VICTOR TELLS POINT BLANK “THIS IS MY CHANCE”
Combine, Monday visit to Island huge for Hedman
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If Victor Hedman is to stake his claim to being the Islanders’ first overall pick in the NHL Draft, now is the time.
“It’s my chance,” Hedman told Point Blank over the phone this morning from the NHL Draft Combine in Toronto. “It’s my final opportunity to make an impression on the Islanders.”
Hedman said he has played in front of Islanders scouts countless times, between his games in the Swedish Elite League and the World Junior Championships. He had several meetings with Islanders scouting director Ryan Jankowski, European director Vellu-Pekka Kautonen and longtime Swedish scout and dynasty member Anders Kallur.
“The Islanders have been great to me,” Hedman said. “I’ve gone to dinner with them in Stockholm. We’ve had a few meetings. They gave me their psychological test. It’s all been first-class, very professional. They now know me and I know them well.”
Would you like to be the Islanders’ first overall pick in the NHL Draft, Victor?
“Of course, that would be an honor,” said Hedman. “I know all about the Islanders history. I know it’s a great place to play. It would be a privilege to wear the same jersey of a man like Mike Bossy, who is a legend. I know Kenny Jonsson from the National team and he loved his time in New York.
“If they call my name, I would be proud to be an Islander. And if they want me right away, I’m coming to North America next season. I’m confident that I’m ready for the NHL.”
To make it a reality, there are three big days for Hedman.
Tuesday, May 26: According to Hedman, the Islanders hosted him early Tuesday morning at one of their first interviews of the combine. The early timing is merely coincidence, the luck of Central Scouting’s schedule. The meeting was the same allotted 20 minutes that the Islanders are granted at the draft combine with Matt Duchene, Carter Ashton and anyone else the team’s scouting staff requests.
An interpreter was not needed because Hedman speaks fluent English. Despite his shy demeanor on the night the Islanders won the lottery - it was 2:30 am in Sweden when he was interviewed by TSN - Hedman is said to be extremely bright, out-going and confident in his world-class skills. The Islanders still refuse to release the names of the scouts at the combine, but it’s fair to assume the Hedman interview was led by Jankowski. Central Scouting director E.J. McGuire said yesterday that Jankowski was joined by a contingent of “4 or 5 scouts.”
“It was a good meeting,” said Hedman. “I’m scheduled to see a lot of teams at the combine, but the Islanders meeting felt like a big one.” Like a final exam? “Yes, you could say that.”
Friday, May 29: At 3:30 pm, Hedman takes the stage for the physical testing section of the NHL Draft Combine. Make no mistake, this is a cattle call. In shorts and a T-Shirt - branded with a number as if this was A Chorus Line - Hedman will be put through a series of exercises including situps, pushups, bench press, standing long jump, vertical jump and the ever-crucial medicine ball throw.
Hedman and his group of 8 draft prospects (including fellow huge dman Jared Cowen) will then be given a Windgate test, a 30-second sprint on a bike at maximum tension that has often led to vomiting on the ballroom floor. Then comes the beloved v02 test, which usually doesn’t induce barfing but has been known to break a kid’s spirit.
Oh by the way, Hedman and the rest of the prospects perform all these tests in a hotel ballroom jam-packed with scouts. As a final touch to give it the feel of a Chippendales audition, the players take their shirts off for photos and weight and height measurements. One longtime bird-dog says, “The whole enterprise would be intimidating for even the most confident of kids.”
Hedman told us he’ll sweat a lot, but he won’t sweat the details. “I’m here to work hard and show the scouts my conditioning and my health,” he said. “But I’m not going to be nervous. All week here, I just want to have fun and enjoy being part of the NHL atmosphere. This is exciting for me. I’m not going to worry about things I can’t control.”
The Islanders will get a better idea of the stuff Hedman is made of on Friday afternoon.
