that.
Kick his ass CB! I say you beat the crap out of the guy that is always the best solution.
Toronto is a joke of a team. They know so much about hockey (so they say) and yet they win nothing. They also aren’t smart enough to give a decent contract and they over pay for every contract they have and then have to beg people to take guys like McCabe off their hands.
Luke Schenn, looked alright but I always understood why THE ISLANDERS chose not to draft Schenn and picked the allegedly hockey smart Toronto of many picks.
Wonder if Toronto is gonna get tampering charges?
Memo to all the Toronto fans and media: if you want to see John Tavares play in the NHL then get the Center Ice package or buy a plane ticket to Long Island!!!!!!
The Toronto media as far as hockey goes, who cares what they think about anything else, has its personality shaped by the the biggest clown in hockey. Don Cherry.
Excellent Chris.
This is nothing new. The Leaf’s and their fans have been at the Isles, and how the Isles should not draft JT and how LI is not a real place for JT, and JT should not sign here.
This is just another reason to draft JT!. Part of the goal here is to hurt your opponents chances of winning, and enhance yours. Taking Tavares hurts the Leafs in every way possible—including the fan base who would need to beat JT to make the playoffs. I could think of no better counter punch to the Isles-Leafs series. Afterall—they had to cheat to win that series.
The Leafs—and all there fans can pick 7ths and be happy. The Leafs have nothing to offer the Islanders—nothing they would be willing to move.
To me if the conversation does not include Schenn, then we are wasting time.
I know this is all about trashing the media who toil their trade in the centre of the hockey universe, but I finally found what I was looking for: The reason why we want John Tavares on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8v8C3scwvg
It’s actually billed as Jordan Eberle’s goal, but watch how Tavares sets it up with about the most heads up, thinking play ever, with five seconds left in Canada’s gold medal streak at the World Juniors.
Most players would have taken three seconds to turn around and fire a desperation slapper at the net, but Tavares put the puck where it needed to go: the front of the net.
How many 18 year olds would have that level of instinct? Not many, IMO.
Scott W, because hockey actually matters in Toronto (the diehards on this blog notwithstanding). You can’t even get regular conversation about the Rags on WFAN or ESPN and they are a far more popular team in this area.
NY is still a baseball town, yet the FAN doesn’t have a “Yankees/Mets Lunch”. That’s an indication of how important the Leafs are in that city. You answered your own question.
If Burke wants Tavarses that bad… he will have to pay large.
They don’t really have anything to offer right now.
It will take Schenn, their pick this year, plus next years first rounder….plus another top 10 pick this year… at least.
I live in Southern Ontario… the only media I enjoy is Hockey Central @ noon on Sportsnet with Kypreos. And Hardcore Hockey @ 11:00pm on the Score with Steve Ludzik.
F Canada. I am tired of hearing how Canada loves hockey more then anyone else. I am 29 years old and have played hockey since i was 4. Just because i dont live in Canada i cant love the sport as much as them? If Canadian teams are such great franchises why is it that they havent won since what 1993? If it wasnt for a cheap shot from Hunter it would of been even longer. Also if the Leafs are such a great franchise how many cups do they have since there have been more 6 teams in the league?
At a boy Chris dont let the Toronto media rain on our parade,Brian Burke is the most over rated gm ever,nothing but negative crap about our islanders ,,will see in a few years from now how much they will rerally miss JT when we parade our cup around the rink with all the T.O MEDIA having to covert it
I doubt Brian Burke really plans on getting Tavares, he is just playing mind games. He may move up but if he does it will be to get Duchene or Kane.
Tavares certainly isn’t worth what the Leafs would have to give up for him, so don’t worry Isles fans JT will be a New York Islander next season and a Kansas City Islander in a few years.
Hold on, the New York market place is almost 2/3’s the same population of Canada. Canada only has 32 million people. Greateer New York has a population of over 20 million people.
There is no question that there are pasionate fans in Long Island. I have been visiting this site all year and CB does a fantastic job of this. Although with 240 thousands homes just in Long Island, you would think that a nightly sellout, even for a team in last place would be easy….providing there are as many pasoniate fans as you all speak of.
Also, I say keep Taveres and continue your rebuild, I have played golf with Paul Boutlier who has won a bit with your team and he is a wonderful individual. Had many great stories about playing for the Islanders. Man can he hit a golf ball.
“F Canada. I am tired of hearing how Canada loves hockey more then anyone else. I am 29 years old and have played hockey since i was 4. Just because i dont live in Canada i cant love the sport as much as them? If Canadian teams are such great franchises why is it that they havent won since what 1993?”
You’re right the Canadian teams haven’t won a cup in a long time BUT most NHLers are Canadian. America clearly doesn’t care about hockey as much as Canada, that can’t be argued. I’m an American living and Canada and I can tell you there is no comparison.
Snow should just say he is taking Tavares… Its the right thing to do and than we should really see some fireworks from the TO press
Dear Penthouse Forum (Toronto Edition),
I never thought this would happen in a million years. I am an avid reader of this column but I always thought it was pure fantasy… until yesterday.
I called a friend of mine in Long Island, Gary Sleet. Gary and I manage NHL franchises, and he happens to own the #1 pick in this year’s draft. The conversation went something like this:
ME: Hey Gary, how are you man?
GS: I’m a little strapped here buddy. We are in a bind, I wonder if you can help.
ME: You know, anything I can do.
GS: Well, we just got the xrays back from Dicky Ripietro, the goalie that I signed for 15 years… and it looks like his career may be over… we have $60M invested in this kid.
ME: What can I do?
GS: Brother, if I swap picks with you this year could you take this contract off my hands.
ME: I’ll have to check with my owner… YES.
Sincerely,
Twisted in Toronto
Matt #56… I have season tix to the London Knights and have seen him play plenty of times… he won’t be another Daigle… he actually gets it. He’s got a super shot, scores in the dirty areas and battles for the puck. He’s not a fast skater but he has quick feet… sees the ice extremely well and makes great decisions, and knows how to position himself and has a quick release for a shot. The upshot to him coming to London is that he has become more responsible in all three zones… where the knock was he only played 1/3 of the ice. He’d also be a great ambassador… he can handle the pressure and he makes everyone around him that much better. He is a keeper.
I always wonder who the fans are that have the time and interest to visit and post on another teams blog. Apparently Toronto must be pretty crazy for Tavares because some of there fans bothered to check this site and even post even if they say they don’t want Tavares. If ya don’t want Tavares why you checking the site when neither team is playing games?
Say what you want about the T.O. media (my bet is the Sun folds in ~5yrs) but Burke is using it to his advantage.
Here’s my prediction if Burke really wants Tavares: Burke somehow gains the #2 pick from TB (either through picks, kaberle/players from a Kaberle trade, taking of bad contracts) and then Tavares starts the whispers of wanting to play only for the Leafs. Burke gives Snow a couple of draft picks if he takes Hedman instead (who Snow wants anyways) and everybody is happy.
Personally, I don’t think Burke wants Tavares. He only plays half of the ice and is kind of a slow skater and they don’t need to sell the fans on anything (seriously, many of the fans are silly and dumb but they are loyal and fantastic followers). Burke is committed to building a winner and I think he will get that whereever he drafts. He’s just trying to get the Leaf fans and media off his case for allowing the team to finish with the 7th overall pick and not bomb the last 10 games or so.
I dont know if im the only one here who feels this, but im actually worried about some sort of tampering going on here. Call me paranoid, but with whats going on right now, I feel its a real reason to worry. I know what Tavares said about the Islanders at the draft lottery, but who is stopping someone from getting in his head? I know there are rules against it, but you never know. Seeing and hearing this stuff, (only 2 DAYS after the draft lottery no less!!) makes me think there is a real possiblity here of Tavares pulling an Eli.
Garth please do us all a favor. Tell Burke you’re not interested in trading the #1 pick, but you are willing to talk about moving up with our other 1st rounder ( the pick we have from SJ ) to # 7 which Toronto owns. Or just tell him to take a long walk off a short pier. FU Burke and Toronto.
