FAMILY DISCUSSION: MALKIN FOR THE NO. 1 PICK?
In this home, it’s a split-decision for many reasons
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While watching Pens-Caps tonight with my three young sons, I asked them this question:
Would you trade the Islanders’ first overall pick to Pittsburgh for Evgeni Malkin?
“What about for Crosby?” Not an option, boys. “What about for Ovechkin?” Not happening, guys.
Your only choice: the first overall pick for Malkin. Do you do it?
Aidan, age 10: “Yes”!
Luke, 8: “You hafta”!
Cole, 8: “I don’t think I would. Malkin’s amazing but Tavares is going to be great and he would be an Islander from the start.”
I love all my kids, but I’m with Cole on this one.
Malkin is amazing, probably already better than Tavares will ever be. There is also the theory – just as Sergei Federov was brilliant on the nights Steve Yzerman was out of the lineup – that if Malkin had his own show, he’d become even more dominant.
Call me old-fashioned or worse (and you know you will), but I like my favorite teams’ players to be home-grown whenever possible. There’s a reason Yankee fans have extra love for Derek Jeter and Bernie Williams and Andy Pettite and Jorge Posada. There’s a reason Islander fans love Bryan Trottier and Mike Bossy and Clark Gillies and Bobby Nystrom and Stefan Persson and Denis Potvin and Ken Morrow and Duane Sutter and…holy crap, Torrey and Devellano had quite a run, eh?
You draft a potential franchise player and watch him embrace the franchise and the community. You trade for a franchise player…maybe he’s just not that into you.
You draft a potential franchise player like Tavares and you have him for at least 8 years of home-grown stardom and then reward him with an 8-year deal for the rest of his prime. You trade for a franchise player like Malkin, and maybe you have him for four years. He has no emotional ties and loyalty to the team or the region and he’s that much closer to unrestricted free agency at age 26 in the new-age NHL. Is that how you build a consistent contender?
Yes, I know – we’re talking Evgeni Frickin’ Malkin here.
It’s a good thing Pittsburgh will never make the offer straight-up. The Penguins would want more, a lot more. The 22-year old Malkin for the first pick alone would be too good to pass up.
But I would. I’d break the rule for Crosby or Ovechkin, but those are exceptions.
“Those are really big exceptions,” said Cole.
Here’s to the Islanders using the pick and drafting Tavares an Islander.
Comments.
156 Responses to FAMILY DISCUSSION: MALKIN FOR THE NO. 1 PICK?
In this home, it’s a split-decision for many reasons
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mapisles2025 says:
I’m with you and Cole on this one CB.
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IslesFanInBkNY says:
I’d rather take my chances with Tavares. Hired guns are rarely working out for a buyer… Look at the Rags, for one Messier you’ll get 15 Bures and Fleurys… Bust or not he’ll be our home boy and reward is much greater if this choice will pan out for us. Get Tavares…
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Steve says:
I’m with Cole, Draft Tavares, give him the key to the town and let’s get down to business!
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bcarroll25 says:
why did washington lose the series?not lack of skill,lack of canadian farmboys
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4195mary says:
If you can get his name on a contract for at least 10 years, I’m takin Malkin.
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doc says:
Tavares!!!
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Matt says:
we want Tavares! but seriously, Malkin is a great player but it was be nice to draft and develop a star.
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mw147 says:
Sorry, can’t agree with you here, CB and Cole.
I think Luke hit it perfectly –
“You hafta” -
BillyIsle says:
I agree. I prefer homegrown talent.
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Kevin Morehouse says:
I’ll take a home-grown team over a locker room full of free-agents anyday. Malkin would do great things for our team, but drafting a player as an Islander from day 1 and watching him grow into an all-star or (dare I say it) superstar would be much more satisfying. And as CB says, we would retain our home-grown player longer than we would retain someone like Malkin.
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Staten Islander says:
As much as I’d LOVE to have Malkin, I have to go along with my bretheren from across the narrows, get JT
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hathead68 says:
CB, agree 100%. Well said…you echo my feelings exactly!! Hopefully JT will be the first overall selection by the NYI. Hopefully he will be our superstar and he and the Islanders will enjoy many years of success together!
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That said, IF JT becomes a bust, I KNOW I’m gonna be screaming “WE SHOULD HAVE TRADED FOR MALKIN,, THAT FRIKKIN GARTH SNOW!” lol
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NYI MT says:
I agree… You have to use the number one and draft Tavares. He will be an Isle from the beginning. Not to mention- what happens if he winds up being a great goal scorer, and maybe a better play than Malkin? You never know.
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Dadi says:
1. Hedman
2. Malkin
3. Tavares -
michael says:
Why not get Jimmy Develano back too! Look at his track record, it is astounding!
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Jeff says:
I would make that trade, but only if they took DP with the pick.
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Is David Wright more of a Met than Mike Piazza? I don’t think so.
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derekloge says:
i def agree with ya CB & cole! draft the talent! take tavares!
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Create a resume for Cole and make it say “Future GM of the Islanders.”
Good move Cole. Now CB, ask him about the second first round pick we have. Should we pick a RW, LW, D man or a goalie?
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Jim M says:
I would have to completely agree on this one CB. This team needs a fresh start by drafting John Tavares. Sure it would be nice to make a trade for lecalvier,st.louis, kovalchuck etc. but theres a special feeling about having that number 1 pick and drafting your franchise guy
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Jim Clark says: Never met a Yankee fan who didn’t love
Babe Ruth. Or a Ranger fan who didn’t love Mark Messier. In other words, I would trade the pick for any of these three. -
I mean isn’t this what we learned from Ryan Smyth? Homegrown cause other wise they ain’t comin’ to LI and even if they do, they ain’t stayin.
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Michael says:
Tavares. I don’t want Malkin. He’s happy playing with Crosby and being drafted by the Pens.
Let’s right this ship ourselves. TAVARES.
I have the jersey ready for his name. Let’s go Snow, make this public already so I can contact the team store.
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Patrick says:
Homegrown? Really? It’s 2009 and Malkin is one of the top three players in the league. And he’s still a pup. Younger than Sid and Alex. This is a no brainer, you make this deal.
