EXCLUSIVE: FACE-TO-FACE SET WITH HEDMAN
Top-ranked dman coming to New York in June
If you happen to come across an 18-year old, 6-6 Swede at the airport, on the beach, at the mall or around the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in the near future, chances are he’s Victor Hedman.
Point Blank has learned from a league source that Hedman has accepted an invitation to visit with Islanders management during the first week in June.
Last week, we reported that Matt Duchene is coming to New York to meet the Islanders, and now he’s available since his Brampton team lost to Windsor in the OHL Final. A trip to Long Island from John Tavares, after Charles Wang and Garth Snow met with him briefly after an OHL playoff game, would complete the trifecta of the top 3 prospects available in the draft.
Hedman is the top-ranked player among European skaters and is the consensus best defenseman available in the draft. If the Islanders do not trade the first overall pick, the decision is expected to come down to Hedman and Tavares. A source close to Hedman tells Point Blank, “He’d love to be drafted by the Islanders - and we know they love his potential.”
Hedman was a member of Team Sweden at the World Junior Championships and played a regular shift this season in the Swedish Elite League. Although a teenager playing against men, Hedman was heralded for his poise and brilliance at both ends of the rink.
The Islanders will get an up-close-and-personal look at the potential franchise defenseman during the first week in June. The big question is whether Hedman will be at the team’s prospect camp after the draft - as their top pick.
Point Blank on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nyipointblank
Comments.
121 Responses to “EXCLUSIVE: FACE-TO-FACE SET WITH HEDMAN
Top-ranked dman coming to New York in June”
Please Wait
Oh boy…..do the Islanders ever plan on meeting with Tavares???
June is when it gets interesting. Good for Snow to do his homework on Hedman and Tavares. I find it odd though, the possible third pick (Duchene), the Hedman, and finally, Tavares….in that order. I think after Tavares, there will no longer be any pondering on Snows choice.
The last time we had a # 1 overall - Milbury fell in love with a kid after his interview and we lost Luongo, Spezza etc…..
Here’s hoping that Tavares interviews real well
That said - Hedman will be a terrific NHL player too - as will Duchene.
Pat
This has to be driving Burke nuts not knowing who the Isles are going to pick..
Hedman please Garth. Don’t listen to fans when making the choice. Make the RIGHT choice.
Good to see the isles doing their homework and meeting with all the top guys, not just tavares.
Hedman!! Interview well young man, interview well
Pat (3): I think he had already fallen in love with him long before, when the Isles still had the #5 overall pick. Thats one of the differences between Garth and Mike… Garth traded down 2x to take a kid he really liked, and was rewarded with lots of extra picks for doing it. I think if Mike thought more like Garth he would have traded down from their #1 pick in 2000, they would have still drafted Rick, AND would have gotten plenty more for drafting him. Water under the bridge, of course… but I think that people would have resented Josh had Garth simply taken him #5 overall instead of down at #9.
Anyway, Im glad that Garth and the org are meeting with all these kids. Its the right thing to do.
Garth’s doing his homework and leaving the smokescreen intact. By not just coming out and saying “we’re drafting X” he’s leaving all his options open. Smart move.
Tavares or BUST!
I think Tavares will interview last for a reason. It will come down to Hedman and Tavares.
It’s the prudent thing to do (meet with as many of the top 5+ rated prospects). Yes, the majority of us want Tavares and will most likely get him even though some fellow fans may get nervous at the notion of a meeting anyone but Tavares.
But this is a great problem to have. Complete control.
it’s the right to do your homework, even if it’s just a smokescreen to confuse other teams and information for future reference. i’d prefer tavares for marketing reasons but hedman will be an amazing defensemen in the nhl.
Let’s not forget the Islanders kept that sports psychologist that Neil Smith brought on board. As other people have speculated, they probably won’t make a decision until they get a full work-up on everyone (my hopeful read: they want to make sure nothing is up with Tavares before they feel safe declaring him the pick).
Islanders Don’t be foolish! Pick Tavares!