Next Week: Hedman told Point Blank that he has a flight to New York on Sunday afternoon and the Islanders are picking him up at the airport. He has all day Monday open on his schedule to meet with the team. On Tuesday, he travels to Tampa Bay.
By the end of this combine, Islanders scouts will have seen plenty of the Swedish defenseman ranked No. 1 among Europeans by Central Scouting. Hedman’s visit on Monday is more about meeting Garth Snow and possibly owner Charles Wang and head coach Scott Gordon.
“I don’t much about it, what the plans are,” said Hedman. “I’m just excited to have the chance to hear about the team and tell them how I could fit in.”
Of course, Snow and Jankowski are the top decision-makers with the first overall pick, but when it comes to Hedman, do not minimize the influence of Kautonen and Kallur.
Kautonen, a former Calgary draft pick and standout with IFK Helsinki as a player, joined the Islanders in 2004 after two years scouting for the St. Louis Blues. After two years of monitoring Finland for the Islanders, he was promoted to European director in 2006. Kautonen was a major influence in the selection of Jesse Joensuu and took a first-hand interest in his development when the 6-4 wing stayed in Finland for one season.
Kallur played six seasons with the Islanders and has four Stanley Cup rings. He has been a major voice in Europe since the early 1990s, including the selection of Zdeno Chara when Kallur headed up Europe for the Islanders.
“The Islanders have seen me play enough to know what I might be able to do for them,” said Hedman. ”This week in Toronto and Monday in New York are just the final steps. We’ll see how it works out. Whether it’s first overall or later, my dream is to be picked by a team that really believes in me.”
COMBINE NOTES
Some other notable physical testing times on Friday…
1:30 pm: Evander Kane, Zach Kassian, Brayden Schenn, John Tavares
2:30 pm: Jordan Caron, Calvin de Haan, Matt Duchene, Ryan Ellis, Landon Ferraro
Again, a separate spy at the Draft Combine reported to us this morning, “The Islanders people have barely come out of their conference room for air. They’re meeting with virtually every kid with even the slightest chance of going in the first two rounds. They went from 8:30 am to 7:00 pm yesterday and if they took lunch, I didn’t see them. I’ve never seen a team request to meet with so many prospects.”
Comments.
131 Responses to “VICTOR TELLS POINT BLANK “THIS IS MY CHANCE”
Combine, Monday visit to Island huge for Hedman”
Please Wait
Love his attitude but still want JT. Im sure this kid will be good but my vote is JT
I’m glad we have so many great kids coming into the NHL!
With that being said….I still go with John Tavares.
It scares me that they are meeting with so many players……it really scares me. I know we have alot of picks early and there is a good chance we can move up in the draft but Im still scared. I dont think I can take another draft of trading down. I really hope that they draft Taveras…..then they can do whatever else they want.
CB, great read. I agree with the first two guys that his attitude is great and would be a great fit here. But I still think you need to go with JT for many reasons already mentioned on this site. Also TSN has an interesting article on Matt Duchene if anyone is interested. I firmly believe he is not our guy but I’ll be satisfied with any of the top 3 (Hedman and Duchene must be had while adding either picks or very high level prospects).
We go Hedman or Tavares,it’s no lose. I love the due diligence being shown with the abundance of picks we have.
Big Vic won some points with me with what he said today.
I’m so torn between the two, JT and VH, that every time I read or see something about one of these players, I’m on their bandwagon. Hedman really seems to have his head on straight. I say screw the other picks and give them all to Tampa for the 2nd pick. I don’t think Tampa does it, but if there is any chance, I say pull the trigger.
It’s tough to pass on a kid like this, especially if he really shows interest in playing on the Island. And paying tribute to Boss is a nice touch. But the Isles need offense so badly that I don’t see how they pass up JT. It’s been way too long since we’ve had a real sniper.
Does he want me to bring Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal Raisin cookies?
Work out a deal to take both JT and Hedman. End the speculation and also the fear of riots at the Coliseum on draft day.
