NYI WIN DRAFT LOTTERY
Garth, you’re now on the clock

 The Islanders win. They win.

 

On the TV show, Islanders scout Ken Morrow said “you can’t go wrong” with either John Tavares or Victor Hedman. Both kids say they’d be proud to join the Islanders. They say they’re ready for the NHL. Hedman says he’s committed to coming to North America next season.

 

Please discuss passionately and respectfully of the guidelines and your fellow readers. We’ll have a follow-up post in the next hour and plenty more over the next 24. Comments.

220 Responses to “NYI WIN DRAFT LOTTERY
Garth, you’re now on the clock”  

  1. 1 David

    CAN NOT WAIT!

  2. 2 Ray

    Garth, please take one of these two kids! PLEASE!

  3. 3 Un Beaver

    I think Hedman would be the better pick.

  4. 4 john

    TAVARES

  5. 5 ISLESFAN999

    SO Happy.. Tavares and Okoposo.. sweet

  6. 6 Isles711

    TAVARES..TAVARES..TAVARES !!!!

  7. 7 MT

    Can’t wait til June 26th!

  8. 8 Kvasha for Luongo

    All I ask is they do not trade out of the top 2 … Tavares or Hedman are necessities. Garth - do not try and outsmart the NHL as this franchise has done the past 10 years!

  9. 9 AZS

    Ok, to say I was psyched and yelled really loud when the Isles won would be the biggest understatement of the year …

    As long as they take Tavares or Hedman I’ll be happy …nothing crazy here Garth …

    Personally I say take Tavares …imagine Tavares on the same line with KO?? That would be nasty!

  10. 10 dsaltman

    Why do I feel like the Isles will find a way to screw this up?

  11. 11 mapisles2025

    Please Garth PLEASE TAVARES!

  12. 12 Nick

    Tavares or Hedman, couldnt go wrong.But we do need a foward so…

  13. 13 Glenn

    Both kids are studs, but the franchise needs a shot of excitement in the arm.
    I say… take the center.

  14. 14 Dan Kepert

    I cant believe it…

    Hedman going to be the better player but we gotta pick Tavares to sell the tickets.

  15. 15 Section303

    Yeah Baby. Let’s Go Isles

  16. 16 isles99

    no messing around, take tavares….i havent been this happy since the shawn bates penalty shot goal!!!

  17. 17 the1gwiz

    Can’t wait for the draft party this year, the place might be rocking more than it has for any game since the Toronto series :P

  18. 18 JD

    Happy, happy..joy, joy! OMG, we actually won something. Sweet.

    Now let’s swing some deals and get both Tavares and Hedman…that would start making up for losing Zach Parise for the Nilssssson pick. Who dat again?

  19. 19 slsangus

    TAV

    AR

    ES

  20. 20 tond24

    TAVIE!!!!!!goals win games

  21. 21 greg

    oh man immediately yelled wooooo when they won and then my friend called and did the same thing, I cant wait to get our number 1. Was wearing my Isles jersey, lets hope we get JT.

    Thanks CB for getting back so fast, saw your 2 cents on 12, that was awesome.

  22. 22 Sean

    It has to be Tavares…Our D is fairly solid, we need scorers. Tavares might draw FA’s to us as well.

  23. 23 Frank James

    JACKPOT.

  24. 24 jaf10

    wow…this is crazy. CB, do you think its possible to let us know how Tavares and Hedman are doing the rest of there seasons. Thanks

  25. 25 RHL Vin

    Finally…….. The Islanders get a little bit of luck. Now we have to sit in agony for the next 2 months or so hoping and praying Garth selects John Taveras. Its gonna be a long couple of months……

  26. 26 CT Isles Fan

    TAVARES! DO IT

  27. 27 Chris A

    By far the biggest win in a long time for the Islanders

  28. 28 JB

    I feel like I just lost 50 pounds…

  29. 29 michael

    i will not, and i hope all of you join me, in never discussing trading the 1st overall pick. that should be off EVERYONE’s radar. the only question is hedman or tavares.

    that said.. if the islanders dont draft tavares, i’m going to be pretty upset until hedman starts tearing it up in the league..

    it was TAVARES OR BUST ALL YEAR.. we did it!! complete the dream!

    “with the first overall pick in the 2009 nhl entry draft, the ny islanders select, John Tavares, london, ontario!!!!!”

    that has such a nice ring to it!

  30. 30 Scott from Newburgh

    Okposo-Tavares-Bailey….just soak that in for a moment.

  31. 31 Chris TMC

    This is great! The Isles get significantly better with either of them! :D

  32. 32 alex

    k so here is what we do if Tavares does not wanna play 4 us. WE CHANGE HIS MIND! no matter what i say the day he comes to li 4 the first time we get a group tougether and go to the airport and give him a welcome he never would have expected! We make him realize how passionate and how appreciative we are that he is an Islander! CB any chance you could help set this up if we do in fact pick him?

