NO REASON TO VIC AROUND: If NYI get No. 1 on Tuesday, they should immediately declare “Tavares”!
John Tavares is the consensus best player available in this year’s NHL Draft. Since he was 15, he was projected as the best player in the class of 2009 and as one of the league’s next great players. Despite the pressure, he justified the hype - which, cautiously, has been somewhere on a level between Steven Stamkos and Sidney Crosby.
In 56 regular season games this season, Tavares led the Ontario Hockey League with 58 goals and 104 points. In 9 playoff games so far with London, he is 6-8-14.
If the Islanders are lucky enough to have their 48% come through at the NHL Draft Lottery on Tuesday night, they should immediately declare that John Tavares is their man.
There are several reasons, but two stand above all. In ascending order of importance:
2. The Islanders would be giving themselves an extra 72 days - during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, no less - for the world to know John Tavares will wear an Islanders uniform when the season opens in October.
1. If you’re going to ask Tavares to spend at least the next 15 years on your team and in your community, illustrate your commitment on Tuesday. Let him know you didn’t even spend a second thinking about anyone else. He deserves that.
You can say he’s just a hockey player who wants to be in the NHL and isn’t owed any promises, that he’s a kid who’ll go wherever he is assigned. That approach would be a monumental mistake.
John Tavares is a franchise hockey player, and the New York Islanders are a franchise with so much on the line. To say this is a special case is an understatement.
Take the leap of faith with him…immediately.
If a decade from now it turns out Victor Hedman or Matt Duchene or Evander Kane or Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson or Jared Cowan have a better NHL career, so be it. With the exception of Hedman, you can’t find a scout to tell you anyone else comes close to matching the upside of Tavares. Please spare us the brilliant tactic of patiently surveying if a team will over-pay for the No. 1 while you grab Hedman or Duchene and a few extra picks. Really.
After everything the Islanders and their supporters have been through for large parts of the last two decades, do they really want to be the team that passed on Tavares? He could get at least 20 goals for the Islanders next season and climb the ladder from there. He would be the first offensive star the Islanders have had - and could keep for the entire prime of his career - since the legends of the dynasty.
The difference between the Islanders naming John Tavares as their cornerstone player on April 14 vs. June 26 is more than just two and a half months of moving a few thousand ticket packages and the Lighthouse conversation along. It’s about doing right by a young man the Islanders are going to merely ask the world of.
Coming soon: What should/could happen if the NYI get the No. 2 pick. Comments. Guidelines. No exceptions.
247 Responses to “NO REASON TO VIC AROUND: If NYI get No. 1 on Tuesday, they should immediately declare “Tavares”!”
Please Wait
We want Tavares!!!
This is a great read, exactly what the Islanders should do. Tavares all the way!
Agree 100% Chris. Hopefully they decide to go that route instead of making us all wonder for the next two months who it’s going to be.
I have a funny feeling that they will make us wait. The Islanders tend to never let their fans know anything happening in the front office.
god i love and thank you cb
not only have you made this season somehow enjoyable but you go ahead and cap it off with the most pressing post about the islanders to date. now of course, its only up to fate
Amen to that CB!! Tavares has to be the pick. The spotlight shines bright in NY and Tavares has been a star his whole Hockey life! He gets drafted here he becomes the face of the “New Isles”! Hedman will be a great player, Tavares will be a media star! Put it this way, The Isles draft Tavares it is front page Newsday news, Hedman is a sports section story! Won’t mind either 1 , but Tavares is the man!
CB, I am completely shocked that you penned this article. I love your blog and normally agree with most of your points, but this article is not factually accurate. He has not justified the hype that he garnered at age 15. That is a fact. When he was 16, he broke Gretzky’s record. A year later, most scouts would have taken Stamkos over him. To put him in the same sentence as Crosby is absurd (one is a world class skater and the other is average for the OHL). According to some folks in Canada, he has been floating during a few playoff games. Also, I would be outraged if Garth and Jankowski did not care if Hedman et. al were better than Tavares in 10 years. Their job is to care about that. I know you are a PR guy, but you don’t select a player for PR reasons. Furthermore, JT doesn’t “deserve” anything; he’s never played a game in the NHL. If you want marketing and buzz, then win some cups. You select the player that will help you get there. The attention and fans will follow. That is the approach our scouts should take
yes yes yes and yes!!!
Like Mussolini and Ghandi, the cult of personality is alive and well in America and will do wonders for the Islanders. Tavares will sell jerseys before he even skates in syosset.
it will be like canada on long island. it is an absolute no brainer.
Hedman may turn out to be real good, but if they draft him it will hit us fans like the Luongo trade/Dipietro draft did all those years ago.
Wow, who would have thought that us Islander fans could actually breathe easy a bit. Well until the lottery night when those balls are going around. That is going to be way too much stress for me to handle! I must say, I have been reading up a lot on both Tavares and Hedman and have been very split between the two but I am really starting to believe that Tavares is definitely the way to go. And your point Chris about declaring that we will take him the night of the lottery if we win, I think you are 100% right.
I’ll be happy with either Tavares or Hedman, both are franchise players.
c’mon mikey don’t kill my buzz
mikey, where do you get your info from
this years draft has been wildly heralded as far superior to last years, both depth wise and star wise.
he has outproduced stamkos in the ohl-if you prefer hedman thats fine-but at least have valid points when making your argument
(7) You might want to read the sentence referring to Crosby again. I said the hype has been at a level between Stamkos and Crosby - as in Crosby is obviously above him. Might want to re-read the paragraph about a decade for now. Your take on what I wrote isn’t even close. I also do not say anything about PR reasons for drafting Tavares. I wrote that he is the consensus best hockey player. Other than that, we are on the same page…CB
chris, didn’t you write last year that mike bossy was instructed to immediately declare that nyi would take stamkos if the isles had won the lottery? if so then maybe snow does immediately declare who he will take if the isles win tuesday’s lottery.
There is only 1 reason that I started the blog This Is Tavares Country.
There is only 1 reason that I am traveling to Montreal for the NHL entry draft.
There is only 1 reason that I have paid money to watch London Knights hockey on the internet.
There is only 1 reason that after giving up my season tickets 2 years ago that I am prepared to come back for a 15-20 game package.
I want John Tavares to be an Islander.
Please Garth Snow if we win the lottery, please take Tavares immediately, for once do it for the long suffering fans. It would be worth it after this long season.
I know the Isles technically have a 48% chance of getting the first pick in the draft, but in reality, they have a 66% chance of getting Tavares. If Tampa (who has now clinched the 2nd worst record) wins the lottery, they will likely take Hedman, rather than make Tavares the 3rd center. CB, would you agree with that assessment?
This is the perfect lottery scenario for the Isles.
“Please spare us the brilliant tactic of patiently surveying if a team will over-pay for the No. 1 while you grab Hedman or Duchene and a few extra picks.”
Really Chris?
What about a No. 1 pick to Pittsburgh for Malkin? Pitt has a tough short and long term cap to think about and this year’s No. 1 pick could be the perfect compromise.
Malkin for Tavares or Hedman - a potential deal?
We have to take Tavares and make a run at Komisarek in the offseason. Those two acquisitions will advance our cause by about a year and with a healthy Rick- will have us competing for a playoff spot next year. Stud D-men usually take 2-4 years to develop (Bowmeister, Pronger, Chara took some time). It all means nothing if he turns out to be the real deal, but we might not know that for a couple years. if we take hedman, the media will spin it as those “loopy” islanders, going against the grain once again, JT will give us that instant respect. HE also seems like a decent kid which should count for something…
Tavares in an Islander jersey next year = absolutly awesome!
See this is why I love this blog, CB always finds a way to land a crazy wide left hook out of nowhere. Not at all what I was expecting your article to be tonight.
I know this was the tactic the Isles were planning on taking with Stamkos last year. I still think the Stamkos vs. Doughty debate is one worth watching. You hope the scouts know who is better.
Let me say this, from a PR standpoint I don’t think the Isles can afford to be labeled the team who passed on John Tavares as much as I like Hedman and have total confidence he’ll be an impact player. Tavares is a proven winner who can easily handle the spot light and attention.
I do have one question CB, when Guerin stated in Logie’s article that Tavares wasn’t Crosby did he mean he wasn’t a cheap shot artist like Crosby or wasn’t a whinny baby like Crosby?
April 14th could not come any sooner.
If we get the 1st pick and don’t take Tavares i will be devistated. Only way we move that pick is if it makes us a playoff team next season.
CB,
Great article,I 100% agree with your take on the situation. I have been reading THN forever and wondering when the Isles would pick the right time to stop being mediocre and rebuild right. I think it is no mistake that it happened this year. This guy is hyped up and seems to be damn worth it from every possible way you can gauge a player at that age.
Simple word:
****CORNERSTONE****
CB, Do you know if the Isles will present Tavares or Hedman with the third jersey? I really hope they do. They need to make these primaries right away. This will be a new era in Isles hockey. I want to look at film years from now from the 09 draft day and see them hold up those classic jerseys.
CB, as always, thanks for giving the Islanders faithful a blog that we all take so much pride in and love to read.
Can Snow use the Islanders 3rd jersey on Draft Day?