Draft Party tickets are now available on Ticketmaster. There is no charge, but you NEED a ticket to get in. 6 ticket max. LETS SELL IT OUT!
I wouldn’t be the least bit disappointed if they drafted Hedman. Defense wins championships. This guy could be the cornerstone. Then, we get our offense via free agency and hopefully guys like Kiril Petrov.
if Hedman’s name is called as the # 1 pick anarchy will break lose at the coliseum…..only the strong will survive.
Question:
Is it worth trading our #1 pick for 2010, along with whatever else, to try and get the #2 for this year? Giving us 1 and 2…Tavares and Hedman?
Chris, great job. I will be happy no matter what but it seems like both Tavares and Hedman are good kids. I will be honest and say that I thought Tavares was going to be our guy but after reading this maybe Hedman is the Islanders guy. Exciting to say the least.
well you certainly can’t say that the isles haven’t done their homework! i will be happy with either tavares or hedman. i have no preference.
People have to realize that either JT or Hedman is good for us. Dont give me this crap that you wont watch or go to games anymore if JT isn’t selected.
I won’t watch or go to games anymore if JT isn’t selected.
victor hedman i believe will be a franchise dfnseman for years to come and seems like a nice person but no direspect to you vic i and most fans want tavares we need him i cant bare any more hummiliation from the hockey world
should have added that hedman sounds extremely well spoken which is a plus. still stand by mckenzie’s statement that hedman’s our man but jt would be awesome as well.
You read this and man oh MAN is it tough to pass up on this kid.
(OK and who else besides me smiled when Victor said how much Kenny loved it here? We love you too, Kenny.)
Either if these kids would be an absolute joy to watch put on an Isles jersey. Anyone who cannot see that is simply covering their eyes. This choice is win-win, IMO.
BTW- I have said what I think of the constant threats so there is no need to repeat myself on that- though repeating oneself is exactly what “the threateners” love to do!
Great article CB. It is good to hear that Victor is excited about the Isles and knows our history. I think the Isles can give Hedman a good opportunity to learn from solid vet defensemen and leaders like Streit and Witt.
I am also very happy that the scouting staff is doing its homework. With 7 picks in the top 92, the possibilities are endless. We need to be prepared to trade for a player who may fall through the cracks. It also gives us a good opportunity to get intel on guys that may be available in trades a few years down the line.
First of all, Victor seems like he is a class act, with a great head on his shoulders. I will not be upset if the Islanders select him and I hope other Islanders fans will not jump off a bridge if they take him over JT.
Second, I am glad to see that the Islanders are truly doing their homework for this years draft. With all the pics we have, they will need to be prepared. I have heard that Jankowski is very highly respected in the scouting community. I have a feeling we are going to find some sleepers. I cannot wait till draft day!
i actually like that they are meeting with a ton of prospects.
They do have 5 picks in the first 2 rounds. Do your homework guys and draft the best players possible. But I still want JT first overall
isles08 (#15)- Good, then who needs you. If you would drop the team because they took #1A instead of #1, then you’re not a real fan. Go change your name to “Rags fan”.
Moose (#5)- You’re completely correct. There are two franchise talents in this draft and the Islanders and Tampa are getting them. I really have no preference.
Now we should start watching the finals on Saturday and hope that Billy G gets his 2nd ring with the Pens.
it’s good to see they are doing their homework for the rest of the first round and the early second round.
Well you know the Islanders are going to get a great player on draft day. I just hope it’s Tavares. No disrespect to Hedman but I’m not buying into this crap about JT has been downgraded.
I’m not going to cry if they tale Hedman, but if JT turns out to be a GREAT GREAT player and we pass…
you know how it will go down.
trade up the 2nd first round pick and take schenn
I don’t mind what Snow did last year and sometimes you have to think outside the box to get the most you can. However, since the Milbury scars run deep and we traded down last year, we simply have to just draft Tavares first and hopefully be creative afterwards. When you hold the first overall pick it doesn’t have to be “rocket surgery”.