You had 2 kids from my home town on your hockey team. Joey Mac and you sihpped Sim away to the Fram. Just following them as well. We also have Colin White in NJ. I follow him as well. 3 Kids in the NHL from a small Canadian town of 10 thousand. We have Derek Walser in the NHL at the same time as well. We are a big Hockey town. We also understand that other teams have pasionate fans as well. I was cheering for you to get Tavares, does not mean I would not want the leafs to get him, we could not even lose the last game of the year to get into the position. I understand that there are a lot of asshol@s in Toronto, but the country is far bigger than Toronto, Just like the US is far bigger than New York. I have visited most of it.
Typical of Toronto they always think they above everyone else and theres also Montreal (where i live) which the media here always ridicule the Islanders, they say things that are completely false they cant get their facts straight!!…. on thursday on a montreal sport tv show they felt sorry for John Tavares that he could begin his career in Long Island with the Islanders they right away laugh about it and one of them said “Poor Guy”….total lack of respect they always showed to the Islanders and to their fans (which im one of them) the Montreal media talks and only care for their precious Habs…some even predict (fans and media) that they’ll beat Boston LOL. Toronto and Montreal are the same….they think like they run/own the NHL.
“I always wonder who the fans are that have the time and interest to visit and post on another teams blog. Apparently Toronto must be pretty crazy for Tavares because some of there fans bothered to check this site and even post even if they say they don’t want Tavares. If ya don’t want Tavares why you checking the site when neither team is playing games?”
Because somebody posted the link to this article on another site, so I clicked to read it. Not rocket science, buddy.
thanks for the info John.
Joe (Post #70) - I am totally, 100% with you on everything you just said. Screw them!
I could happily break Burke’s nose for all the Tavares talk. Isn’t there something in the NHL league rules against teams publicly tampering with highly regarded prospects?
What Toronto (team & media) is doing should be illegal and met with scorn from all hockey fans and media. Honestly, Im shocked and disappointed that this inappropriate Toronto love affair with JT hasn’t received ANY negative press outside LI…
Bettman needs to step up to the plate here and keep “juggernaut” (leafs, rags, etc)teams in check or this will quickly turn into a complete mickey mouse league
You know, I definately understand the bitterness towards the Leaf media and some fans - I share alot of it (Ottawa, too). But it is hard for other hockey cities to take the Islanders seriously with some of the stunts Milbury pulled during his tenure. Those were some of the ugliest hockey moves ever.
On top of that, Wang brings in Smith and then fires him after only a couple of months on the job and replaces him with his back-up goaltender (who I think is doing a great job).
It is going to take a couple of more years and some good seasons for the rest of the NHL to take this team seriously! Maybe that starts with Tavares or maybe it begins with Hedman.
“I dont know if im the only one here who feels this, but im actually worried about some sort of tampering going on here. Call me paranoid, but with whats going on right now, I feel its a real reason to worry. I know what Tavares said about the Islanders at the draft lottery, but who is stopping someone from getting in his head? I know there are rules against it, but you never know. Seeing and hearing this stuff, (only 2 DAYS after the draft lottery no less!!) makes me think there is a real possiblity here of Tavares pulling an Eli.”
It isn’t tampering, any team is allowed to talk to any player in the draft.
Whats with you Isles fans getting all bent out of shape about the Leafs saying they are interested in getting Tavares??? EVERY SINGLE TEAM WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HIM. You guys seem to have an inferiority complex or something. Just relax, nobody is going to steal your pick from you.
Great piece Chris, one could do a whole paper on how the local NY media and ESPN refuse to recognize hockey let alone the Isles. But the abscence of coverage does create a perception that there is no passion when we know there is a ton.
Not sure if I would ever want the type of scrutiny the Yankees get for the Isles but the attention would be nice for a little while. This wouldn’t necessarily create more fans but the questions of “who cares?” would stop.
Thanks
I always find it amusing when people generalize that Canadians love and know more about the game than Americans. Maybe as a whole, but if you look more closely you’ll find plenty of us who love and know about the game as much or moreso than plenty of them.
It’s also amusing how the Toronto scribes talk about the Islanders as this lowly team. The Maple Leafs (they can’t even get the plural right) have been a sad sack team as much as anyone else, and compared to the other Canadian teams, they have been a joke. I wasn’t even born the last time they won anything. So maybe they need to start worrying about themselves up there and stop worrying about our team and our draft pick.
Oh yeah, and GO CAPS!!!
easy does it man .there are alot of canadian islander fans who visit this blog so dont paint the entire country with the same brush .
some of the guys I work with are pretty big hockey fans and they know dick about the isles and their assorted stuggles. so you can just imagine what the casual canadian hockey fan knows about the isles -zippo - aside from what they hear from uninformed canadian media .
the bottom line is respect is earned .until the islanders become a respectable franchise again you have to take the lumps .
Here’s the point: while there are a greater percentage of people (of the overall population) in Canada who are die-hard hockey fans, this does not diminish the fact that there are still MORE HOCKEY fans in the US. Just because there are 22 million die hard fans in Canada, does not mean that the 40+million US fans are any less worthy. Maybe consider the fact that Canada has an identity complex, and hockey is the one place they can (try to) claim ownership. We all know that without the 24 teams down here hockey would be as known/popular as curling.
You’re welcome Canada, I know your pride prevents you from thanking us.
Bailey to JT, he scores.
i got two words for burke and toronto sports writers, SIXTY SEVEN!
CB,
Is there any way you can provide the nice journalists name so that we can show him what kind of hockey fans Long Island has to offer.
And if you can kindly remind him what the Coliseum sounded like in 2002. I remember game 6 where Darcy Tucker looked like he was afraid to go out on the ice.
Hey CB,
Thanks for all you still do for us as Islanders fans. I am not suprised at all to see this from select parts of the hockey world in general. Islander fans are the greatest and most loyal fans in the world. Our pride doesnt give us an excuse to blur the reality of our situation. We know what is what in the NHL and how the Isles are viewed by the eliete. We are behind the rebuild and being patient … again. My hopes are for drafting Tavares and other talented prospects that will help build our future. then lets bring our rag tag, not as gfeat as Toronto team up there and kick their a$$es. We know what a winning tradition is. We are American hockey fans, we are a small group. That makes us as passionate as anyone in the world.
# 92 d-man - at the risk of being warned by CB, that was classless. One thing to rank on a team or organization - but the whole country?? Not Good
Can we please not turn this into Canada bashing? Its not about that, its about Burke and the Canadian hockey media (CHM).
Sports fans, media, and even organizations have terribly short memories, and this is very true in hockey. 10 years ago, how much of a joke did the CHM consider the Hawks, Pens, and Caps? Now there is a little more respect because these teams are winning. I wonder if all these pundits/fans/coaches felt bad for Sidney Crosby when he went to the crappy Pens. Or Ovechkin when he went to Capitals, or Kane, Toews, etc. The draft is specifically structured to have the worst teams able to draft the better players. Its the way its supposed to happen, and many in the CHM seem to overlook that.
The Toronto media is almost as bad as all these paparazzi idiots out here in CA. They tend to sensationalize everything. Way to shove it back down his throat CB!
There is no reason to trash Canada because of some twits in Toronto. All you’re doing is lowering yourselves to that level. Our countries are intertwined more than one can imagine and there is plenty of Canucks living in the US, and plenty of Yanks living in the north. The one thing most of us have in common when we visit this blog/news site is 1) our love for the Islanders, and 2) our love for hockey… it really doesn’t matter if we are Canadian, American, Swiss (thanks Mark Streit fans in Switzerland), Finnish, Swedish or where ever your homeland is, because I am certain visitors to this site span the globe because of the interest in our favourite team or the players that wear the jersey. No I’m off to get my Timmies.
Thank you CB. Ive been dying for you to wrte an article regarding this situation. It really is ridiculous and very frusturating to see what some of these columnist write in their articles and how inaccurate they are with their stories. Brian Burke has definitely thrown some punches below the belt as it seems he is trying to conive his way into the head of Tavares. Although Snow seems to take the Lou Lamoriello approach and never reveal his hand, I think he should step up real soon and declare that the 1st pick will NOT be going to Toronto and put an end to this.
T h a t i s a w e s o m e . . .
#68 - exactly! I’m in Regina and have enjoyed watching Jordan Eberle for a few years. It was a goal scorers goal but nothing happens without the heads up play along the boards.
