VIDEO EVIDENCE: TAVARES IS A TEAM PLAYER
Has everyone forgotten JT’s play at the WJC?
Let the down-grading, the paralysis by over-analysis of John Tavares continue. Just remember his performance – especially in the historic comeback against USA – on the world’s biggest stage for 18-year old hockey players.
This vid of the 2009 World Junior Championships is not a valentine to Tavares, merely a summary of Team Canada’s gold medal accomplishment. But watch Tavares’s play, watch his emotion. If you’re looking for Matt Duchene – now being sold to us as a “foundation” player, a better team player – he didn’t make the team.
Comments. Conversation about the 26th overall pick continues in the next thread.
72 Responses to VIDEO EVIDENCE: TAVARES IS A TEAM PLAYER
Has everyone forgotten JT’s play at the WJC?
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RichM says:
I agree that Taveras is great but who is comparable to him? I keep hearing Spezza, who is good, but not great. Duchene is getting compared to Yzerman and Sakic now for his two way play and leadership qualities. Hedman gets compared to Chara and Pronger. I can understand why Snow is keeping things close to the vest. Either way, the Islanders are a better team with any one of these guys.
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Nobody can totally predict how good any drafted player will perform in the NHL, but if you break Gretsky’s scoring records in the development years that is a special player. It will feel great having a sniper on the Isles again.
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I should add to my post about Taveras. Is it just media bias that people are becoming less enthised about him? I do not know enough about these guys to make a judgment, I only go by what I read and hear.
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Dan from Westchester says:
Fascinating how all we heard was how Tavares was going to be the next superstar. . until the Isles landed the #1 overall! Now he gets downgraded on an almost daily basis.
If the Isles draft JT, and he goes on to score 30, 40 or 50 goals every year (I’m sure we’d all gladly take that!), he’ll probably get as much of a league marketing push as Iginla gets in Calgary. Unfortunately, just the way it is.
The media machine is just doing what they do best – promoting THEIR agenda. Tavares in L. Island aka “NHL siberia” is bad for business for them, so they’re trying their best to prevent it.
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Michael Olivo says:
Brian Burke should be the new White House media relations coordinator or whatever. This guy spins more BS than Fox News…Lets not forget that we had our Sakic/Yzerman 2 way center/leader in Michael Peca. We also had our brick wall defenseman in Chara and we gave him away. Leadership is a quality earned by results. Alex Ovechkin is a leader and fan favorite because of his ridiculous talent for controlling a game and putting pucks in nets. I guarantee that if JT is all everyone says he is, he will develop the leadership qualities that Duchene and Hedman apparently have already. Also, lets remember that Gordon’s system doesn’t require great two way forward play. We need someone to finish after the efforts of the hard workers in the corners…JT all the way
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I’m still firmly in the Tavares camp, and I also find it funny that the kid is suddenly being downgraded now that Toronto has decided it wants him.
Another site had an interview with Tavares’ former coach, and he made an important distinction. Tavares has played more games than any of the other top picks (fatigue in these playoffs?), and he’s risen to every single challenge. That’s the mark of an elite player, and that’s the kind of guy I want wearing the Islanders jersey.
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Brad lol–Scott Scissons! Wow! I love pulling out old Isles names –like one of my favorites Steve Junker! LOL
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Dan says:
Watching this video is making me wish it was October… We need this guy!
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doc says:
There’s no doubt who the 1st pick should be… TAVARES!!!
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rb says:
was reading an article yesterday about how in the weeks leading up to the draft “scouts” began touting Kirk Mueller as a “more complete center” than Mario Lemieux who didn’t play defense and lumbered a bit when he skated
now I’m not sayin that JT is Mario Lemieux, but really, is there any real question about what the pick should be?
Keep It Simple Stupid
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Alex O says:
Spezza is a soft player to compare JT at this same point in thier carrer is to not give JT any credit. Spezza world junions stats are 3 world juniors, 21 games 3 goals (all in one year) 9 assists, 12 pims, more importantly canada got 2 bronze and one silver with him in the lineup. JT was one of the go to guys on last years team and would get the aclaim if they won and the hes a bum (ala Joe Thorton) if they didnt win. But if we get Jason Spezza’s numbers with Jonathan Toews or Mike Richards heart, Im all for it
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bergie20 says:
i’m pretty sure that after last week’s very public meeting with tavares by snow and wang that tavares is the pick. i love hedman and duchene but tavares will create and enormous amount of interest in this franchise and score a ton of goals.