Love seeing that last paragraph
The only way i will take Hedman is if the rumored miracle happens and they end up with Duchene too. But since that will never happen you NEED to take JT!!!
Isles say we can get both Tavares AND Hedman.
Color me this, but to the best of my knowlege, Kallur is the ‘brainchild’ behind such NYI first round 1st gems of Nilsson, Nokie, and Bergie…
Hahaha rocket surgery. I love it.
I won’t lie to any of you. I will be disappointed if the Islanders don’t draft John Tavares. I do have a preference and it is JT. If they take Hedman number 1, my thought will be “I hope they know that they’re doing”.
That is the same exact thought I had last year when they traded down multiple times to get Josh Bailey and a couple extra picks. Do I agree with Snow’s move in last years draft now? Certainly. So at this point if he calls Hedman, I have no reason to doubt that it would be the correct move for his vision of this team.
If they don’t pick Tavares I’m seriously going to jump over section 305 and land head first onto the “ice”.
Snow, do whatever you have too, but don’t you dare screw this up. I’m sure Hedman will be a phenomenal player, but I need to watch someone like Tavares.
I can’t suffer too much longer. I’m caving in lol.
Keep all of the picks - this team needs to build…unless you can draft Tavares first amd trade future picks to get Hedman too…but I doubt it.
#3, it would scare me if they weren’t meeting with all the prospects. The Isles seem to be really doing their HW. With 2 picks in the first, and 3 picks in the second, not only do the Isles need to guage who they want with the first overall, but also later. It’s also possible that they will move up and give up second rounders, and by doing so, they need to be sure of the player they’re moving up to get. Haha only Isles fans can be worried by their team “overpreparing” for a draft. I have faiting in Snow/Jankowski.
I love that they’re meeting as many kids as they can. It means that they have that much more of a shot at taking good players at 26, 31, 37… OR, making a good-value trade up into the 12-18 range for a great player there as well.
Lets all have a good thought for the NYI on Draft Day.
Draft Tavares first overall.
Trade…
NYI gets: TB 1st Rd Pick 09 (2nd Overall), Ryan Malone (salary dump)
TB gets: SJ 1st Rd Pick 09 (26th Overall), NYI 2nd Rd Pick 09 (31st Overall), TOR 2nd Rd Pick 09 (37th overall), NYI 1st Rd Pick 2010
Isles draft Tavares and Hedman, they also pick up a top-6 player in Ryan Malone as a salary dump incentive for the Lightning.
Then sign Komisarek and Oduya.
Malone - Weight - Tavares
Okposo - Bailey - Bergenheim
Tambellini - Nielsen - Comeau
Jackman - Park - Hunter
Mark Streit - Victor Hedman
Brendan Witt - Johnny Oduya
Radek Martinek - Bruno Gervais
Extras:
Sutton, Hillen
Then wake up from the dream…
There’s just one thing that I’m extremely puzzled with…….Why was JT’s visit and interview so hush hush, but now we have a full write-up telling all inside info on Hedman? Where’s this type of write-up on JT?
Snow better not pick this big oaf. I am sick of reading you build a winner from the net out. That is a stupid comment. Did pitts think of that when they drafted Malkin and Crosby? You can’t win a game without scoring goals. If garth doesnt pick JT I am buring all my isles gear and will sit down and figure out which team I am switching allegiance to.
we need goals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i like the hard work by the isles scouts. i hope it pays off NEXT season
Another good interview, CB. Nice job from a fellow journalist.
I’d still like to see the Isles take Tavares. This team needs a shot in the arm sooner rather than later, and d-men traditionally take longer to hit their stride in the NHL. From all I’ve read, it just sounds like, unless he surprises everyone and turns out to be an utter bust, Tavares can have a quicker impact for a struggling NHL team than Hedman (no, I don’t expect Tavares to work wonders in his first year). As for the bigger impact long term? Who really knows at this point. Maybe not the most solid rationale, but that’s probably why I’m commenting here instead of scouting for an NHL team.