20 Canadians on your cup winning teams and you have the nerve to post that.
I have one thing to say to the Toronto Maple Leaf Org., writers, and fans: 1967!
42 years and counting. Boy, there almost as bitter as some older Ranger fans are!
Would they pulling this crap if the Canadians owned the pick?
Yes…
Defending the Toronto writer, plus a couple of assumptions….
In the Toronto writer’s defense re not making a call to get the facts right, he probably couldn’t get the phone to his ear, with his head that far up Brian Burke’s — Assumption #1: All of Toronto is trying to sway JT — Assumption #2: NYI may not respond as immediately or publicly, but will surely make the case that NYI history plus NYI future are well worth being part of, and that the opportunity to be a key element in making this team a contender within a couple of years is, in spite of all the shining wits in Toronto media circles, well worth signing on.
Cruicky, why would you even respond to his post? He is obviously very ignorant and starving for a reaction; you are giving him what he craves.
I’d say the Toronto scribe was Damien Cox of the The Star.
CB What are the exact rules about a draft pik sitting out the draft for one year? Is it true that they come back as RA and can make a deal with any club? The oringinal team in this case the Isles are then compensated with other piks from the new team? If this is true then that is what the LEAFS are trying to do by poisoning Tavares against the NYI Seems if this is blantant Toronto could be fined and lose Piks and Tavares? Please respond for all of us-thanx
Its not uncommon for hockey folk to get fired on occassion. Many transition directly to broadcasting(Milbury/Burke/Tortorella/Botta) and some make their way back into the game with different teams. The way it seems to work in the Toronto media is that there is a symbiotic relationship going on. Burke, having been on both sides, knows exactly what the fans and media want to hear and the media are ready churn it out. Its sort of like an “Entertainment Tonight” thing. So and so celebrity “hates paparazzi” until they have something to sell to us…then they put their face wherever they can (Madonna/Tom Cruise) and there are certain shows that fawn over that and don’t tell them to go stuff their “latest project”. Likewise, when the Leafs have wrapped up yet another mediocre season where they aren’t good enough or quite bad enough Burke gives his clones of John Tesh: “Leafs Covet Tavares”. The alternative headline is “Leafs Mediocre Again”. I suppose there are some “tough” questions throughout the season lobbed at these hockey excecutives but its not really life or death stuff. They would argue that there is a lot of competition and the nature of the beast is what it is - you have no choice but to write the story because IT IS the story today. The thing that gets me is that MOST Toronto hockey media do very little homework when it comes to the “visiting team” to the point that, only if absolutely necessary to get a source on something - and only because it involves the Leafs - many would just call one guy (say Logan) and whatever he says is the official word on the visiting team, your New York Islanders this year, even if its misinformation or just an opinion. This is why your blog is important Chris and why you should be a goto guy for Isles information for these idiots. As a fan, I know it will be informed and accurate as long as you are your own boss.
117. If the Islanders draft Tavares they ‘own’ him for 7 years, no matter how long he sits.
Has the TO media and BB lost their mind? How is this not tampering? It is certainly disrespectful to a guy like me, who has played and watched hockey passionately for 35 years…wait for it… in NY…in the US. If I am a young phenom I say to myself, “do I want to play for a perennial loser, who has never won anything since there competition exceeded 5 other teams, or for a franchise with a great winning tradition, four cups in a row, a great bunch of HOF’ers in the back office (with rings on their fingers)?”
The fine for tampering:
All your draft picks are belong to us.
Bravo Mr. Botta! This is the best peace you have written to date. You have earned my unwavoring respect. I am not one to blow sunshine up a blogger’s arse but as a diehard Islander fan I for one am most grateful for this site.
I am beginning to hate Toronto more than the Rags. How popular is hockey here in NY? Popular enough to have a second franchise along side an original six. No other market can say that. Oh yeah we have quite a history here too. I mean we are only guilty of holding the NHL record for the most consecutive playoff series won. Something for Toronto and all there fans to envy.
Now they can envy our new #1 center too. Its time to show JT that playing here isnt as bad as the Toronto media portrays. Its actually quite good. As the Islanders improve the old barn will get louder again. Its all there just waiting to bust out.
And hopefully a new arena soon. Wait until JT plays in our little rivalry over here. Im sure he will find it quite intense. The Islanders and their fans have suffured long and hard. But there is no question a passionate fanbase here. We have been the laughing stock long enough.
Its our time.
Cruicky, just curious about something - if you are not an Islander fan, what is your fascination with this blog?
Eh, the Toronto media is part of what makes following hockey fun. There are always crazy rumors and stories orignating from there. I don’t think we should take it personally that the Isles get dumped on there (and elsewhere…sometimes even in our “hometown” paper). To outsiders, and even some insiders, things have been kind of wacky down here…not always for the worst, but this team’s made some head-scratching decisions that, on their face, seem questionable. Add that to low attendance figures, living in the shadow of the team from NYC, and everything going on with the arena, and it probably does look like Tavares is walking into a very bad situation to people in Toronto and elsewhere. It’s up to Garth, Wang, Gordon, and the Isles to manage and play themselves back to respectibility. And even then, I’m sure the Toronto media will be what the Toronto media is. No worries from this Isles fan…at least the team is being talked about.
121- You had 2 kids from my home town on your hockey team. Joey Mac and you sihpped Sim away to the Fram. Just following them
Toronto is not entitled to Tavares, and I’m a Leaf fan. Personally, I hope we don’t trade for him. And I just have to point out in reference to the ‘all the Cups won in the past 40 years’ comment - you guys haven’t done anything yourselves for about 25 years now. That’s not that much better..
Wow, Chris, that blog entry comes across as extremely whiny - and a straw man argument (the baseball allusion). What’s more, the reference to homerism is the pot calling the kettle black. As a loooong time Isles fan, I find it embarrassing to listen to Isles fans and writers bitching about Toronto writers and fans. It reminds me of Isles fans who would prefer to see the Rags lose than the Isles win.
Just be thankful you don’t have to talk day in day out with maple laugh fans - the writer’s Maple Leafs are the center of the universe mentality is representative of the city.
121 - He said above that he is from the same small town as Sim and McDonald
I may be mistaken, but I think that this isn’t tampering because Burke is simply responding to media questions. However, where it is different is that someone like Howard Berger will ask exactly what Burke wants him to ask, and then immediately report it back. He has no officially capacity with the team so it really isn’t tampering but in reality Berger couldn’t possibly be less impartial. Again, I might be wrong, but I’ve heard others (who know better than me) who are saying essentially the same thing.
#5 - Thanks for the link.
Both Snow and Wang called the NCVM “a dump” in two seperate radio interviews yesterday.
I understand the importance of being on the same page in terms of organizational talking points, but I wish they didn’t go so far as call our old barn “a dump”.
I understand we need a new building, but to disrespect the home ice is unecessary imo.
Smitty (118) i believe a junior level North American player has two years to sign, and if is unsigned after 2 years, goes back into the draft. A European player has a four year window with which to sign. And i do not believe there is any compensation.
It’s really going to bother the Toronto press when in a few years Bettman says “Islanders come get the Stanley Cup and the first guy to raise the cup is…John Taveras…
What’s up with the Star Chamber these days? Been a long time since I last heard anything about you, wasn’t sure you were alive.
for those talking about winning the cup in the near future because we *might draft john tavares, come back to reality. if snow does not put a strong supporting cast around him, john tavares will be to the islanders has kovalchuk is to atlanta. he puts up big points every year but atlanta is still bad. okposo is a start but better all around players have to be brought in through free agency as well.
Funny…I take it all with a grain of salt. Here in our own town (NY) we have Larry Brooks decrying salary caps, constantly bashing officiating and anything else that might get in the way of his beloved Rangers — all based upon his absurd notion that the NHL “NEEDS” a strong team in NY.
Having said that, I do believe that Burke’s comments can be loosely interpreted as tampering and it is a sad commentary that Gary Bettman has said nothing publicly to sanction Burke’s open wooing of a player he has no rights to.
Toronto knows how to read between the lines CB, i guess you can call them Smart as well.