  33. 33 MACCH

    Would have at least like to see Tavares show some happy emotion…

  34. 34 jaf10

    I’b had the runs all day because of this.

  35. 35 jay dugan

    tavares

  36. 36 scatchard38(Mike)

    So long as we leave Montreal with Tavares or Hedman I will not be upset.

  37. 37 Joe

    TAVARES HERE WE COME!!!! YESYESYES! DONT MESS THIS UP GARTH!

  38. 38 terry

    I haven’t felt this good about sucking since… well the last time we had the number one overall pick and screwed it up. Only deal I would make, trade down one with tampa for #2 overall, stamkos, their second and next years first, which would never happen.

  39. 39 RobsIsles

    As long as they don’t trade this pick we can’t go wrong. Tavares is the sexier pick, but a solid strong defence man would not be bad either. Garth, there is no offer that is worth trading this pick. The hockey Gods have blessed us with the # 1 pick. Use it to draft a young player who can turn this franchise around. Tavares or Hedman either one is a great pick. Said it before and will say it again, win/win situation. Draft one of these kids. PLEASE!!!

  40. 40 Pete

    I think I speak for everyone here when I say:

    WITH A LITTLE BIT…
    WITH A LITTLE BIT…
    WITH A LITTLE BIT…

  41. 41 Ed J

    OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  42. 42 Chris Jones

    Please don’t do any favors for Burke and the leafs. DRAFT TAVARES FOR CHRIST’S SAKE

  43. 43 Justin

    Snowy
    we’ve been through so much with this franchise by letting all of these great players fall through our hands. Don’t screw this up. Give us something to be proud of as Islander Fans.
    TAVARES

  44. 44 Rob

    WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

  45. 45 Joe

    20, defense wins championships.

    That said, I’d take Tavares.

  46. 46 jordan

    ah so happy!!! , now to thoroughly follow the rest of taveras’s playoffs, hope Chris can keep us updated, im sure I’ll be following

  47. 47 Robert

    As our BEST player this year (Mark Streit) said… WE NEED A SNIPER!!!! AMEN!! TAVARES ALL THE WAY!! How often do you have the chance to get a franchise centerman???

  48. 48 makela24

    Could not be a better outcome (obviously). However, some food for thought. Can the Islanders extract Tampa’s 2010 First Round Pick (or stud prospect) in order to exchange places. Tampa picks Hedmen, we still get Tavaras as well as another first round pick in the draft a year later.

  49. 49 Isles316

    I want to cry. I almost did. Finally some justice maybe.

  50. 50 Jim (GFIC)

    Bud Light? Check.

    Vintage Royal Blue Potvin jersey for good luck? Check.

    Draft lottery? Well you know how that goes!!!!

  51. 51 Mark in Ottawa

    Dear God,

    I know I’m perfect. I really need this.

    Please don’t let my hockey team screw this up.

  52. 52 mikeinNC

    Garth, you better not trade down take either Tavaras or Hedman. Do not think you’re smarter than the rest, make the right choice !! If they screw this chance up…..I’m done !!

  53. 53 IsleofNJ

    Gimme a T, Gimme an A ….

  54. 54 Isles316

    I know we are ok with either player, but I think I might lose it if they don’t take Tavares.

  55. 55 Casper

    Tavares all the way, have been waiting all season for this, trade our other picks for a top D man and then all we need is a goalie and we are back to the golden years

  56. 56 HilbertSnipe

    If I had the first overall, if I had the first overall…
    I’d select John Tavares, I’d select John Tavares
    If I had the first overall, if I had the first overall…
    I’d pick the next Sid.

    *Sung to the tune of “If I Had A Million Dollars.”

  57. 57 Matt

    please take Tavares. we need to put some excitement back into this organization.

  58. 58 donm

    Hedman

  59. 59 Casper

    Like the announcers said to Kenny you guys did good with a good defense man named Potvin, true but we had goal scores Bossy and Trotts TAVARES

  60. 60 cags 77

    If they get Tavaras I get season tix.

  61. 61 mike

    The people of Kansas City are going to be really pissed when the backup goalie who knows more then the rest of the NHL trades away Tavares or Hedman.

  62. 62 Isles316

    Tavares,Bailey,Nielson for the next how many years? what team would be stronger down the middle?

  63. 63 CT Isles Fan

    “TAKE TAVARES” should be the voice of the fans.

  64. 64 jaf10

    when is snows press conference

  65. 65 STP

    I haven’t been this happy for my team since the last Cup. Wow. Tavares will build the Lighthouse. There’s no way Garth doesn’t take him. No way.