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nystrom23 says:
if there is one thing this kld is….clutch says it all….single handly beat the USA and had a hand in all the important goals in the WJC….he needs to be #1
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mrlbem says:
Chris,
I recall reading one of your blogs earlier in the year or perhaps last year about the Islander fans’ reaction at last year’s draft party when the team passed on Filatov, traded down twice and took Bailey. You wrote something to the effect that Snow should have “used” the team’s beat writer’s and bloggers to put out the word that Filatov was not necessarily the Man and that trading down was a possibility. This way, the fans would not have been surprised by what the Islanders did at the Draft.
I am hoping that is what is going on now, i.e., that Snow has reached out to you and you are now “telegraphing” Snow’s intention to take Tavares because I want the sniper too. Take JT!!!
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Prescisley my point. MVP I think it was? Hmmm sounds like leadership to me but what the hell do I know, im just a fan. Downgrading JT’s status has had many scratching their head. Im no conspiracy theorist, but I wonder just how many people would like to see him wind up somewhere else other than Long Island. But what are the alternatives? Tampa Bay? Colorodo maybe? Tankarado? Snow will do the right thing and draft JT. Now whats becoming most interesting is our now 26th pick. Nice bargaining chip that could be more valuable in a package deal. Its gonna be fun.
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Steve K. says:
its so funny how everyone sees right through the agenda of all of the canadian media and scouts. keep saying how questionable tavares is and how duschene and hedman are more sure things, so burke can move up to #2 and take tavares. it really is comical at this point.
get your tavares jerseys ready for october islanders fans.
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Lets not make this a libtard forum, there are plenty of other forums to participate in that kind of stuff. Moving on, now that we have JT, what do we do with all our picks? Maybe we can package them for Toronto and their seventh!!!LOL!!!!
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Brad Ketch says:
Eric – Steve Junker!! Wow, goin way back! I can recall (and admit) hanging onto a Iain Fraser rookie card just hoping he would turn into a top six forward. Yikes…I was young…and well, dumb.
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beatlebailey says:
thinking more about this let’s just take Tavares at one get creative with the 26th pick ie trades etc. Dont overthink this Garth!!
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Is anyone else a fan of packaging the 26th with the 31st to move into the top 15? I feel like we already have quantity of players in or system but that we need more quality. Maybe the Rags will send us their pick after they go out tonight.
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Jon Mac says:
I want JT. Simple as that. You can coach a kid and help him improve his skating. A kid can develop leadership skills. You cannot coach a kid to become a natural scorer. KO is our future captain. We have a setup guy in Bailey. Now all we need is the finisher. Draft JT and then find a way to get a quality defenseman with the 26th and all of your second/third round picks.
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dduck says:
Hedman is not the next Pronger!!!! He does not play physical and that is his biggest knock. Please stop with the, “he is like Pronger garbage” because he is not!
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Chris M says:
The only thing that scares me about Tavares is that he seems to be a goal scorer and thats it. Which obviously the Islanders need but wouldnt you rather have your sniper on the wing than at center? Shouldn’t centers have more play making ability for the other players on the ice?
And if thats the case, with four solid centers on the team (Weight on the 1st, Bailey on the 2nd, Neilsen on the 3rd, Park centering the 4th), is it possible the Isles draft Tavares and move him to the wing? Bc Id definitely be ok with that. Less need for playmaking, less emphasis on defense
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Gloobenberg says:
Even before that lil video I was super high on JT.
And now? C’mon…he’s insane.
If any other thought other than JT goes thru Garth and Co. collective head..they should all be shot.
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Dave says:
Not drafting JT would be a mistake.
Does anyone know of a NHL draft pick value chart? NFL has one that assigns a numerical value to each draft choice and is used when trading picks. NFL example: bundling 26 (700 pts) with the 31 (600 pts) “could” return the 10 (1300 pts) pick.
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BR says:
I’m a fan of Duchene’s but I do want us to take Tavares with that pick. However, in fairness to Duchene, the kid was 17 when Team Canada’s WJC squad was being put together (he didn’t turn 18 until after the tourney was over). Although it is not an official rule, Team Canada’s tradition, if I can call it that, is that under-18s don’t make the team. And there were several kids ahead of MD in the line, so to speak. There’s no doubt that Duchene will be on that team next year (assuming he plays at least one more season in the OHL).