Maybe by the june draft they can figure out who has the #1 pick…….kudos
Love it. Just sent this to all the members of my TO-native-laden senior league team, one of whom last night sent me a note from someone north of the border suggesting - in all seriousness - that the Isles should offer their first and DiPietro in exchange for TO’s first and Kaberle, since, with TO’s huge bankroll, they could “afford” to take Ricky’s horrible contract off of our hands…
How nice of them, lol…
CB I am starting to get a bad feeling about all this. Do we know how strong a character Tavares has?? Can he be influenced by these toronto execs and media?
If we pick him will he play out his rookie deal and sign somewhere else soon as he has the chance?
I want this kid on the team dont get me wrong. I think he is special. But do we know he will stay for the long haul? And if we dont think he is should we move back?
CB i would love to hear your take.
i really wish Snow would come out and say that he is not trading the pick. if we are supposed to be rebuilding, wouldn’t we want the best player available?
JT already stated that he will play for any team that picks him on international TV. If he backs out now he will be untrusted and unrespected. Garth stand tall get us our well deserved #1 pick!
Matt (125), we won 4 in a row - including the never to be broken record of 19 playoff series in a row - in the post expansion era. TO’s never had close to a whiff of that kind of success in their entire existence…
Hockey doesn’t matter on LI huh? It seems to me that these Toronto toolsheds have seem to have forgotten the incredible playoff series they had with the NYI in 2002. It looked like it mattered to a few people to me. As I can recall, the NVMC crowd seemed way more lively then the crowd at ACC. Imagine that.
I’m a Canadian and believe me no one here thinks Tavares in coming here, we just have stupid media. After Milbury the ONLY team that deserves Tavares is you guys! Have fun in the playoffs next year if DP is healthy
Frank - NYC - Tavares is high character kid. He wanted to stay in Oshawa and do right by that team… the team convinced him to move. He’s been nothing but stellar since coming to London. All this boycott the Isles stuff comes from Steve Simmons of the Sun on T.O. who works to stir the fans there. And then Damien Cox of the Star does the same thing… the reporter with the wrong facts in his story on the Isles. There are worse franchises to be a part of right now… ie Tampa, Atlanta, Edmonton (described as mess today), Minnesota and many others.
#145 There are no Leaf fans at the ACC unfortunately, we were taken out of that equation years ago..
Its 2 days after the lottery. Snow should NOT under any circumstances, tip his hand until 6:58pm 6/26.
CB ~ You shouldn’t even have to even defend yourself … You only described those in the Toronto media who fawn … you didn’t say ALL the Toronto media fawning … blah blah blah … sheeesh .. some people are soooo sensitive.
****
I’ve had the pleasure of playing hockey with and working with several people from Toronto … heck … we even get into it over the 2002 series … but I have to say … those people are some of my fave fans from another team. They are even more frustrated than we are about the Leafs’ lack of playoff success than we are … because of the length of time. They to are looking for their savior … they had Sundin … had some great players in 40 years but never got it together … I’m willing to cut them some slack because of that … BUT they still can’t have Johnny Tavares.
lovin lethbridge (130) you are right, I totally forgot the 2 year window to sign a junior player - I was thinking in terms of after he is signed.
In terms of Bettman, I bet he will speak with Burke. He wants strong American markets and knows Tavares would be good for Long Island or TB, etc. Toronto doesn’t need Tavares to draw fans so I’m sure he’s not eager to have Tavares ‘demand’ to go to T.O.
One thing the Leafs don’t have to worry about that WE do … 2 other teams in our back yard to compete with for both fan base and media attention … not to mention 6 other major league teams in sports that are much more popular in hockey … at the same time … I also feel that is a PLUS to hockey players for the Islanders … b/c they can go about business and do their Thang … while players on the Yanks, Mets, Jets, Giants and Knicks live under a pressure filled microscope … Tavares will have time to steal headlines of his own … but he’ll never have to deal with a media crush of pressure during a slump.
Toronto is replacing the Isles status as laughing stock of the league. The reality is that they don’t like it very much. Especially considering that they never shyed from taking shots at the Isles and their fans through our whole debacle. Not good for them given that their chickens are now coming home to roost.
Everyone knows the implications of the Isles drafting Tavares. They are gonna get the media spotlight and have the framework to jump in amongst the elites of the east in a few years.
We have Bailey and Okposo and Tavares to add to the mix.
All it is is sour grapes from the Toronto media towards a team and fanbase they don’t see as their equals.
For those concerned that the TO media could sway Tavares, remember this, although I don’t know Tavares, most hockey players are humble guys who don’t like the media spotlight the way some players in other sports (Terrell Owens, Arod) seem to love the spotlight. The TO media is just confirming that if Tavares does hold out for the Leafs, his every move will be dissected and if he does not lead the Leafs to a cup in two years, he will be considered a bust, a hometown guy who could not deliver. As many have mentioned the Yankees are the best place for comparison. Arod has won 2 MVP awards in his tenure hear and the media shower endless scorn upon him for not winning a ring. Also, remember that (it was heavily rumoured) that Vinny Lecavalier did not want to go to Montreal via trade this year because he is comfortable in Tampa and realized that he would be expected to be a hometown “savior” for the Habs and that anything less than a cup for Montreal would mean complete failure in the eyes of the media. Sometime a rabid hometown media base can work against a team.
In Taveres’ case it will not help his career … But my feeling on a player that holds out 2 years to go as a UFA to another team… BS … These players are compensated pretty damn well to play a game.
The Blake Wheeler situation is a perfect example. Phoenix spent tons of money and resources scouting, drafting and developing Wheeler … they also invested time and a prized 1st round pick to select him … 2 years later he decides Phoenix wasn’t for him … and goes to a top Stanley Cup contending team as a 20 year old? What dues has he played?
Phoenix gets 5th round pick in the 2nd round for their troubles? BS!!!
ya know what CB… I am so sick of Burke & those gaddam Maple Leafs. Garth Snow and actually showed me something and on Draft Day I hope he walks up slowly to podium, glares at Burke with the evil eye then SLOWLY reads… The 1st pick in the 2009 NHL Draft is …… ( LOOOOONG PAUSE ) John Tavaras, then pulls a maple leafs looking handkerceif to wipe the sweat and pretend tear from his eye…
GODDAMIT I HATE THE MAPLE LEAFS!!!!
*** and yes more then the rags but they are right there for me ***
Love the Luke Schenn comparison to Scott Stevens (Toronto media) (more like next Garth Butcher) They love to hype up there players and teams…remember Edmonton had a whole shmeal about Janne Niinamaa leaving to come to the Isles. You would have thought it was Ray Bourque leaving.
yeah CB… no need to defend yourself… are you suppose to make exceptions every time you refer to the media. people do it all the time. like: the media went crazy over OJ and Anna Nicole Smith and the media ignored the Iraq war for years… etc. Obviously not EVERYONE did. Islander fans are great! Not everyone. Islander fans whine. Not all of them. The Rangers suck… well… maybe that one works 100%.
I meant throw.
#137 you said it.. I went to games 1 and 2 in Toronto and I went to all the Isles Home games and it’s day and night.. They sit on their hands for 58 minutes of the game and make a little noise at the end. The entire section behind the benches are reserved for suits who seem to miss the start of every period.. Isles fans are passionate and need a reason to be passionate again.. I was there in 1993 and the roof was blown off the building every time the Isles score.. Bring Tavares to Long Island and hopefully some of that passion will return..
Mario Lemieux was not happy to go to Pittsburg back in the day. But, at the end of it all, it worked for him (2 Stanley Cups). Eric Lindros didnt want to go to Quebec, and how did that turn out for him?
you reap what you sew in the NHL.
JT will play hard for the team that drafts him end of story.
Edit above … 5th pick in 2nd round
Cruicky - take it easy . CB can’t police the blog comments all day long. Obviously d-man’s comments were absurd. Obviously hockey is more popular in Canada then here. Just look at the NY Post or Daily News. How many move back page covers about a zit on A-Rod’s face or Joba Chamberlain can one take. I live in NJ and the lack of news coverage for the most successful sports franchise in the NY metro area (the Devils) is dismal.