True story.. 2009 World Juniors, Canada vs USA.. the US jumps all over Canada to take a quick 3-0 lead in the game…
I’m a Canadian, living in America with an American wife who - by the way - is loving every minute of the US taking a decisive lead very early in the game.. she’s jumping around, laughing her butt off at me.. taunting me.. talking smack trying to get me to react..
I literally looked at her and said “John Tavares is going to personally win this game for Team Canada, he’s going to single-handedly destroy Team USA tonight .. and not only that, he’s going to be the next New York Islander.”
She knows what Canadian Hockey means to me. She knows what the Islanders mean to me. But she has no idea who John Tavares is. Nor did she care. All she also knows that the score at the moment was USA 3, Canada 0 - and that what I was saying sounds like a bunch of hot air to her.. so she kept laughing..
The laughing didn’t last very long.. Tavares *completely* took over the game and Canada won 7-4..
And we will win this draft lottery, and we will draft Tavares..
So uh .. there is no spoon. Or something.
CB - great blog. Pumped that we will be picking either Tavares or Hedman depending on how the ping pong balls fall. With the #1 pick, I prefer Tavares for all of the aforementioned reasons in your blog and from my fellow posters. Furthermore, I agree with announcing Tavares immediately as the Isles selection - would be great as a fan to know what management is planning and focus on the other potential draft picks and possible trades/UFA signings over the summer.
I’ll be rooting for the Isles to win once again these last two games coming up. I hope to never again root against my team!
CB, as always, thank you.
I agree with everyword you say.. and I hope those at HFBoards are reading this. That place is starting to go bonkers with all these conspiracy theories. Not only that, they actually advocate trading down.
Hopefully Snow can do what should be as simple as 1-2-3. John Tavares, YOU ARE AN ISLANDER.
Dear God, please let this suffering end here.
CB - Up till now, I thought it might be smart to keep the pick under wraps till the draft, but you bring up some valid points. I can’t wait for Tuesday night to get here.
On another note, can someone tell me:
Does the lottery winner move up the first round only, or all seven rounds?
remember last draft where all the islander fans wanted filatov. He was out in the open and we could of drafted him but snow took a different aproach and traded the 5th overall all the way down to a 9th overall. i have that feeling in my gut that snow will see what islander fans want, and trade it away.
Great article. I 100% agree but my biggest fear is we go this build from the goal out and go with Hedman. I think that would be a monumental mistake. Personally I don’t think DP has shown enough in his career except a few small flashes of brilliance to go that route anyway.
CB - What do you think the odds are the Islanders do take Tavares if they get the first pick, almost everything I read says the Islanders are going to go the other way.
If the Islanders are lucky enough to get the first draft pick, draft Tavares and sign him to a good contract. The people in Kansas City will be grateful.
Malkin centering Okposo!
Tavares could be the next Spezza and Hedman’s the ONLY sure thing in this draft.
Go get Malkin or draft Hedman.
31-first round only
I really hope we get Tavares. I just get a great feeling about him. This kid already has a ton of hype around him with casual hockey fans. I mean in my hs, kids that just watch the few hockey highlights on espn have heard of JT. btw #34 those kansas City jokes are getting really old
This is a great year to have a top 2 pick for sure. Back in 1999, we had 4 picks in the 1st round (can you imagine!) and none are even close to being considered a top line player! Out of all the players selected in the entire first round that year, the Sedin twins probably worked out best. Glad the crop of players in 2009 are nothing like they were in 1999 (I hope!).
there was a forward who wasnt a great skater and he was said to not play defense he had detractors throughout hockey but the Isles still drafted Mike Bossy….. Tavares is the rebirth steer clear of Hedman who will not wind up as advertised Uwe Krupp part 2
Isn’t this what the Bolts did last year with Stamkos? They started doing advertisements before they even drafted the kid. I think that’d be a great thing for the Isles to do to create hype around this kid and get everyone excited about the future of this team.
Great piece, CB. Totally onside with Tavares over Hedman (should the balls drop in our favour) and agree Garth should say on TSN that night that JT is our man.
Is it natural to think that something bad is going to happen with our pick?
Operation tank job successful!!!!
40- I live in Tampa, they had SEEN STAMKOS billboards all over the city. They started b4 he was drafted.
#38, the bad news is that 1999 was supposed to be a strong draft… but there was also a strong European flavor. The “four aces” were Patrick Stefan (bust), Pavel Brendl (bigger bust), and the Sedin twins, who, while good, did not turn out to be the Forsberg clones that they were advertised.
For the most part, the ringers who have come out of the drafts in this decade are North Americans (Dany Heatley, Rick Nash, Jay Bouwmeester, Jason Spezza, Eric Staal, Ryan Getzlaf, Dion Phaneuf, Zach Parise, Sidney Crosby… and many more).
In fact, the 1999 draft, as much as it was hyped as a strong draft, turned out to be the 2nd worst draft in terms of NHL talent only to the 1996 draft… which was horrible.
Just want to make it clear that we’re only talking about first rounders here. So we don’t need to mention that Henrik Zetterberg was a product of the 1999 draft.
Having said all this, I don’t foresee Tavares, Hedman, Duchene, Evander Kane, or Schenn busting. If you look at the top 5 picks over the the past 7 years, it becomes harder and harder to find a bust. In fact, no #1 overall pick has busted since Patrick Stefan did in 1999. Hopefully DiPietro can get and stay healthy so he doesn’t supplant Stefan as the most recent bust.
All Islander fans should be excited for this pick. Either way, we’r getting a much needed corner stone. Whether it’s Hedman or Tavares, it’s a huge step in the right direction.
If kid is truly the BPA, then let’s go for it. I’d welcome anyone they select and I’m confident Jankowski will make the right decision
unfortunately there never will be a second coming of a pure sniper like mike bossy…. but with something like 58 goals in 56 reg season games…. ok so maybe it is the ohl and not the nhl but still…. JT is obviously a sniper, and to boot some of the goals ive seen him score are brute force from behind the net right through three defenders up to the goal mouth and still manages to slip it in… i just dont see this kid being a bust.
Tavares!
Take Ta-var-es!!!
boom…..boom…boom, boom, boom, boom
Take Ta-var-es!!!
Chris B It is great that you did this and they are all valid points, hopefully Isles brass already realize this. Hedman is nice, helps solidify our d-corps but we still need a few more guys that can put the biscuit in the basket
best line is
“To say this is a special case is an understatement.”
we need him, the fannies will be in teh seats thus putting more heat on a certain pol in Hempstead.
eek!
Peter Nut
The Islanders have to take Taveras. They should immediately have Mike Bossy show him around. We need to be fair to the kid and realize that he is going to go through some growing pains, like Stamkos has. Let’s be patient and don’t put too much pressure on him. I believe the Islanders really need to sign or trade for a 25 goal scorer to ease some pressure on Taveras.
Can you say Kool Aid!? This kid is not above any franchise in the NHL. Im not interested in PR. Im interested in building a Stanley Cup contender. I would take Hedman.
Jeez young Mikey was hot under the collar up above here (7). I thought it was a terrific article CB (Is my nose getting browner?) Another point to be made about Tavares, is he was the first player, I believe, to enter the OHL under their “exceptional player rule” which means 14 years olds could enter the league under a special status if they were deemed good enough. Just another feather in his cap. Since you had the PR stuff thrown in your face there CB, a quick question. If the Islanders had won the Stanley Cup (haha and ha), would you have had your name put on it?
Totally disagree–If we win 1st pic, knowing that Tampa Bay(if they are 2nd) wants Hedman, we put strong vibes out for Hedman–Maybe we get get something for “guaranteeing” them we dont pick hedman or even flipping pick and then getting tavares anyway–Id rather wait two months and get more then expected that do it just to let fans know
I’m curious as to whether “concensus best player available” necessarily indicates that J Tavares is #1 on the Isles draft board.
If the Islanders get the #1 pick and then declare that they’re taking Tavares, I’ll buy a season ticket package. How’s THAT for motivation, Mr. Islanders Front Office Man?
Chris, I think you have a great idea here, but we all know there’s no way in hell that they announce that they are taking Tavares #1 overall if they get the chance. They’ll make us wait until draft day, and even then they might not take him at all.
CB…Not sure if I agree with this one, for a couple of reasons.
#1 Given that the Islanders supposedly developed some formula to jugde character in a player, I wonder how Taveres would rank vs Hedman in their ratings. Now I don’t know if their system works, but if they truly believe in it, and you’re talking about two franchise players, then you take the one you believe will be the better team guy. All of your potential targets should be interviewed and vetted before deciding who you’re taking.
2)I think a GM should keep his cards close to his chest at all times. Showing your hand too early is never a good thing in my book. Such as pulling Guerin off the ice days before the deadline and not being able to move him till the 11th hour.
3) Your last paragraph sealed the disagreement for me. Even if we go with Tavares, there is no need to make him the focal point of the franchise before he’s even officially drafted. To do this in an effort to sell tickets or add leverage to the lighthouse, would be unfair to JT and all the players that have been busting their tails during a dismal season this year just to be here. Bottom line is even with JT, we are fighting for a 7 or 8 seed at best next year. No need to add to his hype machine, he and the media have done enough already.
Sorry for the length
Hedman
My question has probably been discussed elsewhere (apologies).
If the Isles go into The Lottery with 48%, what percentage do the other teams have?