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Blizzard says: Nope….no deal. Im biased towards North American players. Plus I think Taveres is going to be a better player anyway. I mean the kid has been under a microscope since he was 14. All he did was score at every level. Break Gretzky’s junior scoring record, win MVP for team Canada in the World Juniors…..where was Hedman?
Malkin is certainly a top player, top three maybe. I wonder what his numbers would be with out Sid? Still I would take Taveres. Im not buying his stock being downgraded the past few weeks. JT is the real deal and has unique talent and tremendous hockey sense. Hes one of those players that think the game ahead of the competition and know s where to be. Kinda like that guy’s record he broke.
Ok so take Taveres.
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StevieL says:
Sorry! Malkin is 6’3″ 200 pounds, 22 years old and just hung up 113 pts in his 3rd NHL season. It is his second 100 point season out of 3 years in the league! He is 1 of the top 3 talents in the entire NHL. Straight up for the #1 pick in the draft!!! Are you kidding me, in a heart beat!! He is 22!! I love the home grown stuff but guy’s C’mon, unproven rookie with potential for a 22 year old proven superstar!! Every GM in the league makes that trade!
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Al S. says:
Malkin is a generational talent and probably the 3rd best foward in the hockey right now and he’s only going to get better, he may even challenge Crosby and Ovechkin as the best hockey player in the world someday. Give Pittsburgh the first pick this year, next year and throw in Okposo, even that probably wouldn’t get it done. I’d love to see the Islanders draft Tavares, but If Malkin was being drafted this year there would be no question or debate as to who the number one pick would be. It’s fun to talk about but I can’t see Pittsburgh ever trading Malkin, but then again Edmonton traded 99…
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C.J. says:
Sorry Chris… you’re insane on this one. Malkin is one of the Top 3 players in the NHL today and will be for the remainder of his career. Now that’s a guy you lock up for 12 years.
(Note: I hope Tavares wears 61, just so that doofus who purchased an Islander Tavares jersey (in need of attention perhaps?) has to spend extra cash to fix his mistake).
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the1gwiz says:
I’ve got to go with Aidan and Luke on this. There are two parts to “homegrown talent,” and the “talent” considerations when it comes to Geno are just too great to pass up in favor of the “homegrown” part. An addition like that makes the Isles an instant destination team, for both fans and other players.
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jonw says:
Tavares will never be the player Malkin is now at 22.
Since we are playing what ifs?
In your scenario what if Malkin comes here and says he wants to be a Islander for life.he says he wants to wear the C and be a pillar in the community and a role model for long island youth.Would you still want Tavares over Malkin because Malkin was a Pen for 3 years before he was an Islander? -
Blizz 22 go look at what Malkin did when Sid was hurt last year.
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Will OC says:
Malkin no question…and when you get him…Make him an offer he can’t refuse mafia style…Money talks even if your team is playing at Iceland
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Mike in Bohemia says:
CB – You’re going with your heart, not your head. Aidan & Luke got this one right (but it ain’t gonna happen).
Lets face it,any GM would love to have this choice to make, and as fans, we would embrace either one. Isn’t it nice to dream…… -
Isle_in_LA says:
I agree with you and Cole. I don’t think we’re ready for Malkin, and by the time we are, he’d be gone. Grow from within. Having said that, if Malkin made a ten year commitment to the Isles I’d definitely do it.
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Michael says:
I live in Central Pennsylvania and see every Penguins game on TV (by virtue of those being the only games I can watch). Malkin is better than Crosby. That might not be news to some, but if you’re better than the Chosen One, it’s relevant.
Do this trade in a heartbeat. If you have the choice between a great player and a potentially great player, you take what you know. Ovechkin, absolutely. Malkin, definitely. Crosby, sure, if you can also fit his required box-of-tissues-per-game under the cap.
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Blizzard says:
Good point about Malkin when Sid was hurt. For me, I go with JT. Again I am biased towards North American players. Dont get me wrong, I have no disrespect for European players. Its just in a franchise type player, I like the Canadien players. Its all about Lord Stanley. And its every Canadien players dream as a kid.
If we could be guaranteed a long term deal I understand it being hard not to take Malkin. But I wouldnt do it. I also think Taveres is that good.
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Strummer's Army says:
Sounds like you can count on Cole CB.
If it were Ovechken I’d say ya but Malkin seems to float at times. I’d prefer just to take the talent. besides who the hell wants to give Pit Hedman or Tavares?
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Lee says:
In a heartbeat. I would trade the #1 pick for Malkin in a heartbeat.
Opinions on Tavares vary from a franchise player to the next Daigle….there is no varying with Malkin, he’s a sure thing.
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Glenn says:
Sign me up for Malkin in exchange for the pick. And Lee, PLEASE don’t mention Daigle and Tavares in the same sentence again…I almost gagged on my root beer float over here!
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Part of the reason why I say you stay put and draft Tavares is the not so factual opinion that you don’t mess with FATE!!!
It was supposed to happen that the Islanders win the lottery in the year that TAVARES is finally draft eligible.
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I would go with homegrown and draft tavares..There are some nights when you have to wonder where malkin is..Yes, he is dominant, but sometimes he can be invisible.
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Lou says:
I have to go with the proven talent at NHL level.
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YellowHat says:
No Brainer. Give the Pens both our 1st rounders (hell throw in a 2nd too) and get it done. Malkin is a sure thing. Not every #1 pick is a superstar like Crosby or Ovie. Just look at our last #1 pick. Malkin is a superstar. The Pens would never do it, but for anyone to say dont do it cause he isn’t homegrown come on, you are not thinking about this objectively. Sure it is nice to draft a great player and keep him but JT is not a sure thing great player.
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James says:
You’re onto something here. The only way I trade the first overall pick is for a total stud. For Malkin, I do it. He’s in select company. I include him with OV, Crosby, Datsyuk, and Toews and Kane. That’s it. Those guys are young, proven products. If a GM comes calling offering one of them for the first overall, I’d do it.