  66. 66 7:11

    Thank you CB for the steady stream of info all season, and the best spot on the web to talk hockey….bar none. Tonight’s result feels like a gift for all the folks who frequent this blog…the passion for this team borders on absurd. And how’s this for proof?…..I watched the lottery on nhl.com, on my laptop, in the bathroom while giving my 3 year-old daughter a bath. When they were announcing the third pick, I had my daughter chanting “Colorado…Colorado…” And when number one came up Blue and Orange…I must have looked like I did on 5/24/80 at 7:11 of overtime.

    I immediately came to Point Blank to see the reaction and there were already 30 posts simply saying “yesssssssssssss”.

    Sad but true, I’ll remember this for a long time, and I’m thankful for this blog, which has uncovered so many other irrational fans of this infuriating team!

    Let’s Go Islanders!

  67. 67 Stuck in MA

    When they asked Hedman about the Isles he made a slight “yikes” face before he answered. I am tired of these soft swedes. GO TAVARES!!!

  68. 68 isles711

    Maach (31
    I’ve seen Tavares interviewed before, and he didn’t show any emotion then either.
    I think he’s just a even keeled mature kid.

  69. 69 Eric

    That seals it for me…I am going to set up a meetup to watch the draft at Dave & Busters with my Islanders Meetup group! I wanna see Tavares in Blue and Orange!

  70. 70 Alex Kinkead

    I almost had a heartattack! My mother and I screamed when we won. I just wished Ken Morrow announced who we are picking. Why must they make us fans suffer even when we win!

  71. 71 IslesFan13inFla

    Happiness IS a goal scoring centre!

    Take JT Garth. No offense to Hedman, but we need goals…..lots of goals. Tavares is a player that will make other players around him BETTER like KO and even maybe the possability of a Tamby.

    Address the D thru FA!

  72. 72 Joe

    I will drive 4 hours home for college every saturday night game if they get Tavares.

  73. 73 Frank James

    Just take Tavares.
    Burke is on record today saying the LEafs will try to do whatever to move up to get Tavares.
    I don’t even know if I would even consider an opening bid of Schenn, the #1, this year plus.

    Just take Tavares and let’s go.

    Don’t get creative Garth.

  74. 74 Rob

    I’m soo pumped

    Can’t wait till draft party

    TAVAres all day garth !!!!!

  75. 75 rb

    sometimes the best thing to do is the MOST OBVIOUS THING to do, which is why it’s the most obvious thing to do in the first place

    TAVERAS

  76. 76 Jay

    Definately take tavares, then use other 1st and a 2nd to move up and take Ryan Ellis.

  77. 77 islesneedtavares2009

    passing on tavares would be like passing on sidney crosby…thank god mike milbury doesnt work for this franchise anymore…i guarantee i will buy season tickets if tavares is picked…do u guys think he’ll rock #91 or #20???

  78. 78 RylanIsle

    I am so happy right now I just jumped outta my seat when they announced the Isles retained the pick. PLEASE GARTH JUST PICK TAVARES. Post #39 said it best, the hockey gods have blessed us with this pick, It is finally time to bring this team back to glory, and it all starts with this 1 pick, just do the smart thing Garth!!!!!!

  79. 79 stuck in Devil country

    We do NOT need the second-coming of Mad Mike. Do us all a favor Garth, and draft Tavares… Both the team and the fans need it, and maybe it will help to propel The Lighthouse. Lets Go Islanders!!!

  80. 80 jaf10

    I want to try and get back in the top 10 i’d trade our other first and 2 seconds to get into the top 10

  81. 81 Smokey

    I would like to see Cowen drop and then have Garth use his other picks and possibly a prospect to jump to the 10-12 range and snatch him. That’d be grand.

  82. 82 Brian B

    I support Snow and theiir scouting staff and trust them %100 in their decision making. But if they don’t draft JT I’m gonna be dissapointed…everyone says hes a big time player. At this point i don’t see the Isles picking Hedman at 1. If anything they would trade down, but it would have to cost that team’s 1st. round pick, a 2010 1st. round pick, and a pretty damn good prospect.

    If ATL wants to give us Kovalchuk (who would be signed…and their pick…I may have to think about it…but I’ll be greedy and ask for another pick or player

  83. 83 Mike from Oceanside

    I HAVE A CHUBBY!

  84. 84 jaf10

    i’d trade with the leafs for schenn and 3 first round picks

  85. 85 Nova Scotia Isles Fan

    JOHN TA VAR ES dum dum dum dum dum

    repeat ad nauseum

    Garth, your first pick is a no brainer. Now concentrate on putting a package together to get us a good Defense prospect in the 10-15 spot.