I would like to make a point that if the Islanders do get the first overall pick, and announce it that day, it could entice Gilroy to sign with the Islanders. If the Islanders get the second overall pick, obviously Hedman could be our choice, and there is no need for Gilroy.
So assume for the moment that the Islanders say they will draft Tavares, then the next day sign Gilroy, The Islanders still have a first round pick, and the first pick in the second round, who could still be first round potential. If Burke is correct in saying that a college free agent is as good as a first rounder, then the Islanders may acquire 4 “First Rounders” with great potential. Just that alone will have fans buying up all the tickets.
CB, Good article. Taveras all the way…he’s going to look good in the “old” Islanders blue jersey…
Right on, Chris. If the Isles number comes up on the 14th, Garth better immediately pull out a 91 Tavares Islanders jersey and we should see them on sale at the Coliseum next week during the SoundTigers games. Tavares is superior to Crosby.
CB, great article! The Isles would do no wrong with either guy, but if given the first pick, it is time we go with Tavares; except for a few games the second half of this season, most games were close,if DP can keep us in the game, added scoring will get us back in the play-off race & Beyond!
Netminder39 - Gilroy will be signed by Saturday night, Sunday afternoon at the latest. He more than likely already knows where he’s going and has a contract, he’s just waiting for his college season to end.
(63) Tavares is already superior to Crysby in one area: He doesn’t whine about the officiating and DIVE like Cindy.
Im just scared we are gonna hear….”there has been a trade”
Bob Bassen — here are the odds. Remember, our 48.2% comes from our 25% plus the percentages for the teams that can win but can not move up to #1, which are teams 25th place through 17th place below. So it’s 25% to win the lottery; and 48.2% to draft first. It’s not the same thing.
(And then, of course, everyone here is assuming that if TB wins, they will draft Hedman. So maybe throw in their odds on to our odds if the issue is drafting Tavares).
30th place team - 25.0%
29th place team - 18.8%
28th place team - 14.2%
27th place team - 10.7%
26th place team - 8.1%
25th place team - 6.2%
24th place team - 4.7%
23rd place team - 3.6%
22nd place team - 2.7%
21st place team - 2.1%
20th place team - 1.5%
19th place team - 1.1%
18th place team - 0.8%
17th place team - 0.5%
Agreed CB…and I bet you’re a heck of a poker player. I always figured you were leaning towards Hedmen.
So Right!!!! I’ve seen Hedman’s numbers and they’re really not very impressive… can someone tell me why the Islanders would even dream of takig him over Tavares.
I’d be happy with either Tavares or Hedman, but I’m personally leaning more toward Tavares.
That being said - considering our injury problems this year - my fear is that the minute we express a committment to either one, both of their legs will fall off.
For way more than just one reason I really feel the Isles will do the right thing if they get the #1 pick and they will draft John Tavares.
I know marketing isn’t always the first thought when drafting a guy but I agree with what a lot of people have said here…If we get the #1, announce right away that we are taking Tavares! The buzz would be unreal and be like something we havent had in a very long time.
Frank — #70 — because he’s seen as the second coming of Chris Pronger, who has decent stats, but nothing to get too excited about…on paper. But he’s big, he moves the puck well, he’s got a ring (with Anaheim), he has one Norris, and he practically willed Edmonton into the finals in ‘06 from the blue line.
#60- The Islanders have a 25% chance of winning the lottery. Since the lottery winner can only move up 4 spots. With the percentages of all those teams added in, the Islanders chance to get the first pick is 48.2% and the combined percentage for the second to fifth teams is 51.8%.
Frank - 70. Hedman is playing in the swedish elite league. That is a far higher lever of competition than the league Taveres is playing in. Plus he is a Dman, of course his offensive stats are not going to be overly impressive.
I’ve been waiting for this day all season. I can honestly say that I’m not disappointed in last place. A lot of that has to do with the development I’ve seen this year. A handful of games aside, this has been an entertaining team to watch. I sure don’t miss the dump and chase offense that was so prevelant for so many years. Here’s comes JT or VH! Go isles!
#4 VICTOR HEDMAN….Then get me Gaborik as a ufa.
BTW… Gilroy is no big deal. All O , no D.
and #91 will always be Butch
One small factor could be that Swedes tend not to come immediately the first year after they are drafted. They usually stay another year or two in the SEL. Has Hedman given any indication of this? I feel given the choice between two nearly equal players, you would want to take the North American player and have a quicker impact on the organization.
If Hedman is selected and stays in Europe to develop more you could find another situation next year like this year being conflicted about hoping the team loses. This is how Malkin and Crosby started together. Are you willing to wait? Who is coming at the NEXT draft? I want JT next season.
#70 Did Chris Pronger ever lead the league in scoring?
Great article, CB. Had to forward this a few of my non-Isles friends just to give them the depth of this situation.
I agree with a poster above that is a situation similar to 2000, where the Isles had #1 and decided to “go unconventional” and what an impact that decision had *mentally* on the Isles fanbase.
The Front office hopefully takes the fans into consideration right here, and although Tavares may not become Crosby (or even Dany Heatley)…Tavares is someone and something the fanbase NEEDS right now.
Snow and the decision makers would be twisting the knife even further, if they don’t declare JT as their man IF they win the lottery this Tuesday.
Pete
Said it before and I’ll say it again.
It’s pretty simple: we get the #1, John Tavares is our new #1 center. We fall to #2, Victor Hedman is our new #1 d-man.
Stray from this formula, Garth, and there WILL once again be booing at the Coliseum Draft Party.
OK, but I still think i’d rather have a sick scorer(which if you haven’t noticed, we don’t have that)more than another D-Man… We have a solid defense(when they’re healthy).
The Front Office should never take into consideration what the fans want. The Front Office has seen Tavares and Hedman play probably 100s of times over the last 2-3 years. Most fans probably haven’t ever seen either of them play. The Islanders have to take the player they think will be the best player in 5, 10, 15 years from now. Not the player that will give them the most buzz or the player the fans want.
to #78
next year Taylor Hall from Windsor
(Happens to be Bailey’s old linemate)
NO! I want Taveres as much as the next guy, but never show your hand. I will wait until to the draft party to find out who we pick and pay my $50 for an outdated Aaron Ashem Jersey while I wait.
TAMPA BAY MUST LEAVE WITH HEDMAN (if they have #2). If he is not there when they pick, they will likely need to trade down (or move Vinny).
Test thier hand…see what you can extract from them for us not to take Hedman. 2nd 3rd….as long as we still get JT, why not squeeze one last asset out of it. The more assets we can attain…the more we will have to move back up in round 1 and snag JT a running mate.
If Komisarek can leak some word to mgmt about his intentions, maybe we can move Witt as well.
I’m torn…my initial reaction all year has been to get Tavares, but part of me is thinking you build from the net on up. Defence wins championships, just ask Denis Potvin. Gun to my head I would say take Tavares but Hedman would still work for me. I guess it’s a good problem to have.
Maybe its because I’ve been numbed by years and years of losing, but I have this awful feeling we end up with the #2 pick. I know we get a franchise guy either way, but let’s be honest…if we don’t get Tavares, many of us are going to feel devastated.
I would be OK with Johnny boy, but HEDMAN is a no-brainer for me…Kid will be a MONSTER.
This is a good piece. If the Islanders win the lottery, no reason to pussyfoot around the choice if it is Tavares. I wouldn’t plaster the kid’s face all over Long Island, though. You don’t want to create so much hype that he gets stage fright. The advertisements need to be at that “just enough” level.
sorry, CB, although I would defenitely take Taveras #1 overall (star level offense is just so hard to get nowadays), I agree with Comment (57)…we still need to interview the kid, do due diligence, make sure that he’s really okay with LI, health, commitment, etc.
I’m sure you know this story, but maybe the younger fans don’t…when Bill Torrey had the #1 overall pick in 1973, there was no question that Denis Potvin was the can’t miss pick…as Torrey has said, he knew damn straight that he was going to take Potvin, but he still dropped some hints in the papers about taking a “scoring forward” with the pick, and he even took a walk around the block of the Montreal Forum (where the draft was held) with Sam Pollack, Habs GM, who tried desperately to trade for the pick…and although there was contract signing to consider (no entry level cap), you could’ve made a good case to say Torrey should have announced the pick early to counter potential WHA offers and let Denis know he’d be the face of the franchise
Well said, CB. All this talk about taking Hedman #1 is ridiculous. This team needs a star and a franchise center in the worst way. If you pick #1, don’t even make it a question: let the world know you intend on taking John Tavares and be done with it. Put all the anticipation to rest in April. But, if we lose the lottery and fall to #2, Victor Hedman is a wonderful consolation prize.
100% Agree
Garthie should show up at the draft with a Tavares #91 jersey. The Isles should then throw in a personalized Tavares jersey to any new season ticket subscribers. This team needs a cornerstone and name to put fannies in the seats and to help the team with his skill. Tavares does that. Hedman does #2.
Chris, why on the isles website does it say the 30th place team has a 25% chance of winning the number one pick?