The Most Valuable Players in the playoffs this year have been the Goalies and the Forwards. These stars are all stepping up and making the biggest difference. This provides another reason why we need to look at Tavares first if he can be the got to goal scorer and play maker we need..
Snow and Wang already met Tavares in Canada. They will probably bring him to the Island for a second meeting though.
Hopefully with the addition of Dennis Potvin as defensive coach and John Tavaras as the offensive star the Isles will make vast improvements next year.
For all we know as fans….Snow might have something up his sleeve to move back into the top 10 with the other picks…maybe even the top 5….Colorado is just beginning a rebuild and might need alot of picks….not a bad trade partner
This is going to fun if we pick JT, no so much if we take the latter.
Even if Hedman turns into a great defensive player for years to come on the Islanders, would any of us fans be able to stomach watching Tavares put up 50 goal seasons somewhere else?
I don’t care how solid or brilliant Hedman may be defensively; watching a stud offensive player that the Islanders have lacked since Palffy (I don’t count the ultra-ultimately-disappointing Yashin) go somewhere else and thrive would be a dagger that could murder my Islander fanaticism.
John TA-VAR-AS!!!
Clap,Clap clapclapclap!!!
Hey, Islander fans lets hope we pick wisely or else you know what happens. Otherwise Mr. Snow,you are on the clock as of now. But as I always say this year we will chasing the “Cup”
The markets tell us that the right decision is almost always the contrarian decision - because most people don’t have a clue what’s going on. Seems fairly clear what the contrarian decision would be in this case…
Excellent…..I love what Snow is doing. Everyone else is guessing. LOL!!!! Suck it Burke. Also dont be surprised if there is some trading going on. Snow has guts no question. Gonna be interesting. All speculation aside though, take JT unless totally blown away with an offer that gets us Hedman and some allstar talent upfront.
Talking about the Leafs’ website- Last week Berger and his fans were writing about the NHL teams that were at financial risk and might be bought. moved or even eliminated. Among those mentioned were Phoenix. the Preds, ATLANTA, Columbus,TB, Panthers, Buffalo, and Avalanche. The Islanders were not mentioned in over 400 posts! I’m very pleased at being left off the Leaf experts list, but don’t understand the logic given all that is or is not going on downhere with the Lighthouse. If you have any insight in this happy exclusion please comment.
So how do we, as fans, get a sit down with Duchene or Hedman or Tavares? I think that it would be interesting for them to meet some Islanders fanatics!!
Great work as always Chris. I have been back and forth between Tavares and Hedman, so I will defer to the experts who get paid to make these decisions. I think it is a great plan that Garth is executing. He’s exploring all of his options to make the most informed decision.
On a side note: I don’t understand why people always default to the fact that the Islanders should pick Hedman because “Defense Wins Championships” or Tavares because we need “press” and “sell tickets”. Team defense wins championships, not one star defender amongst a bunch of middling defensemen. While the hype of Tavares will wear off as far as casual fans go, if the team is not winning. Having said that, the Islanders are in need of both a potential stud prospect for their blue line and forward corps. Garth, will and should pick the BPA for the long term viability of this franchise. Should be an interesting ride until the draft.
Im happy to see it. I realize Im one of few that wants Hedman but I think this is exciting news.
JOHN TAVARES!!!
a healthy DP should be able to steal us more than a few games, coupled with a legitimate offensive threat like Tavares - and we should be on our way to better days.
I’ve certainly warmed up to the idea of adding Victor Hedman and his size and ability.. but for this franchise, right now, it has to be John Tavares. 95% of the fans feel this way, there has to be a consensus that Tavares is going to be the guy. There has to be. There is no way 95% of the fans could want Tavares and you have GM’s publicly saying they want Tavares.. but on the Islanders they want Hedman/Duchene above him. The Islanders are doing their work, and I applaud them.. but when Tavares comes to the Island.. that’s when you make your commitment if he seems to have a good head and want to help this team as much as he can. You than start leaking you found your guy.. and let’s start the Tavares-Islanders relationship. This kid is a freaking GOLD MINE Snow.. you have to take this kid.