Chris slap yourself please…
To NYI: Hagman, Grabovski, White, Tlusty, Kaberle, Bozak, the next 3 1st round picks, 4 2nd round picks in the next three years and so on…
To Tor: Salary and 1st overall
Burke could get JT but how much is he willing to pay. The statement that it wont happen if Schenn isn’t involved is just stupid. Schenn is good but the fact that this kind a trade would depend on him is ignorance, he isn’t that good. Toronto doesn’t have the depth in the sense of the ability to cash in a ton for one guy that may just be a flop or a be superstar.
As a Yankee fan I understand the sense of entitlement at times but could you imagine the uproar if we said that Manny was our property because he grew up in Washington Heights. The Isles have been kicked, punched, pissed on (insert any word you want)by the Canadian media. Frankly I am tired of it. When was the last time a canadian team won the cup?? The bad blood with TO goes back to the epic 7 game series when Tucker decided to take matters into his own hands and shred Peca’s knee. We have owned Toronto since (we all remember Cairns pummeling Tucker and his bro-in-law in that first game the following season). Toronto than decided to rob us of 2 games against Buffalo in the playoffs with those horific calls. We finally have the retribution in our pockets and it is killing all of Toronto to think they cant write, bully or tamper their way to Tavares. In all honesty this is a clear case of tampering and at the end of the day is not fair to Tavares. If I was him, Toronto would be the last place I would want to start my career - imagine if he is not a savior on night one netting 9 goals for Toronto and going on to score 600 goals as a rookie. They would crucify him and ruin the kid. Total b.s what is going on. If Colorado or Tampa pulled the #1 would any of this be happening. Nope—-Sorry TO - Tavares is ours (if we want him) and there is nothing you could do unless Burkesie is ready to give up Schenn, Kaberle and minimum of the 7th pick this year, your second round pick and next years 1st. Even through this is rediculous and would never happen - I would still love to see Garth F with them as much as possible. If any franchise right now looks pathetic and meager - its TO and not the Isles. Write about that canadian media.
when nyi picks tavares first they should issue him #67. now that would be payback!
JT belongs to us in Toronto baby
Jocko baby..the name says it all.
CB,
Why wouldnt Snow just file tampering charges?
Other leagues take thus type of stuff very seriously.
Jocko, how do you plan on stopping the Isles from picking him?
Toronto is the joke of the league.
My FATHER was 13 the last time the leafs won a cup. hahahahahahahahhaha what a joke. I love how they act like they are the model franchise of the NHL.
To Posts 162 & 163:
Mr. Strap,
You should really sign off with your full name.
Chris, this is an EXCELLENT blog entry. The audacity of the TO media and their inexplicable (not to mention completely unjustified) sense of entitlement is absolutely baffling.
Additonally, your baseball analogy was excellent. LOL- who do these guys think they are???
I have ZERO respect for media sources that print halftruths and outright LIES as if they are facts. Their lack of professioanlism is supposed to be justified somehow because they sell more tickets to their games? PLEASE.
Sorry Toronto, but you havent done a damn thing in hockey worth mentioning since the flippin 60s. Your team is the saddest original sixer in existence. You have ONE young possibly-to-be-a-star, and he is a kid that the Isles passed up on! Remember that. Get OVER yourselves already, and face the fact that the rest of the world does not admire your organization the way you admire yourselves.
Anybody who describes the media covering the Leafs as “fawning” clearly has no clue what they’re talking about.
Valentino (164): It may very well come to that. these unprofessional “writers” who continue to publish lies about this team and literally urge an inpressionable teenager to violate draft rules are asking for some serious trouble. You cant spell Islander without -slander, and apparently the TO media just cant help themselves.
Gutty (159) is correct- this is something that has been happening for a long time. And I am really tired of it, too.
snow would look pretty bad if he ended up trading down.
Snow must have learned from Lou Lamoriello. Snow does the interview, talks but says nothing, in other words, he’s not giving out any secrets.
Good for you CB.
Burke has always caused problems with the media, he’s a huge attention whore. Toronto is the joke of all Canadian teams, we tanked this season, we got the first pick, we win.
hahaha…. I am glad that all 1,490 Isles fans can come to 1 site and post!
Good for you. All 1,490 of you.
Go watch Burnett pitch.
GO LEAFS GO!!!
P.S. I don’t want Tavares as a Leaf. My dream here is Evander Kane!
I live in Toronto but not a Leaf fan and you have hit the nail right on the head and that reporter who callet JT is that lil Leaf home boy Howard Hamburger.
Brian Burke is a media whore and the Toronto Media are willing Johns.
you dream is Evander Kane because that is what you will settle for because the Laffs have no shot a JT.
p.s. Kane won’t be as good as KO
Why are you chanting Go Leafs Go, are they playing golf outside your window?
maybe burke still think milburys still at the helm!! come on guys look at who you have given away!! luongo,chara mccabe spezza, need i go on? you cant blame a gm for trying to pull a fast one on possibly the dumbest no eye for talent franchaise ever!
Jeez. For a blog that just wants to bring to light the actual truths of misconceptions within the Toronto media, the comments on these blogs are even more stupid than the reporters here (I’m from Toronto).
First, the Leafs are an institution. They may not have performed well on the ice, but the Leafs have sold out every game since 1942 and dramatically raise attendance at away games for teams with terrible attendance records, such as the Islanders. It’s the money which makes the Toronto media look down on Long Island, not the actual performance of any athlete. Honestly, should it be any other way? Leaf fans have to sell their first born child to pay for tickets to a game, if they can even get tickets in the first place. Millions of dollars pour into the franchise from frustrated fans who haven’t won a cup. I don’t think anyone in Toronto actually believes that JT is Toronto property, but honestly, why is it that we shouldn’t expect our GM to do everything he can to bring in the top prospect for this years draft? We’re not the ones with the identity complex, we can actually use the media and the money to try and fix things to go our way. It isn’t illegal, it’s a free market. Toronto should be allowed to do anything within the rules to attract players to make the team more competitive. Don’t whine just because the Islanders (and their HORRIBLE management)can’t compete with the financial giant on Bay Street that is the Toronto Maple Leafs. It’s hilarious, first we’re losers that can’t do anything about it. Now, when the Leafs are trying to do something to correct that, that’s bad too. This is hilarious.
CB, I love ya. Great job man. Stuff like that makes me nuts.
tough to follow 180 odd posts…CB, good thread, got a load of posts for an off day, at least in Isles land…
Snow just has to keep his composure and do the right thing for the team, draft the best player….Tavares…and in the event he deems it better for the team to draft Hedman, then so be it, so here’s the idea I have concerning Burke and the butt puppets north of the border, draft Tavares, and then trade him for an appropriate package to Montreal…..nothing would bust TO’s chops more than that….
and the blog officially is now out of control….
…didn’t Burke cry when Edmonton offered that contract to Penner. Brian, leave us alone…..go make the Leafs better.
Islanders, do whatever it is you think will make this team better….
Toronto…still can’t forgive you…that Peca hit was cheap. Now blow it out your *&%
any real leaf fan knows there’s no way Burke can make that deal happen, and with good reason. I love the leafs but the islanders would be crazy to trade the #1 spot. Either way i really can’t believe that even burke thinks he can pull it off, i feel he just wants to try and move up a spot or 2 for brayden schenn
Nick ON, While I agree with you that Brian Burke should do anything he can to get Tavares, don’t play the act like the media up there isn’t critical or that they think they don’t have some sort of entitlement complex.
Well if anything the rivalry between the Leafs and the Isles will be very well renewed for next season. That’s the good that can come out of this “talk” from Burke. The bottom line is that Burke wants and he can’t have, so he’s throwing a temper tantrum like a small child. John Tavares seems like a stand up guy who isn’t listening to any of the Toronto-media hype. I think he’s very well versed in it and he has good parents and a good background by all accounts. Tavares isn’t stupid and he’s said all the right things to be drafted by the Islanders. To me in itself that makes this situation way different than Eric Lindros or any other situation for a well-known first round draft pick that is anticipated to be taken first. John Tavares to me is already a classy guy and honestly I think all things considered it’s BETTER for him to come to Long Island and yes there is a lot of pressure for him to succeed but they would EAT HIM ALIVE in Toronto if he didn’t have a 50 goal season the first season out. Yes we’re tough in New York but I am willing to bet he’s going to have a way easier time on Long Island rather than Toronto.