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kevin27NYI says:
id make the trade.
but… you build champion chip teams with a core of solid solid players. detroit? lidstrom datsuyk zetterberg holmstrom and then they added hossa and rafalski to make them dominant. thats what we will hopefully do in the future
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Gary says:
anyone stating they would rather have Tavares then Malkin straight up is making a total emotional decision–and we know how those turn out ladies–A PROVEN 22 year old 100 POINT scorer or a #1 draftee with NO NHL experience(so potential bust or even middle of the road player) Those unknowns are not there with malkin—Its never going to happen but you HAVE to go with the proven young producer
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beatlebailey says:
CB:
Stop smoking the funny stuff! Malkin for the No.1 overall is a no brainer! Maybe Pitt will do it since we gave then Guerin..:-) -
On Edge says:
Tavares wears 61 after he was traded and 91 was not available I believe. Before trade he always wore 91 or 19.
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BarryLI says:
Thanks for posting my pic at the top of the blog. You got my good side for sure. As to trading a sure thing for a maybe thing, well, it’s a no-brainer in my book.
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TimQ says:
Let me think … Proven commodity vs. never played a game in the NHL. No brainer.
CB – I know someone that can check the carbon monoxide meter in your home. It sounds like none of you are getting enough oxygen
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kevin fitz says:
Sorry CB I will be on the disagreeing side with you on this one. This is an absolute no-brainer to me. All scouting has already said that Taveres is not going to be as good as Malkin, Crosby and Ovechkin. How could you pass this up?? The homegrown talent argument is about 20 years too late in the American sports culture. Just cause we draft Taveres doesn’t mean he will stay here his whole career. You put the best possible team on the ice to win games, and Malkin is and always will be better than Taveres. As someone said above, how about Babe Ruth? I’ll add Curt Schilling, David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez for the Red Sox, and maybe someone by the name of Butch Goring for the Islanders. He wasn’t homegrown talent but he sure was a key to the dynasty.
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Dave says:
My problem with Malkin is his need to be inspired by his coach to, you know, actually play. Talent means nothing without heart.
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Oh, yeah, one other thing: the “doofus” didn’t purchase the Tavares jersey, it was a season ticket holder comp. As to my “needing attention”, well, who doesn’t?
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Priest says:
I think the only reason you could turn it down is the timeline you laid out. Even then it would be tough
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Robert says:
Malkin sure puts up alot of points during the regular season.. But anyone notice how a player with serious heart like Overchkin gets in his head?? So much so, that Malkin practically disappeared in the playoffs as Crosby elevated his game and showed who is the leader of that team…. We already had a Russian with questionable heart lead this team a few years back… How did that work out?? That might be a bit of an onfair comparison, because malkin is twice the player as Yashin, but I just don’t know if Malkin has the heart of an Overchkin or Crosby to get a team to the next level… but there is no doubt he has the skill… Stay the course and grab Tavares.
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admin says:
Excellent Comments so far, so fast. To the pro-Malkin camp, it’s heartwarming to see everyone is so certain he would sign here instead of going to UFA…CB
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Railbait says:
I agree with Cole and CB. While Malkin is a top three in the league, and this is a much tougher choice than Tavares/Hedman, I’d still go with the “homegrown talent”. He has succeeded at every level so far. My gut says make the pick and have Tavares grow up in the NHL as an Islander.
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Coach B says:
Have to go with Cole on this one. With the cap so uncertain I would be afraid about bringing in high priced players this summer. But I would make the deal otherwise if not for the cap factor.
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cb don’t go changing the rules its purely hypothetical. The pro Malkins are just leveling the playing field by saying “if all things are equal”.No one can say with certainty that Malkin and Tavares will or will not want to be here long term.
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Macch says:
I think you had it right the first time CB… Here’s to the islanders picking JT
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Max'n the Hamptons says:
Malkin ALL the way. He’s a proven superstar at 22!
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Moose says:
Draft JT then sign Malkin when he’s a UFA. Or see what it would take to get staal. It seems like he never really got a shot to develop into a stud but do no trade the first overall for him.
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Ben says:
Evan i a trade like this were to be offered by Pittsburgh or close to it, I think the Islanders would not do it because Malkin is paid too much! The Islanders will never pay big $$$ for any top player. Watch out, after the entry level contract with JT (assuming we go that route) is over Wang would have sold the team or Snow will have worked out a trade to continue “rebuilding”/retooling.
I know this may sound negative – but my gut says there is a philosophical believe in Wang/Snow to not pay so much for one player.
I’d love to see them go after JayBo but they won’t. I am not asking Wang/Snow to spend carelessly as do our friends the Rangers, I’ll give the Rangers that distinct identity, but like practically every other team in the NHL, you need a blue chip core of players to compete, 3-4 players valued at 5-7 mil. Right now, we may have just one blue chipper at a bargain $$$ with Streit. DP doesn’t count because he’s damaged goods at time of signing. Okposo? Who knows. But we are 2-3 short of a team of blue chippers – but we would have to pay and Wang will not.
Let’s hope I’m wrong. becaue of this, I would not be surprised if we trade down to select a player that would be projected to top out at 4-5 mil worth of talent. Let the betting begin my friends but really, I don’t want to be right on this one.
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Jerry says:
The real question is can the Isles put together a compelling offer for Jordan Staal. The Pens have $47M committed to next year’s cap and still need to sign a lot of players. Can they really keep a majority of their cap tied up in 3 players that all play the same position? What about sending pick #26 and next year’s number 1 to Pitt for Staal?
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Frank D says:
I agree with you and Cole. We need our own franchise player. If we learned anything from the Rangers, when you trade for a proven star you may not get the results you expected, Scott Gomez, Jaromir Jager, Wade Redden come to mind. A lot of time a player is only as good as the players aroung him. Once they lose the comfort zone they become ordinary players. We all remember Mad Mike Milbury’s trades and passing-up Zach Parisi. Garth can’t afford to make the same mistakes. Many are bringing up Messier with the Rangers. This was a rarity, an exception to the rule, not the norm. Take Tavares.
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Great read. I am with Cole as well. I have felt like the Islanders lost their identity as far back as trading Kasparitis for Smolinski. It ruined not only my day-but my week. I was so depressed and if the Islanders dont draft a new face-a new identity I will be depressed for a month and maybe never step foot in the Mausoleum again. By the way, here Charles Wang. Move to Queens and join the Wilpons at making Willets Point a destination.