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BR, Tavares was on the team as a 17 yr old, won gold medal. and last tournament was MVP
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Dedshark says:
Just watching the video gave me chills just thinking of hearing an announcer yell Tavares scores…. except in an islanders jersey.
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Gutty says:
Everyone talks aboit what a joke this franchise is. We have no fans….blah blah. The Isles have the most hands on fans in the league. Because of the lack of respect we have in the media Wang and Co. have done a tremendous job of pulling the fans into the room with the players. The Isles TV which is now the model for the entire NHL was his doing and his wifes. Where is the mention of this? Love or hate the Ice Girls….another staple around most of the league….the Isles doing. Wang has been arguably the most creative owner like it or not. Again….nothing said except when we fall. All I know is that when we were winning (ala the Peca, Yashin, Laviolette/Nolan years) the place was rocking. Come playoff time the Coliseum was intimidating. I clearly remember going to the Meadowlands/Continental/Izod (name of the week) for that last game against the Devs and surprisingly—-all Isles fans hoping to see the Isles make the playoffs and Dubies heroic efforts. No Devils fans. We completely out-numbered them. There is a fan base here and we are loud and strong. Dont underestimate our voices and power should this team move….that a warning to our local politicians to get off your f-in asses and do the right thing for the people…not what will make you the most money personally which is why Nassau is a joke nowadays. Oh yeah…draft Tavares
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Alex – Tavares is a bit of an exceptional case.
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Justin Marques says:
I think Tavares is the correct choice, to be fair. Besides marketing reasons, which are through the roof, the kid is truly the real deal. He has a true desire to play in the NHL, and he has overcome obstacles at every level he has competed at. His skating, like many other players, could use work, and he will be more than fine. Coming into this summer, he will know he is a lock for playing time in the NHL next year, and the Islanders have all summer to work with him and get him to put on muscle and work on his speed. I truly believe they need to take him, as I do believe he will excel in the NHL. My prediction of him is that he will grow into a 45 goal scorer, 45 assist guy in the NHL, if not better.
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Smitty says:
BR, Team Canada takes 17 year olds and have even taken 16 year olds (e.g. Boumeester).
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I’m sorry I forgot to include this in my previous post: I do acknowledge that Hedman and Duchene will both be excellent players in the NHL. I even admit that Hedman might develop into the overall better play in 4-5 years, however, I do not think the Islanders have 4-5 years, and they are able to acquire a great defenseman much easier than they are able to acquire a franchise-forward who is as dynamic and well-known as Tavares. Imagine seeing Tavares Islander jerseys in Canada, just because he is a native of there…it could happen.
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Smitty – Fair enough, but I stand by my comments. Interesting to note that Taylor Hall (also 17) was also cut.
From the Toronto Star: Still, the centre knew his prospects of cracking the Canadian lineup as a 17-year-old were slim with the tournament predominantly geared to players aged 18 or 19. Of the five 17-year-olds invited to camp this year, only Windsor Spitfires defenceman Ryan Ellis made the team.
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Jethro09 says:
All this crap about Duchene being better than Tavares is a smoke screen being perpetuated by the Canadian media and Canadian-based scouts who are dreading the thought of the “golden child” Tavares playing for an American-based franchise that is viewed as “inferior” to the rest of the NHL. I say screw all of them and take Tavares not only because he’s the best player in the draft, but just to stick it to everyone trying to sabotage the Isles/Tavares relationship before it’s even official.
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STP says:
Why do people keep saying JT doesn’t pass the puck well? He’s got as many assists as he’s got goals in his OHL career. Balanced and consistent. Also, he’ll now have better plays to pass the puck to.
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BR:
Taylor Hall will be an excellent player as well, in my opinion. However, I doubt the Islanders would pass on an established-star in in order to draft Hall next year. Hall is more of a question mark in my opinion than Tavares, as Tavares has proven year after year in the OHL that he is the most dynamic player. Granted there have been some drop-offs in production, I attribute that more to learning other parts of the game more intensively, and to be fair, boredom, rather than just him losing talent. For a kid who is growing from ages 15-18, you do not lose talent, you simply lose drive when you know that you can’t do any better than you already have in the league. With the desire to prove himself at the NHL level, as he has done at every other level, Tavares will truly excel and develop into the elite all-star he has the potential to be. -
STP, BR:
I think Chris Botta already even discussed this maybe, unless I am mistaken. Tavares can dish the puck as well as many other players. His biggest asset is his hockey sense, as he has a sublime hockey IQ. He knows where he is, where everyone else is, and can anticipate what he is going to do and what everyone else will do seconds before it happens. His passing, however, may be the most underrated part of his game. It will develop, that much is for sure. -
BR thats exactly my point. Duchene is being scouted on mostly projection as he has not had pressure on him (yes he has had a good OHL playoffs) So when people try to nitpick JT I say he has proven already.