Look at what happened with Ryan O’Byrne. He let in a goal in Montreal by his own stick and he’s pretty young. Yeah it was a bad mistake and fruitful for the Isles but he’s not even been up the entire season for the Habs. I’m just saying, Tavares has more of a shot to grow into his position here than he would in Toronto.
Nick the problem with you fans and your Gm is that your team blows and doesn’t have any prospects anyone wants, yet some how you fail to realize this. So why don’t you tell your gm to stop trying to sell your fan base a pipe dream. Its not like your team has the 3rd pick, its the 7th pick and your overrated Gm isn’t even willing to part with your best young prospect (schenn). So my question to you, the rest of the leaf fans and the Toronto Media is: What are your smoking up there? You have no shot at getting John Tavares.
Hey Nick, what does finances have anything to do with a league that has a cap? Also, it’s not like the Leafs have won anything even when they were able to spend the most money. And don’t lecture me on management and fiscal responsiblity when your team is signing Jason Blank and Jeff Finger to stupid contracts. I’m all for Leafs fans coming here and defending their team, but come on man, give me something better than the fact that we’re jealous of your pocket book and the fact that you were able to seel out since the 40’s.
Personally I do not blame the Leafs or their media for trying to get JT. They show a lot of heart. Their desire to win is much greater than on the Island where mediocrity is acceptable.
I think around the league, hockey fans don’t think Islander fans have passion, or have knowledge about their team and about the rest of the NHL. Talk to a fan of an opposing team that comes to the Coliseum with that pre-judgement and they are always proved wrong.
My point is, the Toronto media thinks the same thing and thinks we are a bunch of idiots and don’t have the knowledge or the right to defend or express our opinions when it is outside of our team.
In the words of Sabres fans:
Blow Leafs Blow!
#181 Nick Well Toronto fan, you may not be aware but the Islanders have some tradition too. Its called 19 consecutive playoff series won. So please spare us your Leafs institution BS. As a good GM I would expect Burke to do everything he can to obtain your home grown star.
But the fact of the matter is the Leafs dont have crap to offer and we are not buying it. Burke knows this as well which makes his grandstanding love affair with JT all the more sleezy. Its clearly obvious and to come on our blog and spout your drivel shows how classless many Leaf fans are.
I realize Garth Snow has a plan, But you know the fastest way to shut Brian Burke up and Get these Leafs fans off of point Blank.
COME OUT A SAY YOUR TAKING TAVARES.
Don’t make Islander fans have to go through this for 2 months defending there franchise and this pick from the idiot leafs fans and there stupid sport writers
I can understand why people outside of New York hate the Yankees because they win, but isn’t it funny that everyone hates the Leafs and they haven’t won in two generations. It must be the sense of entitlement without any merit.
If mediocrity were acceptable on Long Island than people would show up like sheep to the slaughter for a team that hasn’t won in forty years. Why would the teachers pension fund care abotu winning when the corporate hogs are buying the tickets win or lose? Ever notice how empty the lower bowl is at the ACC? The seats are sold, but the “fans” are busy smoking cigars at the bar.
I always listen to the post game talk show Leafs Talk with a great host Andy Frost. I wish the Islanders after they get off their 25 watt radio station would have such a great call in radio show. I think Islanders would be smart to look into it since you really can’t talk hockey on NY sports radio (no insult to Chris and his show on 1050) but Islander fans need their very own show.
181 Nick (181): You say that your GM is “doing everything he can to bring in the top prospect for this years draft” but what he is doing FYI is bordering on a violation of league rules. Of course YOU dont think so. You say Toronto should be allowed to do anything “within the rules to attract players” but this is not ABOUT “attracting players”- this is about PICKING A PLAYER IN A DRAFT. Its not the same thing. You dont “attract” draft picks, that isnt how it works- you DRAFT them. and the TO media is treading dangerously, but their sense of entitlement justifies it in their own minds- and apparently, yours.
As far as that ridiculousness about the Isles horrible management goes: For someone who lives and breathes hockey you are as pitifully uninformed as your media. You have NO clue how deep our owners pockets really are- the guy is ready willing and able to invest BILLIONS into LI under his companys name (NOT public money like your ignorant media stated) so we are simply not impressed by the “financial giant on Bay Street”. Fact is, if you put Bay Street in place of Hempstead Tpke your owners wouldnt yet have gotten jack squat done here, either. Its not ABOUT having deep pockets- cant you see that? Get informed. Your owners would NEVER put up with the BS that our owner puts up with. They prefer to lap up the bucks while putting out a halfassed subpar product year after year after year after year after year after year.
Your money cant buy you anything in the NHL anymore. Go cry about it and give Jason Blake an extention.
Well done Chris, thanks for sticking up for us. Those Canadiens . . . . .
I’m from Toronto and a die hard Leafs fan, but I couldn’t agree more with you.
Your first paragraph is bang on.
Any word on Matt Gilroy? Do we have a shot now that we won the lottery?
CB, you should sell Islanders Point Blank T-Shirts on your website, money goes to new arena fund, or your pocket, or a charity
Chris, regardless of your relationship with this writer, you in no way, shape or form needed to or should have apologized. He’s a grown man I assume, so he should be able to take a shot here or there. The Canadian press (Toronto especially) has it out for the Islanders, they have since the Dynasty. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think anyone who is an Isles fan really gives a rat’s arse what anyone from North o’ the border has to say about OUR team.
On my many trips to Canada to get closer to the world’s best sport, everyone I have met has always been very nice and I can’t wait to make another trip, maybe even the draft.
Toronto … I’m beginning to hate them more than the rangers..
How about a pointblank cap?
Rick you hut it dead on, many of us don’t care what leafs fans think annd if any of us do we should stop.
Remember this Isles fans these Maple leaf fans can say all they want about our franchise and how JT should belong to the leafs, but the simple fact is this.
Islanders have the #1 pick, so on june 26th John Tavares will most likely be putting on an Islander Jersey
I would love to hear the conversations between Snow and Burke, in which Burke continuously calls with offers, and Snow (without laughing too hard), keeps telling him its not enough.
Way to go CB!!! Tell it like it is. Toronto media makes me sick and it looks good on them. I also hate the fact that Burke seems to think he’s the greatest GM in history. “Shut the hell up Burke” and good luck trying to land JT with absolutely nothing.
Burke’s more of a joke than Ballard was!!
you think the toronto media is blowing this out of proportion? you guys are getting a little emotional about this dont you think? its been a non story right from the get go. kinda ironic that you guys hate the leafs so much when they havn’t been remotely good in 6 or 7 years
I think the Islanders probably have some awesome fans. However, they don’t compare to the Leafs fan base. On ice, it’s not a huge problem, but off it is. The Islanders probably see about 6000 less fans per game and their ticket prices are probably half the cost as they are in Toronto. Financially, the Isles need to fill the seats, drive up demand, which in turn also lets them increase ticket prices. Right now, who’s going to pay to go see these guys? The fact is, the Leafs have the 7th pick overall, which isn’t too shabby and can top it off with players that, although long term might not make the most sense, will help the current team. Grabovski would easily be the highest scorer on the Isles. I know this might anger fans, but it’s a business. And sometimes making profit comes before the fans great idea of rebuild. If Mr.Snow has to make this deal, the fans have to realize this. By the way, who is AJ Burnett? I’ve never heard of him.
John Spano, the other four owners, Mike Milbury. That does not happen anywhere else. The Islanders are trying to pull out from years of neglect so it was no wonder many fans were turned off.
Moon….Snow doesnt have to make the deal.
Just sayin……
I think some of these “hockey writers” for the canadian press are worried bloggers in basements are going to make their jobs obsolete. I wouldn’t rule out Burke tampering with the pick, he’s bold and aggressive. That being said, don’t let some jerks speak for a whole nation.
The Isles are back. Bring it.
Rock n Roll.