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Anyone see the Pens Caps game last night. It would sem that Sid the Kid came to play. I draft the next Canadien phenom. North American players have more heart.
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I definitely make the trade…Malkin looks better than Crosby most nights(though not in this years playoffs)..He carried the Pens to the Cup in 2007-08. As much as I love Tavares, I would have to make this trade..Though I would definitely try to get a feel for where Malkins head is at before making this deal; to avoid another Muller(or should I call him ‘Mulligan’)
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Gloobenberg says:
Malkin. If he agrees to a 10 year deal, it’s Malkin all the way.
Since he would never agree to that, We take Tavares, make him LOVE LI, and then proceed from there.
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Joey303 says:
Malkin is all of 22. A superstar -not a “potential” superstar. If that was the offer, I couldnt call back the Pens GM fast enough. Yes we all love “home” grown players, but Yankee fans love O’neill, Cone, Brosius and Tino as much as Jeter, Petitte, Bernie and Jorge. Just win baby!!! Thats the bottom line
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CHDrew says:
Straight up? I’d feel bad not “throwing in” Okposo. LOL. I’d almost consider throwing in Streit.
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UIF says:
Tough call, but I’d take Malkin. Four years to try and convince him to stay…that means four years to build a contender. It’s possible, and a lot more so with a guy like Malkin in the fold. For those who say, “Tavares is not Ovechkin or Crosby!” …Malkin sure as heck is right up there.
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striet02 says:
Id draft Tavares. Malkin is great, but like you said if you factor in Free Agency and everything its not that great of a deal. Im more for the home grown talent as well, but that doesnt mean i wouldnt do it b/c of that. Lets see what this kid Tavares has got. He hasnt even played a game in the NHL yet so thats a hard question to answer. If Malkin and Tavares were in the same draft who do you think would go first overall? I think Tavares would. A large part of that would be bc he is canadian, but who knows. It appears Malkin may have a more well rounded game than Tavares, but if Tavares can put the puck in the net with the likes of bossy, bure, gaborik etc. Im talking true snipers then I dont think there’d be too many like him in the league. Surround him by big bodies who can play the game and it can be a very deadly combination that i dont think any other team in the league has. (ovechkins case omitted)
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Original Rob says:
This point has already been made but needs to be embellished even more: a proven superstar (age 22) for a guy who’s never played an NHL game? No respectable GM would refuse that trade. And the first order of business would be to extend Malkin’s contract several years before UFA eligibility.
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Thomas32 says:
Good point #69 , I couldn’t stand ANOTHER Kirk Muller incident!!
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RAmen says:
Tough one, but in my opinion, the Islanders can’t afford to fail this off season, and Malkin is a proven star in the NHL, who is still several years from his prime. I’m not sure you could pass that up. And it’s exactly why Pittsburgh never makes this trade.
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blizz i get your point about North American players and i am a huge fan of American hockey.I can’t agree wih you about the heart issue.Datsyuk,Zetterberg,Lidstrom,Filppula,Holmstrom,Samuelsson,Lilja,Kronwal,Ericcson,Kopechky,Hudler,Franzen last years stanley cup winners might not agree either.
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dlk says:
Slow news day Chris?
That was a really unnecessary entry.
Unless the kids get some sort of royalty check for being mentioned….
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JoeRiverside says:
Timing is everything. TOO EARLY in Islanders development program to give up JT for EM. Isles may loose Malkin just when team is hitting its prime (in 4 year). You only bring in the big established guns when you have fixed all your other problems.
ISLE MGMT – Go with JT and keep him.
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72 said: “try and convince him to stay…”
Like Ryan Smyth?
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I would take Malkin….he’ll have 4 years of being the star and central figure of this team and maybe by then he’ll have embraced Long Island as home. Just because you draft somebody, that doesn’t guarantee they’ll want to stick around either. I look at it like a draft, you take the best player available regardless of position and the best player in this deal is Malkin.
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Robby D says:
Isles need a star. Tavares is the star of the draft. You take Tavares. Simple. Make the announcement already. Haven’t the fans been tortured enough this past season! Does Mr. Wang and Mr. Snow feel the need to torture us even more? I think we deserve a little reward of our fiscal, physical, and mental sacrifices we make as fans. Think of us for once. We should make this pick. We have not had a legit star since Palffy. Give us a break.
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DPS says:
I dont think I would do it. Malkin can be really lazy and Crosby makes him much better. I see some Yash in him. When I was watching the Caps Pens series I couldnt help wondering why Snow wasnt more agressive in trying to keep all the Islanders who are playing such a pivital roll in the success of those 2 teams. Guerin, Kozlov, Fedotenko, Poti, and Erskine. Even Miro to a lesser extent. Keeping those players on the island and grooming the kids for the future at the same time, I believe is the right rebuild plan. Dumping all our good players and starting from scratch I do not agree with.
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Chris TMC says:
(dlk (77): Go back and reread the epic “Point Blank Manifesto” to see what CB thinks of comments like that.)
I myself dont see anyhting wrong with the “Homegrown player v. Imported talent” debate, myself. I think its interesting.
Importing talent has its problems but sometimes a player can really embrace their new home. I know it didnt ultimately work out, but look at Michael Peca… once he played here, he did NOT want to leave LI. He still sounds a bit wistful even now when he talks about his time here. And look at Mark Streit… that boy is an Islander to me and I dont think anyone would argue that.
But…
When I get my next authentic jersey, I made a promise to myself that it was going to be a homegrown player. Why? Because, as CB and Cole state, there really is just something about a guy being homegrown. And yes, my last authentic jersey with lettering was my Michael Peca jersey. -
I think you had it right the first time CB… Here’s to the Islanders using the pick and drafting Tavares
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
As much as I would love to have some russian talent on the Island and constantly pushing Kirill Petrov across the border to US with my minds, I’m going to agree with CB and Cole. I also think that JT has more then enough potential to become better then Malkin. Know this: Malkin will work hard and shine for another couple of years. Then, most likely, he will develop a “star sickness” (especially in NY) which could kill his production and mental status. I don’t think Isles want to deal with that during the rebuilding process. Home grown Tavares is my pick.