Under the weighted system, the Club with the fewest regular-season points will have the greatest chance (25%) of winning the Draft Drawing and will pick no lower than second. Based on team finish, the percentage chance of being selected in the Draft Drawing is:
30th place team 25.0% 23rd place team 3.6%
29th place team 18.8% 22nd place team 2.7%
28th place team 14.2% 21st place team 2.1%
27th place team 10.7% 20th place team 1.5%
26th place team 8.1% 19th place team 1.1%
25th place team 6.2% 18th place team 0.8%
24th place team 4.7% 17th place team 0.5%
The rumors that Hedman is a soft player scare the %&##$%* out of me. CB, have you spoken to any scouts about Hedman and that particular factor? I realize you had an interview with a scout or two about Hedman and Tavares last week, but I don’t think you raised the issue of toughness. Any insight?
Either way, it will be good for the Islanders. Also, I feel good about being able to cheer for my team again, the last couple of months have been difficult.
My only hope is that fans have realistic expectations of either player; we do not become an immediate contender with the addition of either player. Playoffs next year is possible if everything goes well (development success and fewer injuries), but don’t expect home ice advantage.
1. Tavares would be my first choice. Pure goal scorers are born, not made, and this kid was born to score.
2. What’s all this fuss about Gilroy? (I really don’t know that much about him.)
3. What a pleasure it is to be able to talk about the Islanders on the Internet without being subjected to abuse from the all-too-many immature cowards who flex their muscles behind the anonymity of their keyboards. Great job, Chris.
93 - Hedman is not soft. Does he have the nasty streak of a Pronger? No. But the guy is a beast. He’s 6 foot 7 and skates beautifully, he’s not a lumbering skater like Z was when he first broke in the league.
Check out this link on Hedman.
http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/25114-The-Hot-List-Hedman-hits-North-America.html
I want Tavares but Hedman would be a fine consolation prize.
Now that #1 or #2 is locked up can we please stop the “Garth is going to trade down” talk?
Just a question to consider….If Hedman was a Canadian boy and JT was from Europe, would the hype for either be reversed as well?
The only way I would trade down is if I got a Lindros type package. I don’t see that happening in the NHL at this time.
The Nords got a helluva package.
1992-Jun-30 Traded from Quebec Nordiques to Philadelphia Flyers for Chris Simon, Mike Ricci, Kerry Huffman, Ron Hextall, Peter Forsberg, Steve Duchesne, future considerations, round 1 pick in the 1994 draft, round 1 pick in the 1993 draft and cash
Pronger did win League MVP, so maybe not an ART Ross, but which would you rather have? I am going to remain undecided on whom the Islanders should draft so that I can’t be disappointed either way. Very few of us have seen both players to sufficiently judge their talent level or character. Its up to the PRO scouts to not mess it up and they can’t blame it on popular opinion if they do mess it up.
I hope this comes down to a choice of whether you want Yzerman - Lidstrom, Bossy - Potvin, Neely - Bourque, Tkachuk - PRonger, or Heatley - Chara. Not to say that either of these kids will be in that near all Hall of Fame class, but there are arguments whether the Stud D or the goal scorer has had more of an impact on their respective franchises.
Thanks to everyone for all the passionate Comments on both sides of the argument.
(18) I wouldn’t assume what Tampa, Colorado or any other team might do. If the Lightning get the No. 1 on Tuesday, I would not assume Tavares will fall into the Islanders’ lap at No. 2. Tampa has been a bit unorthodox over the last year.
(19) I don’t think Pitt will trade Malkin this summer. I know that if they do, they won’t trade one of the game’s 3 best players (not even in his prime yet) straight-up for the top-ranked 18-year old. It would cost a lot more than that, starting with Okposo. Pop! Goes the Rebuild.
You’d hope the Islanders would give their draft picks the vintage royal blue jersey, but the league might have a rule about that. Regardless, let’s agree there are bigger, uh, fish to fry.
I love the Bill Torrey stories as much as anyone. In fact, I’ll have one of my own soon. But you simply cannot compare what’s going on with the Islanders franchise right now - and the business of the NHL right now - to 1973.
Hedman is going to be a great player. He is not soft. That sometimes become a Canadian journalist’s code word for “European.” Unfair.
I think everyone should know the Lottery odds by now. If they don’t, it’s too late…CB
I live in the Tampa area and I remember all the billboards and hype they made for Stamkos. Then he struggled the 1st half of the year and well all the fans thought the lightning management were idiots for selecting him(they are idiots but not for that reason). Anyways I agree and think the Isles should name JT their draft choice right away but not try to over hype the kid like Stamkos was. That was a bit much I think.
Bloddyskull (92)- The Islanders have a 25% chance of winning the lottery. The lottery winner moves up 4 places. So, the Isles will get the first pick if they win the lottery or in team #’s 25 thru 17 wins. If team 29, 28, 27 or 26 wins it, they move up 4 spots and get the first pick and the Isle’s drop to number 2. There is a 51.8% chance of that happening. That is why the Isle’s have a 48.2% chance of getting the first pick.
For those who want Hedman at #1 I need to ask, Who is going to score for the Isles? Outside of Okposo, where are the goals coming from? Who on this team now or even in Bridgeport can we expect even 20 goals from? Look at the competition in the league now, Boston has “8″ players with 20 or more goals!! Philly has “6″ with 25 or more!! We have nobody!!!! Okposo has 18! Look at the last 2 games. Without Okposo we scored 1 goal!! We create zero offense! Tavares will create offense and is no slouch himself at 6′1″ 200 pounds and getting bigger! Throw in that Hedman may not steo in right away, Tavares is the choice! Play a little game, make believe we are redrafting the whole NHL, you are a GM , at what number do you think the first D-man would go?? Remember Defense can be taught, defensive systems can be developed, Goal scoring is a gift! Yes Potvin was an all-time great, but he won his cups with 3 hall of famers on the first line including 1 of the greatest goal scorers of all time in Bossy. Pick Tavares!
if we lose the lotto I prefer it be to atl/col cause we know they’d lean heavy towards JT -thus , opening the door for the isles to focus on Hedman
if tb wins it they will keep everyone guessing for the next 2.5 months
I suppose the other Hedman wildcard here would be Phoenix who are knee deep in stud youthful forwards
anyways -5 more days .enjoy some turkey, chocolate bunnies til then
CB, Awesome Read. ANY CHANCE…ANY CHANCE you can do a feature on what to expect from our second first rounder?
You can’t teach goal scoring that’s true enough. You also can’t teach a 6′7″ 18 year old dman to skate like the wind and have soft hands. You either have those gifts or you don’t. I guess my point is that either way we are coming out with a potentialy fantastic player.
I hope John Tavares chants are started at the next two home games. I want JT to wear the Islander jersey as much as anyone on this board but I just don’t feel comfortable.
Is it unreasonable for the Islanders to start contract negotiations with Tavares if they have won the lottery and know what they are going to do ? Would take away some drama from the big show - but would make a play to the fans locally that the Isles MEAN BUSINESS - and take some ink away from Newsdays’ RANGERS. What do you think ?
Anyone wanna bet Snow trades back to add picks and we get neither JT or Hed? That could only happen to us.
Read this article last night and was absolutely pumped for #91. Now it’s 10:40am and I am still pumped!!!!! It was no secret when the Knicks won the NBA Lottery in 1985 who they were going to pick, so I see no reason why the Islanders should hold this from the NHL and the fans.
I know last year that at the Draft lottery if the Isles won it Mike Bossy was going to say the Isles were drafting Stamkos, right then and there. I hope if we win Garth says we are drafting J.T. Just think, we can piss off the Canadian Media for 5 months
I can’t bring myself to watching this event on the 14th. Hell…I was in the building and couldn’t watch the Bates Penalty Shot….so why jinx this….
If we get the number 1…have to take Tavares…..#2…..can’t really miss now, can we?
or…….Trade Tampa the #1 for Stamkos and take whomever they don’t. That would reunite the Chronicles of Sarnia (DiBenedetto, Stamkos, Martin, and Katic)
cb rank these players as far as there upside hedman doughty bogosian pietrangelo thanks
Keep in mind that if Toronto loses their last game and both Phoenix and L.A. win their last, Toronto gets the 5th seed in the lottery. Wanna talk about a tank job? If Toronto gets the 5th seed, I can see a rig job comin for Taveras……just my 2 cents.
The decision is easy it’s Taveras end of story.
Honestly I don’t trust a european defensemen as my foundation player. Other then Lidstrom few have turned out to be legit franchise superstars. I’m sure Vic will be very good player but he’s not what the team needs right now. Also we have several defensive prospects coming up in the next few years including Katic, Ness, Hamonic, Niemi, Kessel, and Donovan. Not to mention Gervais, Meyer, and Hillen already on the team. And we should target Gilroy/Komisarek even if you have to over pay a little we are so near the cap minimum we can afford to do so.
Our offseason FA targets should be a top 2 line scorer to pair with Okposo and hopefully Tavaras, and at least one FA D such as Komisarek. Then maybe sign or resign a backup goalie and maybe an enforcer. But that should be about it.
I have one name for all of the Isles fathfull “MATT DUSCHENE”
I also think the wild card here is ATL, they have been in neutral for a while now, and like Hossa, it seems natural the Kovalchuk would want out, CB is right to say that a team won’t trade an established star for even a top two pick, but in this case I think ATL might go for it.
If snow doesn’t work out, how bout CB for GM???
joey303 - we should be rooting for la and phoenix and against the leafs on sat night b/c if they win and the leafs don’t pick up any points they pick 5th in the second round - a pick which we own. they currently will pick 7th.