-The Commodore.
we are going to need a enforcer asap.
orr ufa
205 - the Leafs have a great fan base no question. And tehy play in a great new(er) building. The Islanders biggest struggle as to why the do not sell as many tickets has to do with playing in the 2nd oldest building in the NHL…
and if you listened to your own GM Brian Burke on Grabovski, he said it perfectly saying he was playing garbage minutes for a garbage team, and would not produce the same numbers elsewhere.
Nyles,
Just wait and see Tavares. He’ll be a very good NHL player. A Jason Spezza type. Slow, great hands, good hocket sense, no huge desire. Evander Kane will eb a warrior. He might not outscore Tavares in the regular season, but I gaurantee not one fan or GM would take Tavares over Kane for a playoff series in 2015. Gauranteed.
You said it all Chris. I’m glad your on our side!By the way, I’m blogging from my bedroom.
Lethbridge,
I agree with Burke on Grabovski. The problem the Islanders are also a terrible team and he would have gotten minutes and PPtime there too.
Of the top prospects this year Evander Kane improved the most. Whoever takes him will be very happy.
Chris TMC,
Wang is willing to invest all that money to make HIM more money. He does not give a damn about the Islanders. Get a clue.
burke can go buy gaborik.
it’nt that how they do it in TO.
Any islander’s fan that bashes my country is no better off than the toronto media, bin an islanders fan for 30 years and never did i bash Americans once it’s the media your after not us canadians keep your Canadian bashings to yourself
good write CB, except for a few who spoil it
Chrism
Anyone who actually now thinks that money can’t get anything done, please, exit stage right. Drafting is your right, yes, but the Leafs, and the Toronto media at that, can do anything they want to influence players and where they sign. Just because JT is drafted by the Islanders doesn’t mean he HAS to sign there, just that the rights belong to the Islanders until they do sign him. This happened to the Leafs. We drafted Tuuka Rask. What many people never read was that the main reason he was traded for Raycroft is that he would not sign an entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. If Toronto has the money and the ability to influence those decisions, so be it. It isn’t tampering and it isn’t against the rules. The Islanders can draft whoever they want, but until July 1st, Tavares doesn’t belong to anyone and can be talked to by any team that wants to dial his number.
Furthermore, I don’t care how deep your owners pockets are. The fact is the Islanders, like most other American teams (despite one posters comment about hockey not being able to survive without the United States) are bleeding money and need bailouts from the only teams making money, IE the Toronto Maple Leafs. Essentially, we’re subsidising teams like Carolina to beat us. After knowing stuff like this, why would any smart sports fan not endorse his team to use any legal means possible to become competitive?
Also, for all those making fun of a Burke-Snow phone call, all I have to say is 15 years, 65 million dollars and you’ll quickly realise who the smarter manager would be on the phone.
agreed #220(clueless)hey maybe it’s Steve Simmions of the Toronto Sun another clueless leafs fan
The Leafs act is if they have the history and legacy of the Canadiens or Yankees.
Those who read the Canadian press or the coverage on Hockey Night In Canada know of the ludicrous bias towards Canadian clubs- especially the Leafs.
On the one hand its great to see hockey so in the spotlight. Unfortunately in the US this barely registers as newsworthy.
ESPN devotes much more coverage to European soccer than hockey.
I’d tell Burke I want you to get me Kovalchuk from Atlanta for us (who we then sign), Luke Schenn, the #7 pick, and next 2 years number 1 picks from Toronto .
What rules of the draft? Nothing I stated was wrong. If NHL teams can’t talk to players before the draft, there would be no combine, GMs wouldn’t be able to sit down with prospects to make their pitch or determine if the kid is ready to be drafted. The Islanders have the exact same process to go through as the Leafs, the Leafs just have more resources. And no, the draft pick of a team doesn’t have to sign with the team that drafts them. The Leafs traded his rights, which is all a team gets, to Boston for Raycroft almost a full year after he was drafted because he didn’t want to sign with Toronto. So, the Leafs logically had to deal him. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen.
Want to talk about lack of a fanbase. I purchased a devils family fun pack because they were playing the isles last season and they call me every couple of weeks trying to sell me tickets. They even called me YESTERDAY AFTERNOON the day of their playoff game to offer me tickets. UNREAL! That would never happen in Long Island.
I’m not sure about A.J. Burnett but I know five years ago Michael Kay was saying that a great baseball player like Alex Rodriguez belonged in a baseball town like Boston or New York. Playing in football-crazy Texas was like “using the Hope diamond in a parking meter.” So let’s not get too high-on-the-horse on Toronto thinking hockey matters more to themselves than it does to Long Island.
Snow should listen politely to what Burke has to offer because manners could. At some time in the future the Icelanders and Laffs may want to do business. But I can’t see any package the Laffs will offer for for the number one pick. Now if Pittsburgh wants to offer Malkin or Crosby or Washington offers Ovechkin, that’s worth considering. But those deals are a million to one chance of happening.
Good comments Phelps.
Just to add, no, I would say most people, at least the ones I know would say Ovechkin is the better player but I think that mostly people I know complain that Crosby is too big of a baby, and he is.
phelps - that is ignorant to say that because hockey isn’t the number one sport in our country, those of us who follow the sport with a passion equal to the canadians, do not know as much or our opinion should not be counted as much. I would NEVER discount a die hard, passionate blue jays fan as inferior because most of canada does not follow baseball. I will put my hockey knowledge up against any canadian. I watch it every night, i played my whole life, i have coached and refereed it. But since people in Nebraska are not hockey fans I somehow get lumped in with them?
Get in line, the rest of Canada hates Toronto, too.
#121 , get your math right retard , how about the Eastern Conference Finals in 93 ??? When was the last time the leafs even got close to a finals???
Wow The snow must be melting in Canada all the Nucks are out and about today.. Since there is no Hockey (only real sport in canada) to be played, I guess you guys have nothing better to do..
The Leafs have nothing to offer??? Name an Islanders prospect/player better than Luke Schenn! And please don’t say Okposo or Bailey cause thats laughable!
We have been overrun by Elitist Leaf fans!!!! Damn. Well not overrun but they are here. Well hey all you Leaf fans its good that you know where this site is because it will be the best place for you all to follow our new #1 C by the name of John Tavares.
I really hope the we play the leafs in the playoffs this year!! If they make it!! LOL
Haha, I’m just waiting for CB to check in and see what his comment section has become…
Maybe Toronto can have Pat Quinn pencil in the WRONG lineup again like he did in 2001 , cause he THOUGHT he had Tavares!! LOL.
Was that reporter wrong when he questioned islander “FANS” devotion? This is a team that can’t sell out jack squat. Sure they’re horrible but looking at that half empty arena cracks me up. Whatever..as far as hockey goes NY is a Ranger town, period.
Burke is a fool, but the media up there is a lot worse. To all Islanders fans: Just wait until June 26th, when Garth Snow helps John Tavares put on his orange and blue jersey with the Long Island crest on the front. Then sit down, and watch the rest of the league DROOL.
ummmmmmmmmmm good luck getting a playoff ticket in the old barn when they are in the playoffs. Man you TO fans are awesome!! You say whatever comes to your mind whether it makes any sense or not! Please do not ever go away, you are all making my day!!
248 , come down to the coliseum !! 315 , row D we’ll see how tough you are when your not hiding behind a keypad. TYPICAL Canadian !!! Come see the Isles in the playoffs this year so you can WAVE to Tavares!!
248…nascar? i mean nascar? you couldn’t do better then nascar? i don’t know one person on long island who likes nascar.
about getting a playoff ticket on long island…did you try when the isles knocked your sorry leafs out on the last game of the season two years ago?
AWSOME 252!! this guy has his head in the toilet!! : )
I applaud you, CB. At least there is one voice in the hockey media world that can stand up for the Islanders!
Toronto seems to act as though they own the rights to the cup, to the very sport of hockey, but guess what… Burke can boast, and proclaim all he wants. Garth is taking the pick, and Tavares is either ending up on Long Island, or Tampa Bay.