Snow is not Milbury, not even close. Snow has done decently for what he has been given, and Milbury spent years absolutely destroying this team. If there was a wrong decision to be made, Mad Mike made it.
People need to stop blaming all the boneheaded Milbury moves on Snow, and give him a chance. If Snow screws up this draft, then he will have nobody to blame but himself. Personally, I would rather see the Isles draft Tavares, but I would not mind if they drafted Hedman either.
As long as we do not do something absurd like buy out DP’s contract then use the first overall pick on an unproven, inconsistent, mediocre goaltender, Snow will certainly do much better than Milbury.
The more and more I keep reading about this I start leaning towards hedman. I cant make up my damn mind. So im gonna compromise. I want hedman with duchene.
Its a complete toss up right now on who we are getting. I dont fear Duchene being even in the running.
Its Buzz, Ticket sales excitement with Tavares in wich i 100% is what is more important given we need near area and are in danger of leaving.
or Hedman. A great Dman which will have long career in NHL. Both will be successful. Just like someone said on this board. Hedman, can be great dman, but its going to be hard to stomach Tavares scoring 50 goals.
very exciting.
Snow will probably bring in some other prospects in case of a trade up from 26. The NHL draft combime is May 25-30 too so they can talk to prospects there.
CB, this is a very stupid question but do you think the draft picks will be based more on potential or more on fitting into the ’system?’ I am afraid that some players (not necessarily Tavares) with better talent will be passed because they wont fit the system as well as someone else who is currently on the draft board.
i just can’t see snow keeping all those picks, question is, does he favor Tavares and best D-man avail, or Hedman and best forward avail ???
something of that nature is going to happen, we’re going to be moving into the top 12 area and taking the complimentary piece
Mike post 28, how did you bold that word? Hahahaha. I have never seen that before here.
I think once everything is said and done… Tavarses will be an Islander.
You know we won’t be able to add Hossa, Gaborik,Cammi or the Sedins, so we need offence.
Not that Tavarses is going to come in and light it up, but he will help.
I think we have a better chance at maybe adding Komi to the line up.
So basically we can have Tavarses and Komi, and maybe a healthy DP.
That’s your 2009,10 team…Enjoy…lol.
Bob, my vote is tavares and the best d-man available
lets draft tavares and trade every single one of our other picks plus maybe frans nielsen, bergenheim to Tampa for Hedman. wouldn’t it be nice to walk away from draft with Tavares on O and Hedman on D?
Why do we need to draft Brian Day’s, Gregoire’s, Colliton’s etc.. trade em all for Hedman and come away with 2 studs instead of 10 solid players..
CB, any chance the Isles trade SJ’s 1st round pick (26th overall, Isles 2nd rd pick (31st overall), the Leafs 2nd rd pick (37th overall) and Nielson for either the 2nd or 3rd pick in the draft?
I still say best player available out of Hedman or Tavares. The nice thing is as long as Garth picks one of them the Isles can’t lose.
Amazing the draft isn’t that far away now.
I’d like to see the Isles do something aggressive. In the 06 and 08 drafts the Isles had a lot of picks. That is what they needed they needed to replenish the system that was totally empty, that is why you saw so many FA’s playing for Bridge. The Isles don’t need quanitity anymore, matter of fact, there just won’t be room for everyone.
So this year the Isles again have a ton of picks. Lets utilize the later picks in trades to either move up or improve the team. Let’s not pick after round 4. Even if it is just packaging the picks in the5-7 rounds for 4th rounders let’s get quality this year (with all the picks in rounds 1-3 they will still be getting quanitity).
Joe (#42). Let me answer that. NONE!!
Trade for the #2 pick overall with TB and draft both Tavares & Hedman.
I love these trade scenarios. Nobody is giving up their top three pick for any package of second rounders and a late first rounder and anyone the Islanders would be willing to part with. Its just not gonna happen. This is what is going to happen, mark my words. The Islanders will draft Taveres. They will package their 26th over all with some more picks to move up and take a defensemen. Most likely not in the top ten however. JMO. Nevertheless, still not bad.
Islander fan (44)- that would be a dream but we would have to give up too much. Trading a guy like Bailey or Okpsoso to do that would be taken a step back.