  86. 86 Sforza

    77, I did exactly what you did - jumped and screamed just about everywhere.

    Garth, please pick Tavares. Please. If you love the Islanders and their fans at all, you will pick Tavares. We have waited so long…

  87. 87 dk7937

    OK i was an opponent of CB’s proposal to say were who were drafting right away…BUT now that we have #1 overall ive jumped ship and am all for declaring Tavares our choice…we need a player to become a STAR on long island… a star simply coming to long island for the #1 pick just wouldnt be the same. we need our players to have a sense of obligation and loyalty towards the organization like Detroit’s players do. Lets get Tavares!

  88. 88 Anthony

    I say we listen to Tampa and see what they offer for the #1 pick. If we can get a lot, put together a package for a top 10 pick, then we walk away with to impact players… I wouldn’t profess my loe to either one of them if I were Snow. But DON’T trade out of the #2 spot!!

  89. 89 HilbertSnipe

    We already have KO. Just imagine JT centering him with Comeau or another power forward on the other side creating room. There are plenty of great defensemen in the mid-teens that we can package and move down to. Plus, defensemen take longer to develop, and if there is one thing this organization does not have to spare… it is time.

  90. 90 Kevin

    To me, there is John Tavares & than everybody else.. If we don’t get Tavares I’d would like to trade down to get Dmitri Kulikov or Jared Cowen. Hedman will probably be another Jay Bouwmeester which is fine, but I don’t believe he has elite skills. He’s not Zdeno Chara

  91. 91 jaf10

    get into the top 10 for a D men. Then try and sign Gabby…. hahahah

    okposo-Tavares-Gaborik

    would never happen

  92. 92 Matt

    ken morrow calls garth snow

    Ken: “garth, we won! we get the first overall pick”
    garth: “who is this. i won the lottery and i didn’t even play. ha what are the odds”
    Ken: “no garth. it’s ken morrow. the draft lottery. we won it”
    Garth: “oh that was tonight”

  93. 93 jethro09

    YES! John Tavares! Hey Snow, do the right thing: Keep the pick and take Tavares #1. NO TRADING THE PICK!

  94. 94 JOE RVC

    BOTTA WE GOT EM!!!

  95. 95 islesneedtavares2009

    let tampa have hedman and stamkos…we CANNOT trade this pick…this was a gift from god…its in garth’s hands now…snow needs to screen his calls and let any calls from burke go right to voicemail

  96. 96 jaf10

    WHEN IS THE PRESS CONFERENCE???? SNOW IS HAVNIGN ONE

  97. 97 Rob

    I want the isles to trade up around the 20 range and take the kid from smithtown.

    But #1 = Tavares

  98. 98 Healy

    Yay!

    CB…what is your thought on Snow’s gauging of the fans? Not that any good GM would make a decision based on what the mob wants, but he’s got to know that the die hards are clammering for the exciting goal scorer.

  99. 99 Nova Scotia Isles Fan

    jaf10, you realize that then we’d have to kill you, right? Just Kidding (not really)

    JT has never given any indication that he won’t come to the Island. If he said so, we’d have to go looking for the kind of package that Quebec/Colorado got for Lindross.

  100. 100 KO21

    Taveres to Okposo, he shoots he scores!!!!!!!!

    Let me say, my heart was beating a mile a minute before they picked the Isles especially as they showed the Islanders card, I thought it was the 2nd, I was like Ohh no, but then I was in awe that something good could happen to us!

  101. 101 Islanders1932

    GARTH DO NOT MESS THIS UP! DO NOT TRADE THE PICK FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN OVECHKIN HIMSELF. PERIOD. Draft Tavares and watch season ticket sales climb.

  102. 102 Jmont6

    Take Tavares, then send our other 1st rounder and a couple of 2nd and get Hedman. Then I wake up!!

    Get Tavares

  103. 103 Casper

    The Isles owe this to their fans who didnt get to see Bossy and Trottier play, many people thought Palffy was a god, he was good but Tavares could be the next great one.

  104. 104 Jeff Kuntz

    I agree with Garth, not CB — about NOT pre-announcing our pick. One reason:

    Do you think Quebec/Colorado regret trading Lindros, also the consensus number one that year?

    I want Tavares. 100%. 1000%. One million percent.

    BUT - if a team comes along with a package that we think can build us a multiple Stanley Cup winning era, why would we decline it? Why limit ourselves by making an announcement?

    THAT SAID. All Islanders fans should be extremely happy today. I know I am.

    Tavares > Hedman.