Happy Easter to the Botta family and all Islander Fans, a happy passover to all as well.
Tavares should be Snows only Target with Hedman being the second prize if somehow they lose Tavares. Not a bad deal all around for the islanders.
Let’s Go Islanders!!
Wait for the draft lottery before setting yourself up for a major dissapointment. The Hockey Gods remember how we jumped from 5th to 1st and they’re still laughing at what we did.
5th to 9th John
Either JT or Hed would be great. We have much bigger problems however. Starting with this: Other than KO our “young players” just are not that good. We need at least 4 quality free agents if we do not want to finsih dead balls last again. Do you guys realize how far away we are from being compeditive?? This team is downright aweful.
I’m talking about the 2000 entry draft.
I know Snow is different than Milbury … BUT! … When in recent history have the Isles drafted “sexy”?
I agree 100000000000% CB … The Isles should declare Tavares immediately … invite him down for some coffee and danish and exchange pleasantries and explain to him that he is the “Keystone” of the franchise’s rebuild … That the Isles are commited with building a great supporting cast … with Kyle Okposo co-starring as a firm and strong part of a foundation … Ricky (hopefully) as a dominant goalie between the pipes … Bailey as a firm cornerstone … etc. etc.
Then with the Light House … it can be the house that Tavares built … at the same time … NO PRESSURE!! … Just challenge … he eats that up … The Isles aren’t going to win anything with just one Superstar player.
John(120) so true. it was almost impossible to screw that pick up and milbury did it anyway. thats why i’m so concerned about this year. there may be a different gm this time, but its the same crazy owner who is running things.
#118 Bergy - I can just see the ghost of Harold Ballard helping Toronto pulling a Patrick Ewing and having the Leafs winning the lottery. My cynicism sometimes gets the best of me.
NYIsles 83 - #112 — Yes, but that’s because I don’t think there was any doubt that Stamkos was going number 1, regardless of who won the draft. As big a stud as Doughty has become, I don’t remember much talk that Doughty might get selected ahead of Stamkos by anybody.
Maybe my memory is simply of the post-lottery time period, when it was all Stamkos. But I think even before that, it was STILL all Stamkos.
This year, of course, it isn’t all one guy in the pre-draft and pre-lottery buzz.
(123)- I agree with you. So when you hear Garth Snow say the team next year is going to look similar to this year, we are in for another last place finish.
All that being said … we also have to be prepared to lose the lottery … I’ll be disappointed … but Hedman by no means is a consolation prize … the Isles need a little of both … but as the lowest scoring team in the league … the Isles need ALOT more offense … there is NONE in their system … they have a handful of promising young defenders .. but NO 1-2 defenders in the system as far as I can tell … so either way … we will improve one way or the other. Vic WOULD be the best defender the Isles have since Potvin… and they’ve had some good stud capable defenders inbetween that time.
IF … We do win the lottery and select Tavares …. The Isles still have a tremendous job to do on the backend … they need insurance for Rick .. a capable NHL backup … and I think we will be ontrack with our forwards … I think.
We can always get an NHL ready defender for the right price in FA … IF that player sees hope and a good challenge with the Isles having a talented forward class… Defenders like going to teams that can score … makes their job easier.
I’d like to wish CB, and the rest of the gang a Happy Easter, and Passover if you celebrate … I couldn’t think of a better group of people to share Islander comments with in a 30th place season then you folks.
Everytime I think of Rick I miss Chris and Roberto. Just had to say that.
Steviel post #104 Case in point Tampa Bay. All that upfront talent and where has it got them. And as an Islander fan how could you argue with building from the goal out? Where you around for the early years? With all the draft picks and young potential talent in the system I would lean towards Hedman. Taveres is said to be somewhere between Stamkos, and Crosby. That says alot. And I am sure he will help the Islanders offense right away. However, we just lost 9-0. Even if we had Taveres and he scored a hat trick we still would have lost. Smart pick is Hedman.
I am very torn between the two. Hedman is considered a generational talent, while Tavares is considered a superstar forward with tremendous scoring capabilities. It is so much more than the draft, though. If we are fortunate enough to land that first overall pick on April 14th, Garth Snow needs to begin looking at all his options. This team, even if we pick Tavares, needs a top-line forward, as well as a true number one defenseman to play alongside Streit. A pairing of Streit-Komisarek would be wonderful, but neither are a true number one defenseman, and I feel we need that. As for the forward, there are a few good options: Gaborik, Hossa, Cammalleri, D. Sedin, H. Sedin…the list goes on and on. I just hope Snow is able to pull off a nice signing for a forward to alleviate some pressure off Tavares/Hedman, Okposo, Bailey, etc. These next few months are more than just the draft, we need to assess a lot of things within the organization. Free agency is very important, as are trades. Only time will tell, but I do have faith in Snow.
Tavares is a NO BRAINER…
So are some GMs, Paul.
Matt D.
The question that needs to be asked is whether it is more likely that you can find a goal scorer or defensemen in the early to middle of the first round next year because that is where the Islanders will be picking again. Even with Tavares/Hedman the Islanders are unlikely to sign a big name free agent while losing money. This cannot be a one year re-build. We’ve been through this before with getting rid of Chara and Spezza for Yashin in the hopes of short cutting the process.
This team is going to have to re-build like the Capitals and even with Ovechkin, Semin and Green didn’t make it to the playoffs. That worked out fine because they picked up Backstrom. The Islanders have the Semin(Okposo) and Backstrom (Bailey) pieces - do they go for the high end forward or Defensemen? Stay the course don’t overcommit to a rental and build with draft picks. Once you have drafted a core then go out and add the missing pieces through UFA. As long as the Islanders keep the 1 or 2 pick they can’t lose. Next year identify the other piece and draft for need in the 6-12 slot. This years pick is HUGE, but it is not the cure all.
Blizzard (133) - That up-front talent HELPED get TB a Stanley Cup not that long ago. No one will argue it takes more than just offense..or for that matter just defense, or just goaltending. Most teams that end up on the top of the heap have a balance of all three, and get it all to click together at the right time. I don’t think anyone supporting the drafting of Tavares is saying, “Ignore defense for the next five years.”
Let’s pray every night now that we win the lottery. We just went through getting outscored 15-1…in 2 games. Have the islanders made arrangements to have lil bit of luck from the NY lottery to be at the draft lottery with them? i hope so
Well so much for Tampa focusing on Hedman
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/tbl090409.html
by the way…having tavares would most likely help attract a slightly better crop of UFA’s should the team search for some. There’s always the intrigue of playing with a kid of tavares’ potential
Although I want Tavares, my gut feeling is if Isles Win Lottery we will either trade the pick or we will pick Hedman(a fast skating D-Man who will fit perfectly into Gordon’s system; is what they’ll be thinking)…Isles Never od convential thing and w/ all the trade offers would get, Snow won’t be able to refuse them all; Unfortunately…. When we had Gaborik/Heatley for the taking,-(we did the unconvential thing)& we blew it…..When we had Spezza for the taking,-(we did the unconvential thing) & we blew it….When we had Zach Parise for the taking, -(we did the unconvential thing) & we blew it.. When we had Luke Schenn/Filatov for the taking-(we did the unconvential thing) & ……to be determined…..Will the Isles do the Conventional thing w/ Tavares/Hedman…Seriously Doubt it!!!!
At #1 the Isles really have to get Tavares. Fans deserve some sort of an immediate dividend to the “emotional investment” many of us have made for over 30 years.
I can’t lie, I DREAD getting the #1 in a way. IF the Isles lose the lottery, make the #2 selection, I have to believe TB takes Hedman, AND THEN Tavares at #2 is even MORE of a no-brainer. I don’t trust Snow. He’s still a neophyte, at #1 he’ll get offers, many will be of the FANTASTIC variety. Will he have the Hockey IQ to say “no”? In a perfect world, I want Snow to have as little choice as humanly possible. Giving Garth choices is a dangerous proposition at this stage of his development.
Remember the story about how Torrey was approached by montreal about giving the terrible Isles a chance to be immediately better by trading Potvin? Torrey stuck to his guns and look what happened. Hopefully they are trying to run this thing exactly like Torrey would have. Anyone would have to be completely insane to ignore past history of success (and the failures of the idiot MM)
4 picks in the top 40……6 in the first 61. It will be an interesting draft day in Montreal. The future of this franchise, I believe, is this years draft. Bad draft = doomed. Good draft = great future. I would look to package to trade up or trade a few picks for legit players.
What gets me every time is when Garth goes up to the podium all sweaty and nervous like he’s picking on a whim.
Let’s play GM and ask why the Islander shouldn’t reveal their pick. Suppose Toronto finishes sixth and wins the lottery. They now have number 2 and want Tavares because they already have Schenn, are they willing to give us the no 2 and more (their number 1 from next year just to exaggerate) do you make the deal?
I’m all for Tavares… but i don’t know if declaring him their immediate choice would be a good idea. we dont want this kid to have a big head thinkin hes hot stuff coming into training camp next year a la Alexander Daigle. Wait until after we draft him to market him no need to give him the feeling that hes better than everyone else before his career even starts
I am sure Victor Hedman will be a standout defenseman in the NHL but the Islanders need Electricity.