Take him to All American!
I know everyone seems to be stressed but it seems to me you really can not go wrong with any of the top 3 prospects. They should all be excellent players. They could all very well be all stars for many years. Our scouting staff is pretty good so im sure we will make a good choice.
Staten, i tend to agree they will pick jt
dave, snow has been more prudent now that he’s settling in a gm, i can’t see him giving up tooo much to get 2 studs…
joe, i have a feeling that keeping #1 and gaining #2 or #3 overall will cost us too much…
26/31/37 picks can potentially provide a whole line that could develop together, which is also an enticing thought
“They love his potential”. This does not sound good. JT please!
CB - There has been a lot of talk about moving up for our 2nd pick of the draft, with which I agree. Assuming we draft Tavares or Hedman with the #1, what is the highest slot we can reasonably expect to get based on your knowledge of the situation? (emphasis on reasonably)
As you can see by what’s happening with the Caps lately, the “team” concept is much more important than individual talent. The Caps have enormous individual talent — Ovie, Backie, Sasha (Semin), etc. — but they don’t play well as a team. Hence, they’ll be eliminated by the better “team” tonight.
Isles need to build a team. Can they build a better “team” with JT or Hedman? Who knows. I always say you win cups with goaltending and defence. In that case, take Hedman. BUT, JT may give the Isles much more gravitas which may attract better free agent talent to the island. Plus, from what I hear, he can put the biscuit in the basket. If I were Snow, I’d pick JT.
#50 - I know I’m not CB, and I know I’m not an expert, but I think it’s the classic consultant’s answer. It depends.
If a team in the 15 range has its sights set on a player they know will still be there at 26, then maybe it wouldn’t take as much to do it.
It might be more realistic to expect the Isles to make 2 trades if they want to get higher than 15 (and who’s to say they do?).
knowing the Islanders recent draft history, I refuse to Man-crush any of these players just to be let down again…
Tavares and Tavares again. I also do not care how awesome or solid Hedman is. Is it possible we can have a player who can score at least 30 goals next season.
The NY Islander’s need to select John Tavares with the #1 pick. I predict, that his impact on the franchise will equal, what Denis Potvin’s was. Please Mr. Wang, and Garth, make your selection, John Tavares. Thanks Chris, Mark/NJ “Go NY Islander’s”
I’m glad to see that they are doing their due diligence here. Although I cant help but wonder what other players might end up getting invited to the island in June. Chris, just out of curiosity, which players were invited to the island in 2000 for a visit?
Tavares will win the Isles more games than Hedman will out of the gate and going forward. Team defense wins, not a single defenseman. Hedman would be a strong addition to any team, but his contributions wont be anywhere as evident as JT’s on the Island.
Make the mob happy and Draft John Tavares.
Valentino (61): The absolute last thing I want Garth doing is making decisions to “make the mob happy”- since “the mob” doesnt know these kids at all (despite how attached they believe themxelves to be to them.) Thankfully, Garth doesnt seem like the type to let relatively uninformed fans make such important decisions. If you want Tavares, its better IMHO to just hope he is all that the fans believe him to be- then the Isles WILL draft him.
Joe #37 - You draft picks based on potential NOT more on fitting into the ’system?’
You always pick the best player when you have so little as we do. Our “system” was so good that we were last in the league. Now you are going to pick over Tavares or others because of their skating ? That would be horrible. Reminds me of Zach Parise !
It would be nice to have a player on the team that could attract fans interest. And put in potentially 40-50 goals per year..I’m sure all three young men will have terrific careers..But I want JT, boumeester, komi, aren’t they UFA’s?
It would be kind of hard to pick the D-man in this draft when you don’t even have a 20 goal scorer on your roster.You had two the year prior (Guerin & Comrie) and both are gone. It’s hard to be a consistent winer when you can’t score.
I also wonder if the Isles will draft all picks or trade up? They picked 13 last year and with 11 this year it seems they are ripe for a trade. If you can only have 50 players signed in your organization you have to make sure you do not over fill the cupboards while re-stocking. Maybe this year is the year we go with quality over quantity.