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thepolishprince says:
I’m too lazy to look it up – when is Malkin signed through? If its less than 5 years I think long and hard before doing the trade. High end talent isn’t lining up to come to LI folks. If Malkin is signed for just a couple years chances are better than not he bolts at the first opportunity.
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I sure hope no one in Toronto reads this. Then we’ll most likely see rumors suggesting the Leafs are in talks with Pittsburgh to send them their 7th overall, Kaberle and Schenn for Malkin who will then be traded to the Islanders for the 1st overall.
Seriously…another good read today. Very important to stress that it’s hypothetical just in case a few Torontonian rumor mongers use it as their next spin piece for Burke to denounce.
PS: Bravo to Cole. Great response.
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Michael Olivo says:
Lets be real…there is no way the Pens move Malkin..I wouldn’t make this deal because Malkin is alot closer to Free Agency. Rather have a less expensive kid for a few years.
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I dont think you can call Tavares unproven. He is going to be a star there is no doubt about it. The question is how big of a star will he be and how high will he be able to raise his level of play to excel in certain situations. I understand the point of a proven superstar for a guy whos never played. But the Isles made a deal for a proven star with Yashin, for a 6’9″ dman who couldnt skate and Jason Spezza (who wasnt a proven star). See how well that worked out. I understand Malkin is different, but so is Tavares. To say he is unproven doesnt really have merit to it.
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SS says:
Not dealing the pick for Malkin is just silly. Becoming Malkin is the best case scenario for Tavares (or any other player) but Taveras still has the risk and likelihood of becoming far less.
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Let’s not compare this to Ryan Smyth – he was a pending UFA at the end of that season, not a 22-yr old machine who’s under control for at least three more seasons.
Nor do I buy that the Island has no attraction for free agents. The (dis)organization’s problems are the major cause of it, and that’s really only been the past two or three seasons. The rest of the time folks were shipped off, they didn’t necessarily leave on their own. A lot of the Isles’ players have gone public with their love of the Island: Pierre Turgeon comes to mind first, guys like Streit and Weight and Guerin all really liked it here. When respected vets talk about that sort of thing it gets around to the other players.
There’s a lot to sell someone on to come to the Islanders. The club has looked a lot more together over the past 18 months, and has a brighter future than before. Maybe not this season, but soon enough it won’t be as hard a sell to sign or re-sign UFA’s.
That all being said – you have to be convinced that Tavares is going to be a stud. Malkin’s a great player. To put it another way, if this deal were actually on the table, Garth would break the sound barrier diving for the phone. The Pens would be the ones to say no.
Kudos to whomever said “try for Jordan Staal.” It’d be a brilliant coup to land him, especially if you didn’t have to part with Okposo or the overall #1 to do it. In other words, it’s really long odds. Consider Staal to NYI for:
#26 overall
1st round next season
Neilson, BaileyWithout Bailey the deal can’t happen unless you give Okposo instead… So who blinks first in that scenario, Pitt or the Isles?
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HyeDray says:
It would be very difficult to pass this up if offered—however, I am with you Chris. Drafting our own player is the right way to go—and I am still hoping it will be Tavares this year. I am not sure if a deal that you proposed where the Isles come home with Duchene and Hedman is possible. Do we have the pieces that Tampa/Colorado want to make that kind of move? Overall, home-grown is best. You already see the affection Isles fans have for Okposo in particular, but that is also starting with Bailey, Neilsen and Begenheim.
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hale says:
i don’t like jordan staal…he will never score 30 goals….to the question i would trade the pick for malkin if i knew i could lock him up long term
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ME says:
Malkin has been Pittsburgh’s best player the last two years. No way do they trade him for the 1st overall pick. I can see Tampa offering the Islanders Lecavalier for the 1st pick which would put Tampa in a position to either take both Tavares and Hedman or trade the rights to Tavares for a nice package.
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Jackie says:
Of course you make that trade if you are Garth Snow, no brainer.
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Mark P says:
Malkin is worth the !, but our inability to attract or keep our own free agents makes this deal impossible for us to make.
You cannot extend Malkin until the last year of his contract….can’t risk it.
If we were a stable more desirable destimation I would make this deal in a heartbeat. I would only make a deal like this for Crosby, Malkin, Ovie, and maybe Datsyuk…..It sure backfired on us when we traded Spezza and the Tree for Yashin. -
bcarey says:
Tough one. Malkin is a superstar. The guy will be one of the three most dominant players in the league for the next decade. If Tavares blossoms, he could enter into that conversation. But that’s an if.
If the state of the franchise were different, I’d say no-brainer, get Malkin. But with all the uncertainty and the fan base chomping at the bit to embrace Tavares, I say draft the kid and watch the team grow.
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Peter says:
I would take Malkin everyday of the week.
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This topic to me has gone way over the top, most of this years campaign, with the NY Islander’s has been incredibly strange for me, never before in my life did I accually root against my favorite team, the NY Islander’s. But this year was different, we had a chance to get the player most everyone in Islander Country dreamed of having. No I would not make the trade, I want the NY Islander’s to draft John Tavares. They are building something very special here, building a hopefully potencial Stanley Cup winner!, Moving forward, and getting the approval’s for the Lighthouse Project, and having it done the way Charles Wang has laid it out, and bringing back the uniforms the NY Islander’s have had so much success with. Drafting John Tavares is going to be One Huge Piece of the vision. great take Chris, thanks Mark/NJ Go Islander’s
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I understand the home grown angle. That is obviously the best way to build loyalty but winning does a lot for fans feel that outside players bleed Blue and Orange. Tell me Isle fans don’t have mad love for guy’s like Eddie Westfall, Butch Goring, Gordie Lane, Pierre Turgeon, Ray Ferraro, , Benoit Hogue , Michael Peca, Jason Blake, Kirk Muller and Yashin! Well maybe not those last 2!! LOL! Man I hated Muller!! A guy like Malkin can play another 15 years in this league! 15 years from now no one would remember him as a Penguin! But since it will not happen, outside of that top 3, I would not trade that pick for anyone. This franchise needs Tavares badly. Bring us a star please!!