They need a guy who is going to really shine and bring on excitement and enthusiasm. You don’t particularly get excited over really good defensemen. You do however get some really good thrills over a high scoring and hustling forward.
Put it this way, we all Loved Denis Potvin. The guy was a Fantastic D-man (understatement) but let’s be honest, he wasn’t the most thrilling guy (just by nature of his position).
The Islanders need to step up with electricity. They need to build on excitement because in the long run, it won’t only help the team in the standings but it will also help the team in the stands.
Please take Tavares! We need goals and I need a new Islanders jersey.
If the Islanders mojo gets them the 1st pick, draft Tavares and sign Gilroy!
No more draft day funny stuff, Hedman might be a better player long term, but Tavares is the “NOW” PLAYER THEY NEED!!!
Hockey1919 — #147 — as much as I hate to say it, I think you would have to look long and hard at such an offer. I don’t think it’s all that unreasonable. When you think what the Flyers gave up to get Lindros, knowing you’re going to get Hedman plus Toronto’s #1 next year, and then have that in addition to your own #1, almost seems too cheap.
It’s worth a look, but if Garth Snow does what CB is recommending, that option is off the table.
Hopefully the people who already had Islander Tavares jerseys made up didn’t jinx the hell out of us.
We are assured an excellent player no matter what happens Tuesday but if we do win the Islanders should without a doubt declare John Tavares will be an Islander. They should then go and sign Jay Bouweester on July 1 to bolster the defnese and we will be playing playoff hockey next year. See you in Saskatoon in September boys
I agree 100% but if for some reason we don’t win I will be happy with Hedman. It should be a good off season..
Potvin’s devastating open ice hits, multiple thirty goal seasons weren’t thrilling? He finished as the top scoring defencemen of all time (since passed by Coffey) and was the Captain lifting the CUP 4 times. Winning the CUP is the excitement Islanders should be looking for and the reason fans are still passionate about this team.
Afinogenov is about as exciting with the puck as anyone but he isn’t going to win anything. Scott Stevens seemed to keep Devil fans excited, so did Ray Bourque in Boston and Green is now doing it in Washington. Please make this pick a hockey decision and not a marketing one. Tavares may be the right guy for the fans, but when did the Islanders ever go with the fans choice and what makes anyone think they’ll start now?
The top four of the lottery is set.
1-Islanders
2-Tampa Bay
3-Colorado
4-Atlanta
5-LA, Phoenix, Toronto.
At least I can stop rooting against the Isles. Let’s finish with two strong wins. As for the pick, I think it has to be Tavares. He might not be a “generational talent” (whatever that means…if there’s truly one per generation, Crosby filled the quota for the next 20 years) but he’s what we need - both on the ice and to put fannies in the seats. I won’t be jumping off the roof if we slip into the Hedman slot, but if we win the lottery and do anything other than JT, I will cease being a Snowy apologist.
“He would be the first offensive star the Islanders have had - and could keep for the entire prime of his career - since the legends of the dynasty.”
Way to throw Czerkawski under the bus CB!
I hope we don’t win the lottery just to see people’s reactions on this board to it. (plus I still think we should take Hedman, so if we lose the lottery I get to here all the whining on this board and will most likely end up getting the player I believe is what this team needs. Did we just not give up 15 goals in 2 games??)
We all have to keep in mind that just because we may be drafting the #1 overall pick doesn’t mean we are suddenly a playoff team. Whether we pick Tavares or Hedman, they are going to have some growing pains. They are still very young players. Also, the team still needs a lot more of their other players to develop before Snow goes crazy in free agency. Point is, don’t expect a huge turn around next season and more importantly, don’t be upset about it. This a process that will take a couple of seasons.
This is Dead on.
152 - I don’t think it is happening either for two first rounders that is why I impleid an exaggerated, offer but there may be a fine line that could be made. Swapping 1 for 2 and a prospect with team that has some to offer (unlike Toronto) could be a possibility. Dead last was to ensure the Islanders get 1 or 2 so I wouldn’t consider it a bust to swap 1 for 2 and additional picks or prospects. I may feel differently if we actually win the lottery and have the number 1 pick in hand.
#161….great post. if tavares does not have a strong supporting cast, what he could bring to the team may be thrown away. for example, look at kovy in atlanta. he puts up big points every year but what has atlanta done? snow better have a plan to bring in players to help the kid out. okposo will help JT but lets go out and find a first line LW.
Can we pleae stop putting so my hype into this lottery All this begging for JT and our odds are just shy of fifty-fifty. Poeple need to stop acting like it is a done deal. Its not, so stop jinxing it would ya!
116,133, all others talking about UFA’s. I think Smithtown native Chris Higgins is a UFA this year. He’s played under the gun in montreal and is a legit 20-30 goal scorer(except this year), also has leadership capabilities. He has had a terrible year and could come cheap, especially since i’ve heard the fans have turned on him in Montreal.
Higgins-Tavares-Okposo…i like it some veteran leadership with scoring ability for the youngsters
Higgins is an RFA.
ok boys and girls, its the home stretch now, TAVARES OR BUST!! (rather.. hedman) i recommend anyone who needs to do something to shake off some bad karma before tuesday night should take these next few days to get that done!
Y-A-W-N…..
Guys….done deal…If we win the lottery there is NO WAY Snow does anything other than draft Tavares.
So CB….last night you said Gilroy to one of two Canadian teams, maybe even Vancouver… (Vancouver? I think his parents, who UP AND MOVED to Boston to watch his college career might have an issue with that)
After giving that some thought…I’ve drawn a conclusion….
Is this NYI Point Blank?
Or NYI Disinformation Center?
With all due respect, I am sticking to my “sign Gilroy” prediction.
167 thanks for the info wasnt sure what he was.. lol was just about to add hes only 25 years old and has 3 20 goal seasons under his belt– oh well
With either player we are a better team next year.
Yes with the #1 pick we have more options.
I’m not against making a trade, as long as it makes us a better team.
I just want to win….
If we’re lucky enough to get #1 pick in the lottery, you take JT. It puts the fannies in the seats, plus at b-ri, 141 said, make the team more attractive to ufa’s. Case closed.
Alex #159 — and how about Ziggy!!
I remember the last game of the season when he had 48, the Islanders were winning, and whoever was the coach then — Bowness? — sent him out to try to light the lamp twice into the empty net. By the end of the shift, the guy practically needed IV he was so gassed from being out on the ice that long. And he still closed with 48.
A sniper…..or a point man with fearsome size, quick wheels (faster than Tavares), a strong game on both sides of the ice, a playing style compared to nick Lidstrom and Chris pronger……
I’m happy with both, but I dare say Potvin makes 19&22 as successful as they could be. A cornerstone foreward or sornerstone defenseman?
I say drafting Hedman will get us Gaborik. Drafting Tavares….we have Streit (not to be confused with Nick Lidstrom) and will be more than fine, but I gotta say Hedman looks like a long term success story for this franchise.
Please NO ONE weigh this year or next year’s team’s results with who you want. We m,ay have a dearth of scoring with DiBo, Martin and KO and Bailey, we have have solid defensemen coming in…..but which one individual’s game is better?
Any of the two. Now let’s just hope “we have a trade to announce” gets Garth and Wang fleeing the country for their lives if it happens again…..or we don’t go for the second highest rated goalie in the draft instead of the two consensus aces.
I’m not sure who’d I’d take yet but the argument that our D is solid when healthy so take JT is not sufficient. Besides streit, none of our D have top 4 status on most teams and minus Sutton our D has been healthy lately for the most part and they are still getting ran circles around. One thing to keep in mind is there are a lot more scoring forward UFA’s over the next couple summers than young well rounded 1-2 Dmen
CB….What does next year’s draft class look like? Is it stocked with talented defenseman? If thats the case maybe Snow can draft the coveted defenseman in next year’s first round and take Taveras this year.
you cant go wrong with either player but we need some offense. the only reason we lost 9 0 is we have goalies that should be playing in the ahl playing in the nhl. with dp healthy next year and taveras okposo bailey and all of other young talent we could be a sleeper team that no one notices to the end( like florida this year) plus i believe komisarick and higgins both want to play for the islanders so add those two players and taveras we will be in the playoff hunt throughout the yr.
I’m tired of hearing of the “Swedish Elite League” players that never pan out.
Just because it’s called “Elite” does not mean that the competition is better than North American Juniors.
When was the last “STUD” to come out of the Swedish Elite League??? Forsbeg? Kurri?
Hedman is a once in a generation type d-man. tavares…..Stamkos….Crosby…..Malkin…..Kovalchuk…..Heatley…..Ovechkin…..teows…..Kane……lotsa prime forewards.
I believe Johnson is the closest to a true star D-man and he’s not that close.
And I am not watching the Washington Capitals… nor are they winning the games they do because of Green… no matter how good he is.
There are players named Ovechkin, Backstrom and Semin, that probably have more to do with the winning there vs. Green.
We are not getting a big free agent anytime soon… Forget about Gaborik, Bouwmeester, or any other big name..it is not happening Snow has basically said this already.. Besides half the free agents want to leave their teams b/c they are not contenders(bouwmeester) why would they come here
Hedman!
why would we want to trust a european superstar they end u sucking here yashin to give an example
Why trust a Canadian when we could have a sucking Daigle instead? Let’s judge the prospects on their own merits.