#63, Boumeester wont be coming to Long Island
38/63
I agree you should not make a pick based on the system (well-maybe NJ or Detriot can as they’re systems’ don’t change much)…but I do worry that our management will make that mistake. Over under on Gordon 1.5 years.
Watch Ovenchkin live…..he stands around…only pounces when the opportunity is there for a loose puck or big hit…..Great GREAT player, but probably drives a coach nuts.
But at the end of the day…who cares….I would take the 40 goals Tavaras offers and put a responsible 2 way player on his line.
If he Isles get spilt between Hedman and Tavares I hope that they at least trade down to take Hedman. Regardless of the rankings, I think the #1 pick is Tavares.
That’s he only way I say they use the #1 is to take JT.
Obviously the Isles are better team with either of these guys.
But I keep saying it…and I stand by it…IF Tavares turns out to be a CROSBY’ish’ level player, that pick would put the team back in the headlines in NY and be a great step in the right direction. FINALLY!
Also! would it not be a little more attractive to Free Agents if the Islanders have a guy like Tavares here? Again… this is only IF JT turns out to be EVERYTHING everyone says be can be.
I say it’s too big of a risk NOT TO TAKE HIM.
Imagine the disaster, of epic proportions! should the Isles pass on JT and then ‘all the planets align’ and JT IS all that…AND MORE!! I don’t even want to think about the fallout from that scenario playing out.
you know my wish list, I hope SNOW has the right guy on his.
We all will know if it is Tavares or Headman in June.
What is Troubling here is that PointBlank might be gone after June. Is this what the New york Islanders,Chris Dey and Charles Wang want!
I know us Fans dont want that to Happen.
I think we should call and send E-mails to the Islanders HQ and call there to voice our Concerns,I am!
I know you said CB that if you could not do this full time, it is not worth it.
However to all of us Fans and Readers it would be, please continue in some way, shape or form, besides you have the start of somthing here dont stop now!
TOM: 100% accurate!!!
You know, I can not wait until June 26 so all of this can be over. Tavares or Hedman or Tavares or Hedman or Hedman or Tavares.
Either way the Islanders are getting a great player.
I think the defense will be better than last season, which means there is no desperate need for a d-man.
Pick Tavares and move on……….
I hope the team doesn’t rely too much on psychological profiles to help them draft. Its great to be able to show the kids the Island, get a feel for their individual personalities, and explain what you’re doing as an organization, especially when you own the #1 pick. However, this “if you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be” stuff is for the birds. Ask Billy Smith that! All you need to know is what’s been accomplished in their careers so far and make the judgement based on that.
I just think that it’s good that our GM and his staff are WORKING to make the Islanders better. That seems to get lost sometimes in the “get tavares now and sell him” theory. At least if they draft somebody other than Tavares it will be done with as much information as possible under the circumstances.
LOL!!!!!Paul from Canada! True, you think Smitty would have passed their psychological profile? One of the best “Money” playoff goalies ever? Ha Ha….but seriously in this day and age you dont want to blow a high pick on a pyscho….like Fleurey LOL!!!
im pretty sure they will take Tavares just because of leadership potential which could be immediately ala Crosby. he took team Canada on his back. Even if Hedman does become great, there is a big language barrier which will make leadership alot harder and longer (if he even can) Tavares will be a face and a leader of the franchise. this is a very immportant fact. they were very excited to get the number 1 pick only b/c they got JT (if they wouldve lost lottery, they wouldlve been just as happy if they wanted Hedman all along.
we should all relax, they will take John Tavares as the future leader of Islanders or bust.
CB, any chance you will be attending the upcoming combine? or at least have an informant reporting to you from there?