  105. 105 jethro09

    Where is all this crap coming from that Tavares won’t play for the Isles? He’s never said that. That’s the Canadian Toronto Maple Leaf media machine pumping propoganda out there to dissuade the Isles from taking Tavares. Its all B.S. Don’t believe that Canadian media crap. This kid will play and he’ll play for the Isles so long as Snow doesn’t screw it up.

  106. 106 Jeff Kuntz

    (PS: Yes I know the circumstances about Lindros not wanting to play there. The issue I was bringing up was the trade itself.)

  107. 107 Ajax

    Wang will be on WFAN Weds AM at 9:05

  108. 108 Yashin for President

    The Islanders just made $300 off me on draftday no matter who they pick… sportsplus will be busy

  109. 109 MikeinRichmondVA

    Charlie Wang is on the Boomer and Carton show on WFAN tomorrow at 9:05 a.m., maybe he will announce that John Tavares will be our first round pick !!!

  110. 110 jaf10

    When is the press conference???

  111. 111 Jim

    So the excitement just begins. Either one will be good, but the Isles need a “face of the franchise”, someone to generate excitement among the fan base, and besides it would be great to have “Canada’s treasure” playing on the Island. Defenseman take a while to develop, they can always get an experienced d-man in a trade. They’ve got to draft Tavares. But like I said I’d be happy with either . . . as long as they don’t trade this pick away. The fans will burn the Coliseum if they trade the pick.

  112. 112 scott

    It will begin in 5 minutes

  113. 113 geduffer

    #34 - Way too much information :)

    I’d love to know if the Avalanche have enough extra assets to swap #1 picks. ;)

    I’d probably go with Hedman. Build from the goal out.

  114. 114 Rich

    Tampa is scared we are going to take Hedman. Toronto wants our #1 and JT. By Garth not showing his hand, he kept all possibilities open and further increased our leverage. The suspense is going to kill me, but from a hockey operations perspective I think Garth played this the right way…SO FAR.

  115. 115 Thomas32

    THERE IS A GOD!!!! PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAASSSSSEEEEEE Garth , PLEASE take Tavares!! I feel like a kid on Christmas morning right now!!!

  116. 116 Blizzard

    The Islanders will take Taveres. It would take a kings ransom to pry JT from us now and Burk doesnt have the horses. Alot of attention now will be focused around the Islanders and thats a good thing…….I wonder of Kate Murray watched the lottery.

  117. 117 Dan from Westchester

    Been looking forward to this night for months. .

    My fiance and I were so nervous. . and then could not have been more excited to see that Isles logo up there for the #1 pick.

    Make the easy choice - TAVARES.

    Can almost hear it now at next year’s sold out home opener. . “New York Islanders goal. . scored by #91 JOHN TAVARES!”

  118. 118 Fearthewrecker

    What will tampa offer to guarantee hedman

  119. 119 Lee

    I’d go with Hedman….gotta protect the 15 year investment. And we need to get bigger and more physical. I’ll be upset if we draft a single player under 6′0 even.

    Plus he already plays against grown men in Sweden and hasn’t looked out of place.

  120. 120 RHL Vin

    This whole thing is up to John Taveras…….If he blows it up in the playoffs it will lock the Isles in to draft him first overall. Everyone stop praying and start rooting for JT to blow it up with the London Knights

    LETS GO KNIGHTS!!!!!

  121. 121 down with rangers

    Tavares……Meet me at the lighthouse!

  122. 122 jaf10

    why cant I find this press thing? what site is it on and where on it?

  123. 123 Doug F.

    The only players I would want for the #1 pick is Crosby or Ovechkin…pick Taveras…

  124. 124 sec301

    119 excellent point

  125. 125 JPinVA

    Do you think anybody was able to get Okposo to switch the TV from Playstation long enough to watch draft lottery?

  126. 126 Frank

    Yes!!! Tavares is our man. He is the one!!!!

  127. 127 Brad Ketch

    The Isles are in a great position to move forward. This team desperately needs a guy like John Tavares to inject much needed excitement throughout the core of the fanbase. Hedman will provide that also, but Tavares is a record setting junior player. A player of his caliber can electrify hockey on Long Island. No question…you get a boost at the gates and hopefully a boost in the standings.

    Go get’em Garth.

  128. 128 dmen77

    I personally want Tavares but whatever Snow, Jankowski and Co decide, Snow MUST fill the other need through free agency.

    If we draft Tavares, we MUST go after Komisarek or Ohlund hard.

    If we draft Hedman, we MUST go after Gaborik, Sedin twins, etc hard (Hossa will be re-signed).

    Draft one position, acquire the other through free agency and for goodness sakes get a quality backup netminder.

    FYI - If you are a Yankee fan and the Isles winning the lottery tonight wasn’t sweet enough, Burnett is 9 outs away from a no-no.