Hockey fans we get the pick now sign him and sign other players who care. Players who would like to see another “Cup”
Here’s a thought if we lose out on the 1st and the 1st is not TB could we trade down to Atlanta’s spot for Kovalchuk and draft Duchene. Just a thought.
#183
Ovechkin
Malkin
Lidstrum
Semin
Zetteberg
Elias
Holmstom
I could go on and on. That being said I am pulling for Hedman so I will not be dissappointed when we dont get Taveres. LOL
I see two scenarios:
If we get the #1, then we draft Tavares and trade #30,#38 and #59 to try to get into the top 12. that might get us Despres or Kulikov.
If we wind up gtting Hedman, those draft picks could be used throughout the draft to pick up front line help.
Either way the team has plenty of cap room, and if things are good in the locker room maybe Snow can lure somebody who isn’t eligible for Medicare to play with a young, but improving Islander team.
Just getting Dipietro (maybe) and Sutton back is like signing two free agents.
The bottom line is, next year can’t be worse than this one… we can’t finish 31st.
Doc - I hope you weren’t serious with the Elite league comment. How about Lidstrom, Zetterberg, the Sedin twins, Markus Naslund, Sundin, Niklas Backstrom, Alfredsson, Kopitar, Lundqvist, Backstrom (G).
It would also be beneficial for fans to maintain some sense of perspective on John Tavares. He does not bring the same pizzazz and coast-to-coast excitement the likes of Crosby and Patrick Kane can bring. He also isn’t a scorer in the Ovechkin or Kovalchuk mould. Tavares is a beast around the goal, great hockey sense, great positioning, great offensive awareness, quick release, but he just isn’t the kind of flashy player some fans want and maybe expect him to be. I think the first thing people will notice when he steps into the NHL is that he doesn’t have the speed to fly around the rink, which is probably what people are used to seeing in stars these days. JT does have the change of pace to sneak past people though, a quality that Scott Gordon might have mentioned when talking generally about his overspeed system and trying to make the point that you don’t have to have high-end speed to play the system.
If the Isles draft Hedman instead, I’m all for it, too. I’m just glad I don’t have to make the decision because the Tavares hype, PR/media impact makes it even more difficult. Both would be great additions to the organization, no doubt. Hedman is playing in a league far better than North American junior leagues. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa’s 1st round pick last year (15th overall), is projected as a high-end offensive D for the future, and he had 10 points in the SEL this season. Switch that kid to the OHL and he’s pretty much bulletproof for point per game.
FIsles - do you consider Parise a coast-to-coast flashy player? He’s an “around the net” player too, and I’d argue he’s pretty darn exciting to watch.
178….Finnish players like Jari Kurri tend to play in Finland as Kurri did before he came to the NHL….and though its painful to say, that Goalie in NYC is a Stud from the SEL. I am sure if you go through the Redwings roster you will find more SEL players perhaps Zetterburg and Nicklas Lindstrom? The Sedins on Vancouver……
191…I still remember Robert Nillson coming to the podium, he looked like he was 12….Then a fully developed Parise comes up one pick later…..how did we blow that one?
JayK #173 - I remember that too! Haha I was kidding with Czerkawski, as he was half-heartedly considered a star on LI for putting up 70 points in those talent-deprived days. Palffy was a star though CB! you can’t throw him under the bus when he finished with 90 points on one of the worst teams in the league! He finished 8th in the scoring race that year, right behind the likes of Mario, Wayne, Jagr, and Sundin!
Should the Isles get the 1st pick, can they sign the player of their choice prior to the draft like in the NFL?
Last year the Miami Dolphins had Chris Long signed days before the draft ending any doubt who they were going to select. I think if this is allowed in the NHL, we should do the same once all of Tavares’ commitments are met.
People talk about Tavares and the possibility of being somewhat of a bust, but the Isles have as much of a chance of having Hedman be a bust as well. It’s always a crapshoot at the draft and any player can shine or fizzle (although anyone with half a brain knew to take Parise over Nilsson), but you can’t fault a team for taking the best player available and that is Tavares.
Like i said a few days ago if they win on tuesday, Snow should say we are going to take John Tavares right away and then say teh rangers suck and leave.
Draft day who ever they take I’m hoping Okposo, Bailey and some of the other kids are there to introduce themselfs to the player and to go up to the stage to shake and give the jersey to the player, too show this is a tight team and they mean business. That will show something to the rest of the NHL.
198/jaf10 - Awesome idea!
Call me crazy, but I have an idea. It is my understanding that we have both of Stamkos’ old line mates under contract or are our property. My idea is as follows…
Trade the first overall pick plus one of our seconds to Tampa for Stamkos and their first. That way we can put the old Stamkos line together. Now we have that outstanding line, plus either draft Hedman, or trade down to draft one of the other top cream of the crop in the draft and sign that d prospect from Long Island.
If only I was the GM of the islanders. To bad I was never a goalie or at least I would be considered.
#187 and #183 — add Streit to that list!
Like many people, I wouldn’t be upset with either player. We’ll either end up with possibly a stud forward or a stud defenseman. Both are a necessity to any team. People say defense wins championships, but someone still has to put the puck in the net. Do you think Edmonton would have won all those cups without Gretzky or the Isles without Trots and Bossy? Anyway, either player will help this team move to the next step. However, if the Isles do draft Hedman, they need to make it a priority to get a solid offensive forward such as Gaborik to offset the lack of offense. Offense or defense doesn’t win championships, deep and balanced teams do.
#188
I think the defense was better this year without Sutton. I am not a fan of him. I rather see ice time go to Hillen and Gervais (can not believe I just said Gervais) then to Sutton.
fred- thats what fantasy is for
proposing preposterous trades and not being subjected to ridicule by the rest of your professional peers thereby undermining your credibility at your job
based on your understanding of how to propose a realistic trade id say your just as qualified as milbury-so hold out hope, remember he was a gm at one point
What possess Tampa to trade the 1st overall pick of last year?
(191) Parise is faster than Tavares, and he can’t be accused of being a floater. But maybe it’s not fair to go there as Tavares is probably bored in the OHL by now, and in any case he’ll enter the league two years younger than Parise was in his rookie season. I wasn’t making a case against Tavares though, just reminding people not to expect him to be something that he is not.
Bulldogs7 (177): The only reason we lost 9-0 was the goaltending? I’m pretty sure you can’t blame the goaltenders for 6 shots in the final 45 minutes of play. Danis and MacDonald didn’t perform well, but that was symptomatic of the whole team, not just on their shoulders.
Anyone know if either JT or VH has had any injuries past two years?? I think that would figure into my pick if I was the GM, also I think JT would have an easier adjustment to the Isles/New York vs Hedman who is coming from Sweden, Its not like we are the Red Wings who have a little Sweden community among the team members.
OK CB, I don’t know if this is the first time you went on record by saying Tavares all the way, but…. YEAH BABY, WELCOME ABOARD!!
I think he is a no brainer at #1…
But things get intersting in my opinion if we get the second pick…. Some teams will obviously have Hedman ranked super high.. Almost like 1A along with Tavares…
Say for instance, the L.A. Kings get the 5th overall pick and offer us either Jack Johnson (D-man, 3rd overall in 2005) or Thomas Hickey (D-man, 4th overall in 2007)along with the fifth overall pick and we could grab a stud offensive player like Kane, Duchene, or MSP…. Do we pull the trigger?? Kings could afford to offer up one of those two defensemen because they drafted two D-men in first round last year (Doughty and Teubert)and would also be getting Hedman.. We get a potential first line defenseman and first line forward…. Hmmmm!!Improve the front end and back end… That’s what I’m talking about baby!!
I’m sure there are other scenarios similar to the one I just made up from other teams the Isles will have on the table..
What do you think CB???
No matter how nice they both are, and as much as you all say it, the choice isn’t so up in the air. This blog will be filled with comments calling for Snows head if he doesn’t draft Tavares.
Skillwise, you can go either way with those two. But the Islanders NEED excitment and draw right now. A north american stud foward is going to help keep the Islanders on long island much more than a sweedish defenceman, no matter how big he is or how soft hands he has. Even if JT goes 2nd in the draft, he’ll be under the microscope more the next 3 years than VH. About the only one who’ll get more scrutiny is the person who doesn’t draft JT with the #1.
202: I don’t know if Sutton makes it through the whole season next year, or even draft day. But you have to admit that Sutton/Hillen would appear to be an improvement over Pock/Hillen.
One other thing about the REBUILD is:
I like what Weight has done as an Islander, but why bring him back? Dean McAmmond seems to be a much better fit to play a key role IN THE BACKGROUND.
He has had a year to work with Nielsen and Bailey… I’m sure they benefitted from it, but can Doug Weight live with being a 3rd line center on a last place team, where he will have a price tag on his back starting February 1.
McAmmond is half the price, and doesn’t suck up a key roster spot. He more or less fits his role as a 3rd/4th line forward. I, for one, would like to see those top six forward spots filled by guys with top six upside and a UFA or two with top six experience(this century).
??????-Nielsen-Okposo
Bergenhiem(?)-Bailey-Hunter(?)
Hedman had a shoulder injury prior to the WJC.
Sorry folks, there is no correlation between what teams sign ‘x’ UFA college players or anticipate signing ‘y’ players on July 1 vs. what type of player a team will select in the Entry Draft.