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to Dduck says:
And you saw Pronger’s JR video and remember his scouting report from 1993 to make such a statement, right? Hedman is the BEST D prospect of the last 10-12 years and He will dominate a game like Pronger does and to suggest otherwise is foolish.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
So funny how people are like He will be next Daigle or Scisson. Daigle was drafted in 1993. Scisson (was the #6 pick) was drafted in 1991. Only big time bust taken #1 i can think of is Patrik Stefan (funny he was viewed as more complete well rounded player like Duchense) Spezza was drafted #2. Kovalchuk was the #1.
So while quick to judge John Tavares. Most #1 picks have worked out quite nice for their teams.
And how said John Tavares is just a goal scorer. Have you seen his stats. he has tons of assists to go with his goals. Scoring goals is just his best Asset. How many guys can you say that for in draft?
Duchene as good as he sounds is like another Bailey or Nielson. Nielsen is very fast two way center. How many snipers do islanders have now or in there system? the answer is NONE.
Come june all i want to here is WITH THE FIRST OVERAL PICK, the new york islanders select JOHN TAVARES of the London Knights.
Hey for you hedman lovers, why wasnt the biggest standout young Swedish Dman (next coming of pronger, lidstrom) selected to play for Sweden in world championships. Especially with so many of best players in Swedish Pros committed to NHL playoffs?
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Isles4cups says:
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…”With the first overall selection in the 2009 NHL entry draft, the New York Islanders select from the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League…John Tavares”! *Insert loud cheers by Islanders fans*
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Mikey says:
I find it slightly odd for some JT fans to begin blaming the Canadian press for criticisms of Tavares. The Canadian press was responsible for building him up in the first place. They are the ones who decided to call him the “next one” when he was 16 and cover him incessantly. If Tavares was putting up great numbers in Finland or even the US, then the entire JT narrative would be very different. I get the feeling that some fans here have only seen him play a handful of games, but are picking a favorite based on all the hype. My other point is that the recent criticisms of JT have always been there (even if they were not emphasized by the press), so the recent reports from McKeen’s and Red Line should not be shocking to anyone. Many scouts have been critical of Tavares since last spring/summer when he fizzled out in the OHL playoffs. (As a result, Hedman was considered by many scouting services to be the no. 1 pick from June.-Dec.). I am not trying to advocate one player over the other. I’m just trying to point out that this is not a conspiracy; JT has been hyped and criticized for a long time now.
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Vegas Isles Fan says:
Burnside on ESPN chat yesterday
Andrew (NY): Regardless of all this speculation, Tavares is still #1 on your board right?
Scott Burnside: (4:59 PM ET ) Yes. This often happens with a prospect that gets so much attention there’s a pre-draft backlash. Isles will take Tavares. I think you can take that to the bank. Or at least a bank that hasn’t gone bankrupt.
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Scott S. from Long Beach says:
Who’s #14 for Canada in this video? Can we take that guy?
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Jerry says:
How do you get one of those Tavares Team Canada jersey’s, if at all possible?
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Scott S – That’s Eberle. The Oilers drafted him last year.
Alex O & Justin Marques – I don’t disagree. To be clear, I’m hoping that we take Tavares. I just don’t think it is responsible to be discounting Duchene by pointing out that he didn’t make the WJC team. -
I’m tired of hearing players compared to other players. That means squat. It doesn’t mean that’s exactly who they will become. Duchene is not automatically the next Sakic or Yzerman and Tavares the next Spezza. If you judge a player on comparisons that is just plain silly.
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Jim M says:
I love how Toronto fans can say JT is just gonna go to waste with the islanders like they have been so successful in past years.the leafs suck. Like many others have said before how does everyone know Tavares would want to be in toronto under all scrutiny game in and game out..If the kid doesnt hit 50 goals there they would prob consider him a bust probably. I really cant stand listening to all this draft talk anymore
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drivefor5 says:
Here is a question that I am looking for peoples thoughts on…if you were the islanders or tampa would you make this trade….
Tampa Gets:
Isles 26th pick, 31st and 37th and next years first round pick 1-3 protectedIslanders Get:
Tampa’s 1st round pick this year and 3rd round pick this year…Tampa get a lot of picks Isles get both of their corner stones in the same draft. What do you think?