  129. 129 jt91

    didnt miss much yet

  130. 130 Brian G

    Snow should explore all options, maybe he could get a Lindros package

  131. 131 Islesin2010

    tavares

  132. 132 jaf10

    tell me how the press conference goes

  133. 133 Dan

    I don’t see how you can trade this pick. You need one of these two players representing your team. I will be happy with either player.

  134. 134 isles72

    we’re drivin the bus
    just hope the driver knows where he’s going

  135. 135 Rob

    OK… Tavares and Bailey are split p…
    Tavares-Okposo
    and lets move on up for a kid that has top 5 talent but is falling out of top 10 because of size concerns so Bailey has an extremely skilled talent to play with as well… Jordan Schroeder… he led the U.S. World junior team in points and last time I checked was NCAA leading scorer for Minnesota Gophers…..Super mature American kid…
    everyone is talking about moving into the 15-20 range… the heck with that!… get up to 10 and grab Schroeder
    Tavares-Okposo
    Bailey-Schroder
    GOOD FOR THE NEXT 10-12 years!!

  136. 136 lefty

    Morrow had a huge smile on his face when he was asked about JT. I think that he is coming to the Island.

  137. 137 jaf10

    Is this true that Gilroy wants to go to the Rangers?

  138. 138 sharp shooter

    Islanders have their sharp shooter. TAVARES!!! This guy will also help fill the lighthouse when its built.

  139. 139 Steve-O

    TAVARES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!To hell with Burke! Have your fun with the rest of the picks, Garth. Announce it now and put us out of our misery!

  140. 140 Michael

    i bet you kyle has a big smile on his face wherever he is. He may of just gotten himself the guy who could take his career to a new level.

  141. 141 Dan

    TAVARES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  142. 142 JimJam

    “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?”
    -CB

    Enough said.

  143. 143 Rob

    How’s press conference going ?

  144. 144 Jeff

    Here is what the team should do hands down!
    Draft Tavares as it would help sell tickets here, create an exciting environemtn, he would fit right in with the young kids, it would take pressure off of Bailey and Okposo in important developing seasons. The other major reason, offensive stars do not want to come here. Drafting Tavares would change that and make Long Island a destination, and can likely increase the chances of the Lighthouse project.

    They should then go hard after Komisarek as UFA. Komisarek is an all-star d man, and from Long Island. It would be easier to do this combination then to draft Hedman and go after a proven offensive star since they do not choose Long Island as a top destination. This team can also try to trade their late first rounder and one of their second rounders, and hopefully the third rounder if Pitt wins first round of playoffs to move up in draft for a mid first rounder and a 5 or 6th round throw in. Last year the system was restocked with lots of draft picks, this year we go after quality. Please Garth, nothing fancy, no ulcers please, take and announce John Tavares as the first overall pick in the 2009 entry draft.

  145. 145 jt91

    Isles just sold out home opener

  146. 146 Frank

    TAVARES TAVARES TAVARES TAVARES TAVARES!!!!!!!!!!!!

  147. 147 Gilroy97

    We have our scorer, Taveras. Now lets lock up Gilroy. Garth, make it happen.

  148. 148 isles711

    dman77 (129) JINX

  149. 149 djd

    phew! at least we’re in the drivers seat - can’t go wrong (can we?)

  150. 150 Tony

    On conference call with Garth Snow…he says…

    Garth is not sounding like he’s dealing the pick….

    says pick is extremely important and will take his time deciding on the right one.

    also says he has one over the other in his mind…and he’s not sharing that info

    :o)

  151. 151 jaf10

    Is the Rangers Gilroy’s first choice??

  152. 152 michael

    ALL I GOTTA SAY IS, why did we draft josh bailey last year , a play maker with stamkos, to PASS on john tavares and take a defenseman? not gonna happen

    john tavares is your next islander.

  153. 153 dk7937

    Forget Burke he has nothing to offer but Schenn and if im not mistaken we passed on him last year to get Bailey nd picks… why would we trade a pick for a player we couldve already had

  154. 154 Rob

    On the side note I think Ducks have chance of beating sharks

    What pick woudld that be ??

  155. 155 Justin

    Let’s not blame Garth for not getting Gilroy. Doesn’t seem to me from everything I’ve heard and read that the Isles were never on Gilroy’s radar.

  156. 156 Jmont6

    If the Islanders trade this pick (especially to Toronto) I will hang up my Islander hat and jersey forever. Garth make the pick

  157. 157 jt91

    #158 pretty bad since the case is that the batter they do, the worse the pick

  158. 158 Drive45

    In this overexpanded diluted NHL, you have to go with Tavares. Finding a scorer in this day and age is hard to come by. Twenty years ago I would have said take Hedman with only 21 teams. Go out and sign Komisarek and give Gaborik what he wants and this team with a healthy Dipietro can compete next year (and fill the coliseum).