As nice as Hedman sounds. JT all the way. It would be great if we could get both but that is going to happen like the isles will be in the cup finals next year
Good luck to you Mr. Hedman. I wish you the best in Tampa Bay. Bring on John Tavares and fit him with an Isles jersey asap.
#30 isles say, you’re nuts!! to give up Streit, a leader and All-star for Hedman who is unproven.. this is not stratomatic hockey here. Hedman may be Kenny Jonsson. a good defenseman, who knows. i still would love for them to get a deal done with Tampa for him as well, that would be cool, but not getting rid of a proven all star
Hopefully Hedman finds a nice room at the Marriott Sunday night, because that’s where he will be staying at least two nights a season when he visits with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Best of luck to the kid, but if Snow doesn’t take Tavares, there will be anarchy at the Coliseum.
I want John Tavares, but I do really feel that this kid will be a stud on D and any team that gets him will get a player that will probably develop into one of the better (if not best) defensemen in the NHL. He seems to have all the tools and toolbox to go with it. But Tavares is a goal-scoring machine and I believe he would be a tremendous asset for us, especially since O is such a sore spot. Basically, pick your poison….they probably will both turn out to be all-stars.
I am happy to hear the Isles are doing their homework. Exuding professionalism is a good step in turning the culture around here. Winning is mostly the product on the ice, but the attitude of the organization can play a part. Here’s to the days when the newspapers only write about the circus at NVMC in reference to the Ringling Brothers.
Awesome story CB … Hedman seems like a great kid with a great head on his shoulders … as I’ve said before … Hedman is no consolation prize … but Tavares takes it by a nose for me … and the plain ole fact that the Isles need in a BIG way the kind of Catalyst and total package that ONLY Tavares can bring in this draft … Goals, Marketability, and various intangibles.
As much as people make comaprisons with Lidstrom and Pronger … that is unfair to Hedman … and remember … people don’t go see the respective teams of Lidstrom and Pronger to see them play … lets not fool ourselves … those players have been on successful teams because of the offensive ability of those teams … the offense supplies the “knock down” the defensive prowess of those players keep them down.
FL had a ’stud’ D-man 1st overall pick with zero offense, but one of the elite goaltenders in the league. Where did that get them?
No playoffs the entire time that stud man was on the roster, same with that elite goalie…
“I’ve never seen a team request to meet with so many prospects.”
Sounds like it’s going to be an exciting draft to say the least.
glad to see they are on top of things by interveiwing everyone they can, and they must consider all options. ill be happy with hedman or tavares but i hope for tavares.
Please don’t listen to the fans Garth (besides me of course)…. draft HEDMAN! Please!!
#37…. if that happens, garth snow would go down in history as “THE NEW ARCHITECT”. the dude would have to start wearing bowties.
Sounds like a great kid! It is so nice to see how well coached (by his agent!)he is in paying homage to Bossy!! Don’t you think as a defenseman he should be coached to pay homage to Denny Potvin?? Even Hedman admires the goal scorer!!A perfect scenario, we draft both, the draft party ends after 2 picks and we all get drunk after all buying season ticket plans on newly issued low rate Visa Cards!! By the way I picked up my draft party tix on Ticketmaster today! Should be quite a party!!
#39 - Pittsburgh didn’t think of that in drafting Crosby and Malkin. They thought of that when the drafted Fleury #1 overall in 2003. 1 year before Crosby, 2 before Malkin. Also, don’t be dumb. Yeah, the Islanders need the exciting offensive player. Specifically, they need that player because of people like you. It wouldn’t be good enough for the team to take one player when you wanted them to take another, even if those two players were comparable talents.