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Obviously any deal involving Malkin would require a long term extension or it is a no go CB.
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Stumpy32 says:
CB, I agree with you at a level I didn’t think I’d find with another human being. However…c’mon! In the name of Scott Scissons and Dave Chyzowski, c’mon! You get a guaranteed superstar, in his prime, wearing our sweater? You cannot, CANNOT turn down a deal where all we’d give up for a guy like Malkin is prospective talent. Sure, sure…if this was a 5-for-1 deal where we traded all of our blue-chip prospects for him, I’d hedge a bit, because you have an excellent shot that one of the 5 will pan out. But a 1-to-1, in a draft where not even Tavares’ mom is comparing him to guys like Crosby, Ovechkin, or Malkin, you do it, and you love it. Wanna see Isles season ticket sales jump in a day? You get a guaranteed guy, not a guy like Tavares who may possibly, could be, maybe a superstar. I’m pumped to get Tavares, but please…lets be realistic here.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
if i could get malkin and a long term deal i would take him in heartbeat. He is stud.
I’m still nervous as can be that we might not take Tavares.
watching Toews now, you think if st louis can do draft all over again. do they take Eric Johnson or Toews.
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79 – Well, the entire first part of my quote was “four years to try and convince him to stay,” and the add-on after was building a contender in that time to do that. Neither was the case with Smyth, where we tried for only 20+ games, the last two of which fans were throwing stuff on the ice. Bit of a different scenario, I think. The alternative is you just throw up your hands and never try to convince anyone to come here or stay all because of Ryan Smyth. But that seems to me like the depressed lover who never tries to meet another woman because he was spurned once.
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Willis says:
Shame on you who use the proven vs unproven argument only, as there is so much more to it than just that.
Malkin might be a proven star but he is also in a very different situation than he would be if he were with the Isles. We are at least 2-3 years from anything resembling serious. You bring this guy in and we get more goals and we win more games and everybody’s happy BUT….when the injuries start, where is our depth? We’ve been thru this, we are painfully thin! Is this poor 22 year old kid mature enough to live this and be able to keep his entusiasm and focus on the “future”? And IS THIS FAIR TO HIM? Some of you have mentioned his reputation for becoming invisble at times and questionable heart. Our situation would definately wear on anyone’s “heart”.I say stick with Tavares and lets get this show started. In a couple of years we’ll have some genuine interest from FA’s and we can read CB’s blog entitled “Who we thought we wanted 2 years ago and why we’re glad we didn’t make the offer”. lol
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ldk says:
As long as Malkin plays with Crosby-he is the second best player on his team. I am sure he would like to move on and play for another team. NYI is a perfect team for him. Just imagine this line: Okposo-Malkin-Petrov.
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Tom says:
I’m a ranger fan so take it for what it’s worth, but you take the sure thing (Malkin) over the prospect. Provided he’s signed for a few years (I thought he was) Also, most russians like the NY area (unlike Smyth).
the last 5 #1′s were Ovie, Crosby, Eric Johnson, Kane, and Stamkos. Malkin is clearly better than 3 of those, and you can argue the other 2. Which end of that spectrum will Tavares be – who knows?
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Hockey1919 says:
Are we so seriously caught up in the hype that the Islanders would prefer an 18 year old with potential over a 22 year old calder, art ross and possibly hart trophy winner? We can only hope that Tavares’ upside is that he is equal to Malkin.
What if Tavares holds out and refuses to sign with the Islanders to counter the Malkin UFA angle?
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K021 says:
CB, did what are you smokin???Get me some of that, would ya???lol just kidding.
Malkin is one of the best players in the game and the number 1 scorer. He’s proved to be even better without Crysby in the line up which proves he can carry a team on his own like he did last season when Crysby was injured.
Tavaras might be really good but if the oppurtunity presents its self and you can get him for a 5-10 years you take him.
You poored us a nice batch of Kool Aid in this artical, CB, just sayin. I think you bumped your head this morning or something. Lol
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IslanderNation says:
I’d rather take Tav/Hedman over Malkin. I always prefered American/Canadien players over Russian players as they seem to have a better mindset.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
CB ~ I have to agree 100000% with you based mostly on your supporting criteria. My prime reason for NOT doing that is because it’s actually more of a gamble on the long term future of the franchise than drafting “John Tavares” at #1 … As you stated … a draft pick grows into the team and the community … an affinity for the fan base evolves … and true enough UFA is the wedge that ultimately can divide a home grown player from his roots … that wedge is much more effective on a traded player that spends only 4 years with his new team & has that option of UFA. Malkin as great as he is wouldn’t make the Isles instant contenders … and would lack the bond that a building Isles franchise couldn’t provide that a winner would.
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Marty says:
It makes no sense just based on the salary difference between what Tavares would make first few seasons and what Malkin would command.
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lovin lethbridge says:
CB – when i first read the headline, i thought it is a no brainer. but your logic wins out in the end. Very rarely does a traded player embrace the team, fans and city like a “home grown” talent (ask Ryan Smythe). But look at brodeur across teh water there… he has given the devils a home team discount for years for his stellar services.
JT or bust i say! -
NYLES says:
Bad trade for both teams. Pens would break up amazing depth and chemistry for a prospect. Islanders need some one new that could bring in hype, and although Malkin can absolutely do that, he has a higher price tag and when his contract runs out . . . good luck resigning him. When Tavares’ contract runs out, he will be an RFA and we would most definately hold onto him. We need a new kid to the game that could ass hype , hope, grow as a player in a Islanders uniform and have his name become synonamous with the Islanders. He will be ours forever. Malkin would be ours only for as long as his contract.
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Smitty says:
Some of you people are INSANE in the membrane. You take the sure superstar. If Malkin can’t fall in love with the organization in 4years, what makes you think Tavares can in 7?
What’s more likely in the long run: A russian-born superstar NOT wanting to be “The Man” and sign a long-term deal to keep playing in New York OR a well-known Maple Leaf-loving first overall pick wanting to head back to Canada and play for his beloved Leafs at the age of 25-27?