  159. 159 jt91

    BTW who else is watching the rerun on nhl tv?

  160. 160 jaf10

    Who is Gilroy’s top 3 choices?

  161. 161 jt91

    Gilroys the next disapointment. I’m convinced hes a one off college star

  162. 162 jt91

    amen #162

  163. 163 PTA

    Tavares will sell tickets, help the push for a new building and be an attraction all over the league!! wahoo!!!!!!

  164. 164 Mike from Philly

    Tavares welcome to NY Baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  165. 165 Brian G

    Snow go get Gilroy !!!! Make a bold move

  166. 166 Gilroy97

    We need to fill the coliseum and flush out ranger fans and create excitement. SELL TIX …. TAKE TAVARES…..SIGN GILROY -GREAT PLAYER -LOCAL KID …FILL THE COLISEUM FLUSH THE RANGER FANS DOWN THE TIOLET WHERE THEY BELONG!!!

  167. 167 jaf10

    Is he def going to the Rangers?

  168. 168 Rob

    If sharks lose in 1st rd .

    Wht pick is that around 20 or is it earlier

  169. 169 Justin

    I’ve heard Gilory to Philly, Vancouver, Toronto, Columbus, Chicago, even the Rangers, but not once have I heard the Islanders…except here.

  170. 170 Knight of Cups

    Tavares on possibility for playing for the Islanders,”It would be an honor.”

  171. 171 Islander Fan in Boston

    TAVARES all the way………

    Only trade I would make is w/ Tampa.
    Swap picks, give up the other 1st and Tambellini for Vinny C (Tampa dumps salary).

    Isles get Hedman and Vinny C. Thats huge.

  172. 172 Coach B

    The cigar has been lit.

  173. 173 The Mick

    Do we really have to wait until June to find out? Looking forward to it.

  174. 174 jt91

    As re to Gilroy: The local kid grew up a rag fan! Let him go!! Hes a fluke like 94 was a fluke!

  175. 175 Rob in NJ

    Okposo breaks into the zone…pulls up…looks around…he passes over to.. Tavares…he shoots HE SCORES..Tavares with his first NHL GOAL!!!

  176. 176 Dan in NJ

    I agree with #162. Draft Tavares, Sign Komisarek, and sign Gaborik $4 mill/ for 3 yrs. We do this, get a healthy DP Back, and the rest of the team stay healthy, I think we can contend for a playoff spot, maybe even a 4-6 spot. OK, I am just excited we won the draft lottery, maybe we aren’t ready for a 4-6 playoff spot, but playoffs I wouldn’t rule out. Go Isles!!!

  177. 177 IslesDani831

    Tavares! BOOM BABY!

  178. 178 Rob

    It’s been an hour and I’m still pumped

  179. 179 jaf10

    I’m so mad Gilroy was a RAnger fan

  180. 180 Rob

    I don’t see us signing gaborok at all

    Garth won’t do it .

    I would deft want it but I’m trying to stay real

  181. 181 jt91

    #175 As much as I’d love it… Sign Komisarek AND Gaborik and keep Streit, DP et al???? With Wanger losing his dry cleaning as is? Never happen, maybe after lighthouse is finished…

  182. 182 dk7937

    more like Gaborik for $6 mil and Komisarek $4ill..not happenin

  183. 183 Maverick

    IM really crying TEARS OF JOYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  184. 184 jaf10

    I’m really happy but this whole gilroy to maybe the Rangers is killing me right now.

  185. 185 Maverick

    IT would be an HONOR TO HAVE JT HERE!!!!!!!!!

  186. 186 Stefan

    i hope they take tavares, no i´m sorry they must take tavares. greetings from germany…i love the isles and that`s a great day for all islanders fans…PROST, i drink my beer:-)

  187. 187 jt91

    Who else is worried sick we trade down to pick “the one we were after all along” aka schenns little brother?

  188. 188 ragat

    hedman looks sick. i think he’d come in and be an islander trough and through right off the bat. already there’s talk of jt being wishy washy about playing for us. hedman is a destroyer. imagine 2-3 years down the road (c’mon people, we are rebuilding) hedman and streit on the blueline. could potentially be the best 1-2 in hockey at that point. defense wins.

  189. 189 Rob76

    Isles on the Clock…

  190. 190 Rob

    Streit hedman would be nice BUT a 40 goal scorer sounds better LOL

    Tavares all D@Y

  191. 191 Rob

    Cmon people let’s get 200 comments in this historic night : )

  192. 192 Gilroy97

    Growing up in Bellmore, New York, were you raised as an New York Islanders or New York Rangers fan?
    “To be totally honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of either team. I liked certain guys on the teams. I grew up under two miles from Nassau Coliseum and my uncle used to work there, so I used to skate there. I’ve never actually been to a Ranger game. Maybe I’d have to say I’m an Islanders fan?” GILROY IS NO RANGER LOSER FAN. Excerpt from PuckDaddy interview.