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(53) as much as I would love that, and pretty much everyone else on here…tampa needs a defenseman badly…and hedman is someone you cant turn your head from.
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i would trade some of those 2nd rounder and our #1 pick in a heartbeat for the #2 pick this year.
Tavares and Hedman both. To add to Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen, Bergenheim, Comeau, Tambellini.
Then Weight, Hunter, Streit, Martinek, Sutton, DP, Witt, Park.
tht would be a dream. -
Jislander7 says:
everybody keeps talking about packaging the 26 and 31st picks to move up. I dont think its worth it unless you can get into the top 10 which I dont think you can do with those two picks. There is a definite drop off in this draft around the top 10.
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HL says:
As someone who’s been watching Duchene for the past two seasons in the OHL and Tavares for the last four, I think it’s unfair to suggest that anyone who speaks favourably of Duchene is doing so only because they have an “agenda”.
Yes, Tavares is a fantastic prospect and yes, I believe the Islanders should probably take him #1 overall. But to be quite honest, I’m not convinced that Duchene couldn’t end up having the better career and lead his NHL team to more success in the postseason. I’m just not 100% convinced. He’s always been a favourite of mine in this draft and he definitely deserves to be in the Top 3 conversation as far as I’m concerned.
A pre-WJC selection camp injury certainly didn’t help his chances of making the club, btw. He’ll show why he’s being talked about so highly at this year’s WJC if he’s able to attend…
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54…if Im Tampa I do it. And Im not saying that bc Im an Islanders fan and want the #2 pick. The thing is, this is a deep draft, so the value of the late 1st and early 2nds are greater in this draft then some others. Plus you guarantee yourself an early 1st round pick next year plus your own.
Although I think the pick can only be 1-2 protected. Tampa would have to be thinking that the Isles would be close to the bottom and wouldn’t want the pick to be protected too much.
It just depends on how much stock they have in Hedman/Duchesne. If they dont think the world of them, then I would pull the trigger
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Rangers SUCK says:
Trade the pick to Colorado. Take their #1 and BOTH of their seconds. Take Duchene at #3 and then package a deal to move up to draft Kassian. See how easy this is ? HAHAHAHA
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HilbertSnipe says:
Skating can always be improved. Remember, he is eighteen and will learn a lot in the Pros. But to this date, his development has been nothing less than exceptional. Take JT with number one for obvious reasons. Then use the other picks to package. JT with #1 all the way. No exceptions.
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We have a better shot at dealing with Colorado although they are in post Sakic mode and Duchene may be a good replacement. They are a deeper team who had the same injury bug as the isles this year. Tampa is never giving up the #2 and will grab Hedman no questions asked. Their main need is D so it is an easy decision. Colorado may be willing to stockpile the picks knowing they will not be a bottom feeder next year and can draft a few kids later on. Interesting to think we could grab Tavares and Duchene and call it a day. Now imagine this team in 3 years – Okposo, Tavares, Duchene, Neilsen, Bergs, Bailey, (notice no mention of Tambellini), Comeau, Joensu (like this guy). We need some D but again you can always buy that when you are a good team.
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puckhead68 says:
How many 40 goal scorers did we see in the league this year? Eight? If he has that potential, how do you pass on that? All of the sudden his talent is being questioned. It does make me wonder how many NHL people would like JT on any team except the Isles. Pick JT and stick it to them all.
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Coral Springs Isle Fan says:
I heard on NHL radio on XM this morning an interview with the president of the OHL. He stated that John Tavares (who entered the league as the 1st 14 year old) is a tremendous player and individual both on and off the ice. He said that John has worked very hard on becoming a good two way player and has improved drastically since his 1st year. He had nothing but GREAT praise for Tavares and said whom ever drafts this guy will be very fortunate.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
CB ~ You know where I stand … It’s TAVARES ALL THE WAY!!!!
I’ve heard him compared with about a dozen current and retired NHL players … and I’ve come to the conclusion after seeing years and countless dozens of full length games and clips … that John Tavares is HIS OWN STYLE … He’s Johnny T .. That is who he is … and he’ll not only play great for the Isles … but he’ll bring up the game of those around him … and also raise the game of those looking to amp up to the next level.
The Isles have been missing that kind of player … a player that teammates and young prospects try to elevate their game to match.