I hope the Islanders draft Tavares (or Hedman) but some of you people have got to take the blinders off. Malking would bring instant credibility to this hockey club and would have a much bigger impact of getting the NVMC done than Tavares (although neither of them will have much).
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Nightfly (95), I’d do your deal in a heartbeat….if I was the GM for Pittsburgh. Two 1st rounders (one a likely lottery pick), a first round pick in Bailey (or Okposo) and a solid developing player in Nielson for Staal is WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too much. I would consider that being fleeced.
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Bubba says:
As a diehard Islander fan who recently moved to Pittsburgh I would have to say you should definitely take Malkin if he was offered.
Not to change the subject but talking about the Pens a few weeks ago there were discussions about signing a Long Island born and raised player and everyone was talking about Mike Komisarek and I didn’t see anyone bring up Rob Scuderi.
After watching the Pens for a while now and seeing the if I was Garth Snow I would make a major push for him during the off season. He was born in Syosset and there was an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette a few weeks ago about how his dad is a cop and lives in Bethpage. He only made $725,000 this season I think he would be a great fit on the island. -
CB,
I usually agree with you but come on……. You take the proven over the unproven. Nobody knows what Tavares will bring, we do know Malkin is a freak.
You make that trade in a second and never look back
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JPinVA says:
Aiden: weighed the facts in front of him. Proven NHL player v an NHL question mark. Smart Kid.
Luke: Saw the wisdom in his older brother’s logic and agrees.
Cole: suspects that this story would be much better with sibling debate and gives daddy his father’s day gift a bit early.
Nice job kids.
Much like the deal I proposed with ATL, a contract extension would be necessary. If the Isles could come out of the draft with Malkin, two late first rounders(or one mid first rounder), three second rounders and two thirds…
also… malkin isn’t running to toronto the first chance he gets… he’d rather be around the russian community in NY… so if you sign him long term you keep him off the rangers. -
Jester69 says:
“Malkin is amazing, probably already better than Tavares will ever be. ”
Greg, that is all you really needed to say. Isn’t the point of the draft to aquire the best possible player for your team to build around? Malkin is better than anyone in this upcoming draft, now and probably in the future too.
You talk about home grown players like Jeter and Posada. How about Mike Piazza? Was he loved any less because he was a Dodger? Roger Clemens was from the Yankees hated rival, and they learned to love him….. and he was an old man by the time he donned the pinstripes.
Malkin would be accepted here in a hurry, no question. The only variable is weather or not you believe Tavares can become a better player than Malkin. If the answer is no, you have to make that deal. No question.
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Haha, sorry about that *Chris*. I realised the error of my ways a bit too late, and there’s no edit button.
My apologies.
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Frank says:
This is a silly discussion on many levels. First, The Pens have no reason to consider moving Makin. The reason why the Pens will be perennial cup contenders is because they have a 1 and 1A superstar combo in Crosby and Malkin. Like Jordan had Pippen, that combination that makes it difficult to stop the team. Second, to those who would rather have a prospect over a given commodity, all I can say is you have no idea what you are talking about. It’s a moot point anyway, no way the Pens move a superstar just as his ascent to stardom is happening.
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Kudos to Chris for creating blog fodder with a topic like this on a slow day, good job CB.
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You take Malkin in a heartbeat. To all those saying they’d prefer Tavares, let me ask – what if the Isles select Hedman? Would you take Malkin for Hedman? I’d bet at least 90% of those in the “No Malkin” camp would change their minds. All the more reason why Isles Country will revolt if we go with Hedman at #1 (even if, long term, this proves to be the right pick).
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Alex Kinkead says:
This reminds me of Spezza or Yashin. How did that work out? I am going with Tavares on this one.
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West Coast Fan says:
While we’re at it, let’s entertain the possibility of a three-way deal between the Isles, Pens and Caps. The Isles get Crosby and a batch of defective Fedotenko hockey sticks from the Pens in exchange for a couple of old hockey nets. Then the Isles ship the defective sticks to Washinghton in exchange for Ovechkin. Do you make the trade? Absofrigginlutely!
The extent of the premium label you guys are placing on Taveras is really kind of anmusing….
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Its so easy to take a 22yr old proven star who we could sign for 10yrs, than tavares who could be the next Daigle…you never know….
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Chris M says:
I trade my first born and the #1 if it were for Ovechkin.
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JKP on LI says:
Everyone likes homegrown talent, but when it comes down to it, the talent part is more important than the homegrown part. Malkin can lay claim to being the be the best player in the league right now; Tavares could one day become a star. Gotta go with Malkin.
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First, after what we have experienced the last 10 years, this franchise should AVOID making any big trades at all cost because, frankly, we suck at them!
For once, don’t be cute, take the smart pick and select Tavares! Be conventional, we’d appreciate it. Don’t think out of the box. It is a simple solution that doesn’t need to be complicated by over-scouting and excess boardroom meetings. Pick Tavares. Done!
You want to make a big trade! Trade away DiPietro and his horrible contract. Talk about a bust. Save the All-Star goalie bit for someone else. He isn’t an All-Star goalie. I’d settle for a goals against under 2.60 and a .910 save % at this point.
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Hud says:
Of course you take Malkin, at 22 he is what, three years older then JT? Too easy. On XM this morning they gave the Isles top ten scorers and I realized it’s been a long time since an Islander moved into the top 10. JT will be the next one to join them.
Player Pos GP G A Pts P/G
Bryan Trottier C 1123 500 853 1353 1.20
Mike Bossy RW 752 573 553 1126 1.50
Denis Potvin D 1060 310 742 1052 .99
Clark Gillies LW 872 304 359 663 .76
Brent Sutter C 694 287 323 610 .88
Pat LaFontaine C 530 287 279 566 1.07
John Tonelli LW 594 206 338 544 .92
Bob Bourne C 814 238 304 542 .67
Bob Nystrom RW 900 235 278 513 .57
Derek King LW 638 211 288 499 .78 -
Mikey says:
This is a fun topic, but the scenario outlined above is unrealistic. Any offer for Malkin would start with the number one pick AND Okposo. You can’t get one of the top five players in the game (who happens to be 22 years old and signed for 5 more seasons) for a draft pick. No GM would ever make that trade unless he was in cap hell.