I really feel that the boys up top are going to draft Hedman 1st overall. If you sit back an watch Chris pronger dominate for Anehiem, you can understand how a big mobile d-man can actually make a offense work. Besides Getslaf who do the Ducks really have. D-man is were its at, always has always will. Ask Denis Potvin.
theywould be dumb not to interview duchene and hedman. honestly, while im for tavares i wont hate getting hedman…
Tavares is the pick we need to make. We need someone who will be a legitimate 40 goal scorer on the roster. (This may not happen this season but within a season or two.) The ONLY way we can take Hedman is if we can get the second and third overall picks, and take Duchene as well. We need talent up front. Other talented young players will then be excited to join this team, and the rebuild should take off.
claude, how about watching ryan dominate? or the thrilling crosby vs ovehkin rivalry ( malkin has been a no show for the most part ). the ducks also have ryan, perry and selanne. bottom line, a cup winning team needs both. the dynasty team had potvin on d while on offense we had bossy and trottier.
Could some of us on here please stop thinking the Islanders can get the top 2 picks this year. Jeez……..its more than unrealistic…it aint happenin
If all of us are getting crazy over bringing in the top 3, just think about how Torono feels right now!
Claude — What about Corey Perry, Bobby Ryan, and Teemu Selanne? Hiller’s also been very good in net. Even on D, it’s not like Pronger is doing it by himself. Look at that D core! I just don’t think you can point at the Ducks and say “Pronger” and have that be justification for Hedmen. The Ducks have a pretty solid all-around team clicking at the right time, and they have way more pieces in place than the Isles. All the teams left now are not riding only one guy. They’re getting key contributions from many players at multiple positions - including goaltending…that’s what it takes to build a cup winner. There’ve been cup teams with a premier player at offense, and cup teams w/ a premier player at D. Mostly it’s about the entire team raising its level of play at the right time.
draft tavares and use our picks to move up for a dman in the 10-15 range. we need to solidify our goaltending situation before we’re gonna win anything, regardless of who we draft.
I feel this interviewing process doesn’t favor hedman over tavares and/or duchene. Hedman seems very quiet and humble. Who has more upside talent? well thats another story!
I have been a Tavares guy all the way, but there is just too much time to think and read before this draft, and the more I read about Hedman, how could you not love this kid… I still want Tavares because we need a front line centerman, but Hedman is damn good….. I think I’ll let the scouts do their job and I’m sure they will do plenty of homework, so I will applaude whoever they go with… But if they pass on Tavares, I hope they get real aggressive in trading up with their other picks and try to get back up into the top 12 picks and grab a stud forward like Schroeder….
The one thing I don’t like about Tavares is I haven’t seen the guy smile once… He seems to lack any type of personality… One thing I love about Josh Bailey is his intelligence and the way he carries himself, and he carries himself with a smile that says he is happy to be an Islander… Tavares is more like Darth Vader… You can’t get a good read on the kid in his interviews… He is monotone…
I don’t understand people who claims “Tavares or bust”-comments. I’ll say both Hedman and Tavares are going to make an impact in the NHL, so there’s no bust at all.
How many fans have actually seen both players in action? Me, as a Swede, have obviously seen Hedman a lot more than Tavares and I’m still not thinking one sided. There’s no doubt about Hedman is a good player but who knows which player turns out to be the best fit into the Islanders organization? Only time will tell you that.
I hope the Islanders draft the best suited player for the task, make the Islanders a winning team again.
CB, you are our voice! Ler’s keep pumping Tavares!
CB,
Any chance you you do a prep piece on who the Isles may pick with their 2nd first round pick?
the only way we lose is if Garth tries to outsmart everyone and not draft tavares or hedman with the first pick. Please do not trade down for picks Garth.
CB, could you possibly find a bigger picture of Hedman’s mug to lead the story? Is that actual size?
While i think Hedman might be a very solid NHL Defenseman my choice has always been Tavares - We need him and when over 90% of the fans want him - they cant not take him. I understand no NHL team should ever take a guy based on what their fans want but this is a landslide, and with what this organization has put the fans through we deserve it. While i commend Snow for doing his due-dilligence its making me nervous to bring Hedman to LI for an interview
Tavares.
Robert (86) - No doubt Tavares is a serious kid, who is pretty focused on his game. But, I think comparing him to Darth Vadar is a little much!
Go to Youtube and search for “Tavares Interview with Stefan Legein.”