Furthermore, does LAK need another D-man? Maybe not, but maybe when their name comes up the BPA is D-man. Assets are assets. The value of a top D prospect or developed top4 defensemen in the trade market (when such team wants to make one) is pretty significant.
TB can unload St.Louis for a d-man, take Tavares, and still pass on Hedman. Just because they need a d-man doesn’t mean they will do it. Especially, that franchise.
1. If the isles are lucky enough to get the #1 pick an choose to not pick tavares, they will lose a lot of fans
2. Where can I watch the lottery in suffolk county?
3. Will there be a place to go and watch it?
4. The NHL no doubt has enormous bad feelings towards this organization, an will no doubt sabotage the lottery against the isles (relax JK)
I’m torn on this one. My gut tells me Tavares, but my head says Hedman. No doubt it would be an easier situation for Snow if the Isles don’t win the lottery and pick #2. He just takes who’s there and no second guesses are made. Either way, I’m excited at adding an impact player to the lineup for next year.
By the way Obs (195) the Dolphins drafted Jake Long not Chris Long.
Brady #213 — it’s on Versus, and I think it will be streamed live on nhl.com.
I think you guys are too hard on Snow. I have defended him from the beginning with this rebuild and I like it. Temper enthusiasm.
Look at Tampa that had #1 last year and got a prized forward with Stamkos and true to the rebuild they are back at the bottom and will now add to Stamkos with Hedman or Tavares. Now that’s the beginnings of a true core, plus they still have skilled vets.
The isles don;t have the skilled vets like Tampa but if DP stays healthy that’s an advantage and Okposo is that second player BUT look at Tampa, even with Tavares, expect to still be bad, and it’s fine with me if I were a Tampa fan right now I’d be thrilled, look how things are setting up for them.
They also have a nice arena and are not going anywhere, I just want the rebuild to continue from youth out. In a town with the Yankees and Mets, it’s easy to want to just fix everything now, say we have a young player now go do whatever and win.
I’m all for staying the course, getting better, next year lets get some 9 game looks at some of last years draft crop and keep it going. I would have no complaints with a top 5 pick again next year, then you have him, KO, JT (maybe), Bailey and things start to look very promising. I love having 2 #’1’s this year too, lots of flexibility. Maybe I’m nuts but I think Garth will get this right.
By Monday, I’ll post a piece on what could happen if the Islanders’ more likely 52% chance comes in and they get the No. 2 pick. Thanks for all the responses so far. Enjoy the holiday weekend, everyone…CB
CB your leaving us dry for the weekend?
Not at all. Just sayin’ when a story on No. 2 can be expected. I’ll have a post later today from practice and will have coverage from both games this weekend and anything else that comes around…CB
It would be a HORRIBLE idea to tell everyone who youre selecting right after you get the number one pick! You lose ALL leverage!!
Lets say the Isles want Tavares, and Tampa really wants Hedman. The Isles don’t give Tampa any hints about who they want. Then on draft day, Tampa is afraid the Isles will take Hedman, so they trade the second pick and a defensemen (be it a highly touted prospect or an nhl ready one) and a forward (same story) and then the Isles get Tavares in addition to these players. That is the way they should go. NOT telling the world who they will take.
1. If the isles are lucky enough to get the #1 pick an choose to not pick tavares, they will lose a lot of fans
2. Where can I watch the lottery on tv in suffolk county?
3. Will there be a place to go and watch it in either suffolk or nassau?
4. The NHL no doubt has enormous bad feelings towards this organization, an will no doubt sabotage the lottery against the isles (relax JK)
Regardless of whom they choose, my most important focus is that they remain on L.I. However, I believe that the charismatic Canadian will better serve that purpose than the strong-but-silent Swede.
Pursuant to that STP, #222–
If Tavares gets drafted, he should walk up to the podium, get his picture taken holding the requisite Tavares jersey with 09 on the back, and then declare, either right there, to the follow-up TV interviewer or later in a press conference: Kate Murray, let us build the Lighthouse!!
Remember, we’re taking names at beatkate09@yahoo.com. Sign up for the big push. We can beat Kate Murray!!
IMO you don’t take that chance…Tampa Bay “pretends” they are nervous trades so they can draft Hedman and end up taking Tavares…we get fleeced and Snow is hung from the rafters of the Coli.
You can’t say any one player would have fixed a 9-0 loss… at best…with Tavares it’s 9-3 with Hedman it’s 6-0…maybe if DP is in there we get a 6-3 or 3-0 but really what’s the difference?
and 201…Edmonton did win a cup without Gretzky…
Hey CB I guess Permutations and Combinations werent a prerequisite for TSN Draft lottery mathmeticians…I say if we do get the #1 name Tavares our pick next tuesday as soon as the pick is drawn!!!
We should be rejoicing. We guaranteed Hedman and we have a coin-flip chance at Tavares.
The pick you DO NOT want is #3. That slot is second-guess city.
John Tavares or Victor Hedman these are 2 can’t miss….
Anything else would be tragic and if Garth trades this pick away I will drop the ban-hammer on this team for the next 3 years or like I did on the Knicks til Isiah was gone….
Ya hearing me Snow!!!
I’m with you. 100% Tavares, no second thought.
(224) I know that, altogether Edmonton won 5 but 4 of them were with Gretzky and there is no way they win 4 without him. That was my point.
Chris, if you get a chance to ask Josh Bailey what he thinks about John Tavares as a player, that would be interesting. I believe the two battled for the past couple of years while Josh was still in the OHL.
CB, if the isles win the lottery when can teams start offering trades for it? Just thinking, would tampa offer lecaviler at a chance to draft tavares and hedmen? would or should garth do that if it was offered? thanks
(224) Tampa can’t ‘pretend’ when making a deal. NFL trades happen like that all the time at the draft. A stipulation in the trade would be that Tampa has to draft so-and-so player.
TAVARES no brainer…but wow what bif garth was any good at this and took luke schenn last year…wow…..josh is a nobody and we need blue chippers…tav k.o. and luke schenn UHMM PLAYOFFS
CB:
I totally disagree with your this. If the Isles do get the #1 pick, and the team with the #2 picks (let’s say Tampa), really wants Hedman, the Isles can make a deal to move down to #2 and take Tavares. Isn’t it possible TB would be nervous the Isles would take Hedman and pony up a 2nd or 3rd rounder to get their man?
Tampa Bay wants Tavarses.
Tavares!
199) hey fred, sorry man but i have to call u crazy… what ur saying is that we are getting stamkos for a second round pick and we r just exchanging 1st rounders… dont think tampa will do that… i also agree with ari (220… although i would want to know right away too… nd tavares is who i want, but i wouldnt mind hedman
I agree with the fact we should announce JT if we’re lucky enough to retain the 1st overall selection…but I don’t want us to pull a Tampa Bay/SeenStamkos.com thing…I think it had more negative effects than positive for the team/Stamkos.
#233 - last year was not all about picking or not picking luke shenn/nikita filatov…last year’s draft gave us a much needed shot in the arm for our prospect pool and josh bailey certainly is not a nobody.
Potvin was my favorite as a kid(half his career was before my time) but I think his pick was more about picking the most talented player available, not starting with defense. We are not in any position to cherry pick exactly what we want. We need talent. If we are #1 I think Tavares is the most talented available.
Also a question for CB, where do we have to finish to get the isles to pick a real goal anthem. I mean we’re not asking for the chicken dance every night, just something that isn’t lame. Let ‘em scream “you suck”. We need anything to keep the crowd in it. The crowd almost seems quieter after a goal cause no one knows what to do.
And I’m done. Thanks!
(216) Tampa never intended to be in a similar rebuilding mode to the Islanders last summer. Their new owners spent a lot of money on free agents and expected the team to win their division! Tampa this season was a huge failure, probably the biggest failure in the history of the franchise. It had nothing to do with the kind of losing the Islanders have undergone because of a measured rebuild. You don’t rebuild from the ground up when you have players like Lecavalier and St. Louis, and sign multimillion players like Malone, Prospal, and Vrbata. Tampa under the new ownership has been an out-and-out failure on a massive scale. Qualifying for the playoffs was the least they were looking to achieve this season.
cb any chance of scouting report on the projected late first, early second round players?
Don’t be to shocked when the kebler elf (buttman) declares Gretzky the lottery winner it was fixed a few years ago to keep Pittsburgh afloat and Pheonix is in the same position now.
I was thinkning that as well #243 . But what about keeping us a float , we are in worse shape than they are . Fingers crossed till Tuesday
Wondering how the NHL feels about a team expressing its draft plans at the lottery. Would they prefer to have the leave the “reveal” left for the draft?
Islanders do not deserve Tavares you will ruin his career
It is not a players fault if team managers are inept
This whole draft process is flawed the last team of each conference should automatically pick last in round 1 and get additional pick throughout the draft Cause lets face it your team sucks finished dead last and hockey is a team sports no man alone can save a franchise
and you will bew better served . Unless of course you are looking for a circus act to bring in some cash flow wich you will blow out on stupendous contracts wich will perpetuate the cycle
1st 2nd 3rd should be a lottery amongst team 12-13-14 of each conference, This would be fair for the nplayoff race the league the fans players rookies and John Tavares
#@%.$% NICE