  193. 193 Rob from Suffolk ( aka rob )

    Tavares meet me at the lighthouse

    We could play hockey long island style

  194. 194 Alex Kinkead

    Don’t Break our hearts Garth Snow, draft Tavares!

  195. 195 Rob from Suffolk ( aka rob )

    Few more comments

  196. 196 Rob from Suffolk ( aka rob )

    Taveras babyyy

  197. 197 Rob from Suffolk ( aka rob )

    197

  198. 198 Rob from Suffolk ( aka rob )

    198

  199. 199 Rob from Suffolk ( aka rob )

    199

  200. 200 Rob from Suffolk ( aka rob )

    200!

  201. 201 The Real JD

    FINALLY!!!!! The Isles get a break, thank god. F— You Kate Murray.

    Take Tavares its a no brainer. Swap some of the other picks and move up to the middle of the first round and grab a guy you had highly rated on your board that fell (ei. Parise).

    Wang/Snow & Co. have earned some good karma. I really believe the Isles have done so many things to be fan friendly and reach out to the community this organization is fighting for its life here on Long Island and maybe just maybe the tide is finally starting to turn.

  202. 202 CT Isles Fan

    TAKE TAVARES!

  203. 203 Thomas32

    Im so full of energy right now , I don’t think Im gonna be able sleep tonight!!! TAVARES BABY!!!!!!!

  204. 204 Frank

    the place is a funeral home. we need some excitement and more new fans. we must take JT.JT.JT.

  205. 205 Thomas32

    Its been a LONG TIME coming for the Isles to FINALLY re-make their mark , and get some damn respect in this league! Its gonna be AWESOME to see Tavares on the Isles!

  206. 206 19 ISLE in NJ 22

    T-A-V-A-R-E-S!!!!!!!!

  207. 207 Railbait

    Tavares! We desperately need a goal scorer. You can’t win if you can’t score. No 20 goal scorers on the team this year. That’s pitiful. I bet Tavares score 30+ his first year as an Islanders.

  208. 208 RPchief

    CB==This site is awesome. It gives us crazies a place to talk about the most important franchise is sports YOUR NEW YORK ISLANDERS. Lets get this thing moving get JT. No more Gilroy talk, he’s 25 playing against 18 year olds. We can pick up a good solid Dman for less money and NHL exppierence, some of us get so caught up in the he’s from LI we must get him. JT is a great start lets hope this summer bring us other great news.(more players, LightHOuse)

  209. 209 Rob76

    come on Rob From Suffolk - that stuffs not necessary here - it gives us other ROBS a bad name - on the other hand It was a great nite to be an Islander fan - thanks CB for all you do - and great job at News 12

  210. 210 JZimm

    The Islanders should make a deal. And the deal should be:

    The Islanders will pass over Hedman, and leave him for Tampa. Tampa will compensate with their 2nd round pick. This will have the Islanders with (assuming that the Sharks win the cup - which they won’t) the 30th, 31st, and 32nd pick. Use that to get into the top 15, and take either Ferarro’s kid, Landon. Or offensive defenseman, Ryan Ellis, who I fell in love with at the WJC.

  211. 211 Oren

    HEDMAN…championships begin, continue and end with “D” PERIOD.

  212. 212 The Real Vukota

    Tampa’s 2nd rd pick went to boston with Recchi

  213. 213 louie dapuck

    I like that deal # 210. Is that possible…???

  214. 214 louie dapuck

    Gottaa take Taveres and move up and grab that kid Ellis on D

  215. 215 Jim

    Garth, whatever you do, DON’T ask Mike Milbury for advice.

  216. 216 matt

    WOOO JOHNNNY TAVARES LETS GO ALL THE WAY

  217. 217 poland

    Take johnny tavarees sign komisarek and draft another solid d-man with sharks pick

  218. 218 johnny t

    LETS ALL GO TO THE SOUNDTIGERS GAME ON SATURDAY AND CHANT DRAFT TAVARES!!!!!!!!

  219. 219 JZimm

    Yes, I did not pick that up on the 2nd round pick that went with Recchi. The site I went to still had the 32nd pick in Tampa’s posession. Anyway, if they can find a way to get mid first round, that would be great. Tavares and Ellis would be pure gold. Would still love Ferarro’s kid, too, who’s supposed to be the fastest skater in this draft.

  220. 220 Greg G

    kinda feels like the first thing they’ve really won all year

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