Hey sfb, (236), don’t label all of us up here as the same. I’m Canadian, and very glad I am. I always have been and always will be an isles fan. These knobs commenting are typical leaf fans, anytime a good player is available, tsn and the other networks assume they want to go and play for the leafs. This always gets the fans in a frenzy. It is very annoying, having to deal with it all your life growing up. When Gretzky got traded from the kings, guess where they said he was going? Lol, there fans are a joke, and they always will be. Just let them have there say, and take it for the grain of salt that its worth.
leaf fans i dont get why you guys are getting so upset about maybe not getting tavares. your going to get a pretty good player at 7 and schenn is a good start to a young team, stop talking trash about isles fans and there team. We have alot more cups then you since 1972 when we got started and we get a good amount of fans at the games. You look at the avg amount high 13,000 is pretty good, the stadium only holds a lil over 15,000.
How did they do in our last playoff series? Oh yeah, I remember. And who gives a shit about the last game a couple of years ago. Wow! You won the right to get knocked out in the first round..what an accomplishment. Oh and Thomas32..tough guy… nobody is hiding behind a keyboard, you pansie! I’d gladly come down to that dump and kick your ass!
hahaha c’mon guys! Toronto fans are pretty passionate but they aren’t doing anything wrong, just hoping. And we may trash their media, but we all are on here reading things from a BLOGGER!
257 why are you all worked up?
PS why am I not seeing you guys @ Nassau with me? Bandwagoners make me sick
Regarding the Leafs fans’ boasting that they always sell out and the Islanders do not, blah, blah, my best friend was born and raised in Toronto, his family still lives there, and he visits often. He is a diehard Leafs fan. He constantly complains how it is virtually impossible for the “everyday” Leafs fan to get tickets to games b/c the vast majority of seats are held by corporations, and are otherwise prohibitively expensive.
May explain Leafs fans’ crankiness. It must be difficult to accept that the team you worship has priced you out and does not return your loyalty.
CB if you choose to continue this amazing blog beyond this off-season, I’ve got a suggestion for you… require registration for commenting, and on top of that require that all registered commenters be approved by you. Not that I think you should reject anyone who wishes to sign up, but if people had to wait for even a couple hours it would cut down on the morons who come in, make a couple of idiotic comments and then leave. Those who wish to make respectful, but differing opinions will be willing to wait. Just my two cents…
Maybe Wang will sign him to a 20 year $100mill contract. Dipietros contract has worked out really well…
is the leafs stadium similar to the rangers by alot of corporations and businesses get tickets free and first pick?
They gave away a whole building worth of free tickets for the preseason. Was only pre-season, but have we been given?
Everything I’ve been reading - for example, Howard Berger’s piece on Hockeybuzz - makes me sick. I, too, am sick of the complete haughtiness of Toronto fans and media. I believe that last time a Cup graced their area was 1967 - nothing to brag about.
CB, awesome article. Don’t take any flak from Toronto writers. Us Isle fans deserve something to look forward to as well.
Kevin Fitz, I am not talking about individual people, there are obviously Americans who know hockey. I am talking about American sportsfans in general. Generally it was an incoherent rant but it is just the way people feel up here. To us this is ‘our’ sport, not yours. The fact is the Islanders have not had the support and they do not get the respect. In the end Toronto is the Mecca of Hockey. You might get a good hockey player but you will never get a good hockey culture.
plus the isles have better young players then the leafs anyway. You guys must be dieing knowing we cna grab Tavares and have another first round pick and umm your second rounder hahahah
Stanley Cups in the past 30 years:
Isles: 4
Leafs: 0
So to bring up the past Leaf fans is, well, less then intelligent. That being said, please go back to your mom’s basements and listen to your Bryan Adams & Snow…
Burke’s a blowhard, but he has a cup ring.
This is garth’s chance to prove he’s not an idiot. he was our back up goalie the year before he was hired. surely we could ahve found someone who has experience? or at least wasn’t a back up
I’m a huge Islander fan from PEI, Canada. First, let’s try and keep the American/Canadian insults out of the debate. Fans on both sides of the border have equal hockey knowledge if they choose to follow the sport. Now, as for Burke and his comments. It’s not tampering, I agree with the Toronto fans, but…it’s not right knowing full well TO has no shot at him unless they move up. Burke cried and cried when Lowe took Penner from him, I just don’t understand why he would turn around only a couple of years later and pull off a media frenzy like this. The Isles are hurting, they are rebuilding. There is a ton of history with this team and there is no reason why they can’t recapture some of that old magic. Tavares is a marketable player and will help this franchise. Why does this piss off Leaf fans. You’ve already stated that your franchise is the strongest…Bottom line, Snow has the 1st pick, he’ll decide the fate of JT.
he’ll just leave us when he’s 25 anyway.. then what?
then we had him for 8 years and he would had to have proved himself to get a big contract some where else
CB, you did us proud…
(272) Well said, this shouldnt be about Canadian or American, it should just be about the few associated with the Leafs who think theyre holier than thou.
And 273, if when JT is 25 and the Islanders are a playoff team knocking on the door of being a cup contender, what on earth makes you think he would automatically up and leave?
I don’t understand why Leafs fans are even bothering to read an “inferior” blog since their coverage is so much better than the Isles can ever dream of… Also, Luke Schenn did nothing this season, why do you think we passed him up?
238 Blizzard on Apr 16th, 2009 18:41:03 said:
We have been overrun by Elitist Leaf fans!!!! Damn. Well not overrun but they are here. Well hey all you Leaf fans its good that you know where this site is because it will be the best place for you all to follow our new #1 C by the name of John Tavares.
^proof of media Torontos media machine brain washing of leafs fans…They make stuff up about the Isles over there”…
I have been on the JT bandwagon since CB bought this up in January. However, a word of caution. Started trolling thru the OHL record book. The Islanders already landed a couple of former OHL scoring champions. You remember, Mike Kaszycki and Dave Simpson. Not exactly cornerstones. Oh and you would be surprised how many points Daryl Bootland had in his best year. Bottom line as CB has also constantly emphasized, there is a lot of work to be done. Everything is a building block, stick with the program.
Everyone please for my sake stop this pissing match and watch some hockey, unless you are also stuck at work in which case keep hitting the refresh button on the scoreboard.
By Burke shooting his mouth off he has basically said that Tavares is worth a king’s ransom.
Schenn, a proven All Star, this years #7 pick, and next years #1.
Let him try to wheel and deal to get the All Star to try to entice Garth.
The Leafs are currently in no mans land.
They may make the playoffs next year if they are lucky.
They have no bona fide scorer.
Fletcher wildly overpaid Blake.
They have no goaltending.
So what do they have that would entice anyone?
Burke is coming off as a second rate Steinbrenner with his antics.
His public display for Tavares makes him look like a buffoon.
Sign all the college kids you want.
It’s like Steinbrenner or Daniel Snyder trying to buy a quick fox championship.
It’s funny free agents avoid LI because of the arena.
Yet free agents will avoid Toronto (unless they wildly overpay) because of the 362 24/7 fishbowl that is Toronto.
I am sure McCabe is telling Bouwmeester (a supposedly reserved shy guy) how great the Toronto media and fans are to a player
If I were Tavares I’d be leery of Toronto just because of the lunacy of Burke and the frenzy this has touched off.
God forbid he goes to Toronto and doesn’t put up 100 points in season 1.
Every shift will be scrutinized.
If I were Garth I’d string this out until draft day.
Make Burke look like the monkey to Garth’s organ grinder.
Dance for me monkey boy!
get ‘em chris
I don’t even know why any Islanders fans are responding to the Maple Leaf invaders. Talking to them is like clapping with one hand. It’s useless and gets nowhere. Maybe they are just jealous that their team basically stunk this year and they still didn’t get a good draft pick. That and the fact that many Islanders fans have just as much passion and knowledge of hockey as many of them do. I’m not going to sit here and say that Canadians know nothing about football, basketball, or baseball because it is less popular up north. That would be ridiculous. You have die-hards and fanatics everywhere for all sports.
Anyway, Snow holds the cards and Burke can’t do anything about it anyway. If Tavares wanted to hold out (which we all know he won’t), Snow could let him sit for a loooooong time. It could be career suicide for Tavares. And if Snow was going to trade the pick, it would be to a GM that has ALOT more to offer than talent-thin Toronto. Burke definitely would need a third partner for any deal.
do none of you watch south park?
#270….the 7th pick in a deep draft like this is a good spot to be picking. Anywhere in the top 10 is great. It doesn’t end at Tavares..