I was at a party this past Saturday and Mike Paulino was there, former NYR asst coach and I asked who he would take in the upcoming draft. He thought about it for a sec and said “Hedman, BUT, he is NOT ready for the NHL yet” just thought I would share..
i think someone sed this before we should announce to media that we take hedman so burke trades for second pick but then we take tavares he would be so tight
A source close to Hedman tells Point Blank, “He’d love to be drafted by the Islanders - and we know they love his potential.”
That worries me. Why must they do this to us… T a v a r e s !
CB,
You mentioned in the manifesto something about possible PB night next season should the blog continue. How about one last PB night this June, surrounding the draft?
Well said #83.
Pronger is special no doubt, but he is just a piece of the puzzle. His size and speed compliment the rest of the roster. Anaheim has established a clear identity, something the Islanders were working on at the end of this last season. It is very important to have an identity in this NHL. With all of the series remaining set to go to game 6 or more, you can see that it is going to take more than just a handful of guys to get you to the promise land. I think Tavares fills more of of a NEED at this point in time. Do you need another top flight D-man? Yes, but luckily we have an All-star named Mark Streit for the next 4 years and he is more than capable of carrying his team. So maybe it is next year that you draft the next best thing in terms of franchise D-men, or maybe you pick another up in UFA when your more competitive. But you cannot argue the fact that we do not have an established, legitimate goal scorer on our roster or in the pipeline. JT is touted as that “guy” and he is ours for the taking! Take him already! Just my opinion
gonna be a tough call man …….very tough
Very tough call. I like the thought of Hedman, Streit, Hillen, Gervais plus maybe a good free agent or two in 2 or 3 yrs.
CB ~ Can you shed any light on how ISS scouts are able to compare the skills of a player like Hedman playing a different position, in a different league, on a different sized ice surface at a different level than players like Tavares and Duchene?
Speaking of comparing players … I really am disappointed that I wasn’t able to compare Duchene and Tavares head to head in the OHL finals … but … a 2nd best comparison is comparing them against the same opponent … The mighty Spitfires. Both played 5 games against …
John Tavares vs. Spitfires in 5G
4 goals, 3 assists for 7 points and a -3.
Matt Duchene vs. Spitfires in 5G
1 goal, 2 assist for 3 points and a -4.
I know that doesn’t mean anything .. but it’s all I had to go on vs. the same opponent.
Good job by Snow keeping all options open
i say take Tavares at 1st then package the SJ 26th and one of our 2nd to move up the draft to take take Jared Cowen
I just signed up to follow you CB on Twitter but I wonder why you would spend more time writing on Twitter when you have a wonderful blog right here.
Didn’t last year Doughty, Schenn, Bogosian, etc. visited Long Island? This is normal, and I’m sure JT will be on his way soon, as someone mentioned before Wang and Snow have already met JT so they need to catch up with the other two.
If they draft hedman and still go after komisarek plus with ricky coming back and possibly playing his way back to form a d that looks like this in front of him for the next few years could be one of the better in the league
Hedman-Komisarek
Streit-Gervais
Witt-Martinek
I have said this before: Use the #1 pick for Taveras.
Now, to get higher in the 1st round use picks and prospects. You have to bet that trots has detailed info on every player. He knows who can be given up and who should stay. With this info, Snow can make some interesting offers to move up.
Moving up may take a couple of deals but I can’t say it will happen nor someone else definitively say it can’t be done!
We have to wait. This emotional roller coaster is what it’s all about!
It will also be interesting to see who we pick up thru UFA.
Just a thought, if we are agressive on a top D-man, we can give up any D man we have now with the exception of Streit as part of the deal!
Skye (#104)-That wouldn’t get you all the way to the top 10. It may get you to 18-20 tops. You might be able to swing another deal to move up but you’d need to add a player and the ones most people would want won’t be traded.
On the other hand if they go with Tavares since he seems to be hailed as more of a finisher than a playmaker even though im sure he can also make plays why not throw a bunch of money at a tanguay who is a great top line playmaking lw which we are in need of anyway since our lw depth isnt much after bergenheim anyway
If one of your BEST players says, “We need a sniper,” shouldn’t we trust someone that is actually PLAYING for us? I think the only way we can screw this up is by not picking John Tavares. Please, Please, Please, do not screw this up.