Milbury’s happy trigger finger set this team back five years. Garth better not repeat the same mistakes. Just draft the best player available, sit on your hands for a bit, and be patient! That’s all I ask from Isles management right now.
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Sumo (#121) – I think that I agree with your assesment; of course that’s at least what Pittsburgh would ask for. Now imagine the price tag for Malkin! #1 overall by itself wouldn’t cut it.
Robby D – that contract will keep RDP here; appropriate since that’s the whole reason Wang offered it and RDP signed it. $4.5 million is reasonable for a top-flight goalkeeper, but the catch is, he has to be one; if he busts then the length of the deal is only so much chain dragging you down to the bottom.
The only chance to move RDP is if he shows he’s healthy and has a great year – in other words, the Isles can’t begin to hope to do it unless he proves that they should keep him. Catch-39.
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Yanks26 says:
Well as a Yanks fan(waiting for the hate)yes we love Derek, Bernie, Jorge and Andy as homegrown players. We also love players brought in like Paul O’neil, Tino, Scott Brosius, Reggie ext. That said take the Yanks as an example, free agents and trades have not worked out for the best. Trades for big names just because they are a name more often than not don’t work out. I think the Isles(and the Yanks for that matter)should go the route of the Tampa Bay Rays, build from within. Homegrown talent is always more fun to watch.
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OREN says:
I think Hedman may be the better long term choice here.
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misterpink says:
Holy cow how is this a debate at all.
You trade the #1 pick AND Okposo or anyone else they want for Malkin in a half a heartbeat.
There is no way at all to gurantee what Tav or Hed or Duch or anyone will do in the NHL. You know what Malkin can do – > 100 pnts in 2 of 3 seasons so far – and probably more raw talent than Crosby ..
Hello??
Don’t worry, I’ll surround him with some homegrown grinders and 25 goal scorers. Pass on a guaranteed superstar? Silly talk.
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G. HOWITT says:
Same old – Same old, take JT already and get the project done with tax payers $$$
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Gotta take the proven commodity. Always trade draft picks and unproven talent for a young bona-fide all star. We can only hope Tavares will become as good a player as Malkin already is. And the odds are not in his favor. I remember when the Rangers refused to part w/ Pavel Brendl and lost Jagr to the Caps. How’d that one work out. Appreciate your rooting interests and your loyalties but you have to take Malkin in this scenario.
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Just wanted to say as an avid longtime Isles fan I really appreciate this blog for keeping it interesting and fun with new topics and hypotheticals. Thats whats hot stove talk is all about….fun. Thanks CB….with that said I’ve been reading about Toni Rajala, he’s a little small but has great potential, he outscored Ovechkins old record in a under 18 international tourney. Take Hedman and Rajala…CB what have you heard about this guy? He is supposed to be super talented and is moving up in some peoples minds. Any thoughts??
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Islanders1984 says:
Malkin seems to be struggling a bit in the playoffs. I know he turned it around a little bit, but I seem to remember another russian we traded for that didn’t play well in the playoffs either. Go with the homegrown Canadian boy
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Since72 says:
Havn’t we learned from too many years of milbury, you don’t trade for a team- you build one! have your core grow together. Fill in the holes through trades. Didn’t we have enough of our franchise player being a Russian who looked tired and uninspired in the playoffs? More North Americans who will do anything for the cup, not for bucks.
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Matt in CT says:
John Tavares has never stepped foot on NHL ice.
Evgeni Malkin is one of the best players in the entire world.
Dont get me wrong, Im ready to buy my Tavares jersey as soon as I have a chance.
But come on guys…
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Z_ShardZ says:
I had been following the pens-caps series closely the past few week. From my couch, it seemed Crosby and AO really stepped up their games. Digging along the boards, scoring pretty goals, scoring rebound/”trash” goals, etc. Look at that game where both Sid and AO had hat tricks. They each took it upon themselves to change the course of the game, and did. Malkin did not.
I know Malkin is a 100-point scorer 2 times out of 3 tries, a bona fide superstar. But right at this moment, I would not take him, based on this series. Once we start making the playoffs, we need our best players to be our best players. -
CB:
This is your brain (making the trade); this is your brain on drugs (no making the trade); any questions?
DC
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wow, I can not believe what I am reading. I had this hypothetical about this very same “never happen” scenario. If the Pens offer malkin for Tavares and Malkin is sing and you dont make the deal you dont belong in hockey as a GM! If Tavares developed into malkin in 4 years the Isles fans would be doing the pee pee dance in glee. Well, Malkin is already Malkin so what is the discussion here?
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BTBoss says:
I got a scenario for you. Would you swap 1st round picks with Tampa Bay.
TB gets 1st overall and Streit
Isles gets 2nd overall and Vinny Lecavalier.Yes Isles pick up a lot of money but you wouldn’y have to worry about him leaving after 3-4 years like Malkin. And they still get Hedman or Duchene.
Would you do it?
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BT Boss, question needs to be would you trade the 1st pick for Lecavalier period. Streit needs to be left out of the equation. Vinny makes the most $ in NHL
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IslesSay.blogspot.com says:
Would you trade Streit for Lecavalier? The Isles can choose whomever they want with the first pick. Obviously in this scenario, the Isles take Hedman first overall, make the trade and Tampa Bay takes Tavares second overall.
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Darryl says:
At least this deal would be more pallatable than Milburies moronic notion of trading for Lecavalier with the first pick. THank heaven he’s not still the GM. Leavalier is a great player but he can’t win with Stamkos and St Louis on his team and has a very long very expensive contract.
I think you keep Tavares as he’ll have more patience developing with the young squad you have. Malkin took some nights off in the payoffs and I’m not sure how happy he’d be playing on a squad that’s goign to struggle for a while still, even with him on it.
You tell Tampa endlessly your going to draft Hedman, they trade you their pick and either a two this year or a one next year for your one. THey take Hedman and the Islanders get Taveras in the two spot.
What?! You totally take Malkin. But the Pens would never do it. Well I shouldnt say never but come on. The #1 overall pick should get as good a player in an Isles uniform as soon as possible. Evgeni Malkin would be sick on the Islanders…#71 and all. Tavares who???