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Mr. Botta. We should probably just hold off on the Tavares headlines until draft day. I come to this site everyday and the more I see Tavares on it, the more excited I get. Then I begin to think. Is Garth going to pull a Milbury? I’m sure he wont, just based on everyone’s comments off this site alone, but you never know what these guys have up their sleeve. Let’s concentrate on what the Islanders are doing to better prepare for next season? Better strength and conditioning? Tweaking the “System”. Maybe going for a big free-agent signing, that we haven’t thought of? I believe if the money is right, a guy like J Bow can come here. There is very few players in the NHL that don’t chase money…..
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Dave Chyzowski says:
Well I for sure am a blast from the past, along with my buddies Kevin Cheveldayoff, and Dean Cheynoweth.
As far as Tavares, Hedman, and Duchesne. The truth is NOTHING IS A GIVEN. Why is it such a given that Hedman will be a stud. the guy could be a Ryan Leaf of Defensemen. who the heck knows how their games translate. Even with their body of work.. Duchesne seems like a typical young fast player with his point production and style.. Who knows how good he’ll be. maybe he’ll be a decent Stephen Weiss type who was labeled very similar to him.
Hedman, who the heck knows.. he’s playing in Sweden.. maybe their men are better than Canadien kids, maybe their worse..
Tavares: He definitely did things in Juniors that stand out. Anyone that scores 70+ goals and continues to dominate and score under scrutiny has got to be unique. Even he is not defintitem but he has BY FAR the best body of work and reason to believe he will be special based on his past.
The real reason though YOU PICK TAVARES is because if you think that they are all gambles (which in a sense they are somewhat- yes even Hedman is a gamble) why not at least take the one that will sell tickets, bring some excitement back to Nassau and put us on the map. we will get sportcenter coverage, people, even from other teams will buy our tickets.. our jerseys will sell… C’mon. There’s no way they take Hedman,or a nothing unique Duschene. They will take Tavares. You always go for the goal scorer! it worked when they selected me!!
seriously, lets all relax, all this speculating wont get us anywhere.. hopefully they pick Johnny T.
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hathead68 says:
After Garth announces that the Islanders select John Tavares with the 1st overall pick, he should repeat it just like the guy in the LOTTO commercials just to make sure everyone hears, especially Burke and all the Toronto fans!!! Then if we can package the 26th and 31st overall pick to grab 6’3” physical (good fighter), offensive power forward Zack Kassian to patrol the wing and play with JT and KO (if not this year, then soon), and grab 6’8″, mobile, physical defenseman Taylor Doherty with the 37th overall. Grab a goalie with the 60th overall from Boston. HOW SWEET IT WOULD BE!!! LET’S GO ISLES!!!
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Steve says:
Nuff said. Garth, I hope you are listening.
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I think there’s a very good chance the Isles will trade the pick. When have the Isles ever done the conventional thing w/ a top pick?…Didn’t pick Gaborik/Heatley w/ the #1..Didn’t draft Spezza w/ the #2..Didn’t draft Parise…Didn’t draft Schenn/Filatov…Hedman & Duchene fit Gordon’s system better than J.T…Last yr Garth didn’t want the Dynamic scorer(Filatov) & didn’t want the Franchise Defenseman(Schenn); instead took the 2 way character player; Bailey. Snow always looks for Speed, 2 way play & Character(see Matt Duchene).I can see the Isles moving that pick, getting Duchene at #3. And taking that asset from the trade along w/ our #26 to try to move into the Top 10 of the Draft and take Oliver Ekman-Larsson..Snow could argue that Duchene is better than Tavares & Ekman-Larsson is better than Hedman(as some scouts are pondering).
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to Dduck (43), for you to KNOW that Hedman is the next Pronger is laughable. Not one scout has compared his game to Pronger(except you of course).
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Tom Barone says:
Al I gotta say is if the isles traded the #1 Pick they better come away with a # 3 and another one in the top 10. (as Kevin said)
But I still say take JT all the way! and never look back and second guess it no matter how it turns out. We may not get another chance at a guy like this for another 20 years. (It least I hope not) UGH!
(Isles have a lot of pick between the 1st and 2nd round. They could ramp up pretty fast if some of the picks turn out to be cherry! ; )
That is a sweet vid, CB.
John Tavares is the next Alexandre Daigle…or perhaps Scott Scissons!
Well, that is, unless he falls into Toronto’s hands…then we can go back to calling him the next Mike Bossy.
It pains some to believe that JT will end up on Long Island. And I love it.