Isnt it true that defensement hit their prime years later than forwards- between 26 and 32 or thereabout? Isnt it also true that Hedman will be a UFA way before 26 years of age?
If we draft Hedman, we’ll develop him and then lose him without reaping the rewards. At least goal scorers tend to develop sooner and bring fan excitement back to the team.
Over his entire career, maybe Hedman is more valuable but for the Islanders- especially considering their problems landing/keeping UFAs, Tavares is a no brainer.
Anyone else thinking Hedman I direct you to Berard and/or Lachance. Defensemen are nice but they dont put fannies in the seats.
its good to do your homeowork on everyone but lets get real……this day in age, you need offense to win in the nhl. dont beleieve me, look at the team who won the cup last yr…i know they have lidstron but what about datsyuk, zetterberg, franzen, holmstrom, and company. they added hossa this year…need more proof, look at the team they beat last yr, pitt’s defense is average but they had crosby, malkin, hossa, staal, skyura, and company. need more proof, lets look at this year. everyteam except vancouver is a offensive powerhouse. look at the capitals especially, their defense average at best but look where they’re at with ovechkin, semin, backstom, and green (who is a average defensive d-man). my point is the old myth that you need to have a great defense is false. this day in age, you need balanced scoring, few standout skill offensive stars, and a hot goalie. defense isnt even as big a part of the game as it used to be. so tell me why would pass on tavares over hedman if they are both hyped. cb, when you say drew doughty is BETTER than victor hedman, tell me how are you going to pick hedman over tavares. tavares brings excitment, credibility, fans, and badly needed media attention to the island. snow, if you’re listeneing, just go with the consesus this time, you’re not smarter than everyone elese even though you might think you are. if this team drafts anyone but tavares, im seriously done with them. i took too much abuse before and this will be the straw that broke the camel’s back. im sure a lot of others feel the same way. this season was too much to stomach, especiallt if we’re not getting that offensive 40-50 goal scorer.
apologize for the long post, had to release my anger.
I really hope we take Tavares. As an organization from top to bottom we do not have a single player with a nose for the net. The comparison between Bossy and Tavares is erie. I think Tavares will most definately be a prolific goal scorer. Hedman is an outstanding player who will no doubt be a perrenial All Star in the NHL. However I truly believe as an organization we have better debt at defense than forward. That said we need to take JT.
isles 99, Great post, fully agree. team defense may be important, but an individual offensive star is more important than an individual defensive star. Garth, please take Tavares.
why does everyone have no doubt
HEdman will be perenial allstar?? he could very well be a bust (as can Tavares)i know 2 things though. he wont be a leader until he learns good english and he wont sell tickets like JT
Snow should take Tavares. Great skill is at a premium in this diluted, overexpanded Bettman run league. Than make a big splash by trading picks 26, 31, 37 and a player or two to move into the top 10 to pick a defenseman like Jared Cowen. No way will they be able to move all the way up and get Hedman.
Garth said in the interview after winning the lottery that he would love to have both players. And I think he can if he really wants too. You don’t get something for nothing so I think Streit would need to be part of the offer to TB.
TB ownership is hurting financially and has a strong desire for top offensive DMAN. TB is more of a win now team with Vinny L. and St. Louis. Isles trade Streit, #26 pick for #2 pick and Malone. TB gets a top DMAN, a first round pick, and dumps a bad contract. Isles get future franchise DMAN to grow with young team, and Malone a 25-30 goal scorer for a team desparate for offense.
Bottom line, take Tavares #1 and use Streit (who’s 31 yrs old) in a package to TB for Hedman. Isles have turned over entire offense to youth, maybe time to turnover aging defense and let them grow together.
Garth ad Co. doing their due diligence. Hopefully it leads to JT.
Mike Golic just made a great point on espn radio, yes they are actually talking hockey. This post season there are 3 hat tricks, all scored by former #1 Over All picks: Ovechkin #1 in 04, Crosby #1 in 05, Kane #1 in 07.