I would be disappointed if the team didn’t take Tavarez, but I could hardly say I am going to stop being interested in the team if the Isles don’t take him. I will say, that if the team passes on Tavarez in favor of Hedman then it would behoove them to try and land an offensive talent through free agency or a trade.
#37, i guess you assumed the injury bug goes on, huh?? you signed komisarek and didnt even play him…..
thats a nice fairy-tale but the islanders will be drafting tavares..
I’m sure that whichever team takes Hedman will be very happy and proud to have him.
If Islander fans lament not taking Zach Parise… imagine the kick in the teeth the organisation and it’s fans will suffer year after year when Tavares is scoring 40+ goals… if they don’t take him.
38…The isles have been hush hush with JT’s visit, and they will with Hedman’s next week. The team is saying nothing on either. What you are reading is coming from botta’s interview with Hedman. If you want JT details, that will only come if JT talks about it.
from everything i’m reading (which means didly) hedman seems MUCH more dedicated and interested in being a part of the isles future history!!!!!
i think botta’s gonna eat his words when the isles either trade to #2 and pick hedman and get some other good stuff, or pick hedman #1!
I think, as great as Hedman sounds, and he comes off as a great kid, who probably has a bright future, the thing to do is draft JT, keep all the picks, (provided there isnt a deal you cant pass up to trade down with the San Jose pick) and draft deapth. you never know what those extra picks will turn into.
I got my draft party ticket too, I’ll be the one with the Isles jersey and hat…..lol
I just love this kid Hedman, paying homage to my favorite alltime hockey player the Boss. However I am more interested in drafting the next potential Bossy….we all know who that is.
get Hedman and trade the rest of the picks for Duchene
If we are following the Pens model then we cannot trade next yrs number 1 as it should be a high pick (Pitt had 3 high picks - even though Crosby pick was luck)
Reading or listening to either Tavares or Hedman makes you really like the character. Isles can’t go wrong either way and I like their aggressive statements that they want to be Islanders. Sigh…..if only they both could be, they’d be passing the CUP back and forth between them and Okposo, Bailey, and DiPietro for years.
CB- isnt it true D-men usually develop later than forwards & hit their prime 28-32? If so, shouldn’t we be afraid that well spend all this time developing Hedman & then lose him right when he enters his best years? Id pick Tavares just because he might develop enough to contribute even if we lose him via FA when he hits 26
I was really pushing for JT but lately Ive been thinking it wont hurt either way. So long as we draft one of the two.
#37….ill soil my pants on draft day if that hapens. Would be absolute bliss (not the pants soiling, but the trade)!
However, when healthy Sutton is certainly not a #7 Dman. the guy is a tree, can clear the crease and provides a nasty streak. I would trade Martinek instead for future draft pick(s). I really like Radek but he is a hospital bed warmer for half of the season each year.
It’s tough between tavares & Hedman. The Isles shouldn’t torture themselves trying to decide. Trade down to #3 & “take the player they always wanted” in Duchene.
I have been a Tavares supporter throughout this whole process…. although reading this and hearing how great a guy Hedman is makes it a real shame that we have to pick only 1. Here’s to hoping Garth has something creative up his slieve to nab both (however unlikely it is)!
If I had to guess, we want Hedman. Pressure for publicity and ticket sales, though, will lead us to Tavares.
Truly, we can’t go wrong either way.
The Bomber (57): good call haha, I totally forgot to include Komisarek into the lineup…I guess I shouldn’t post dreamworld like that haha. If I had to put him with someone, I’d probably put Komisarek next to Streit and move Hedman down to play with Witt.
I feel like even if we pick Hedman…i’ll never really accept the guy because I’m so for Tavares.
Ugh…how does having the #1 pick and having a possible amazing draft day turn into such a headache and nausea???
great read CB… Victor Will be a smart D-man in the fast approaching future…these are the best days before the draft, you get to know whose ready for the NHL and who wants to play for your team and who doesn’t, Victor and JT defiantly what to play on the island next season..#20 i did get a smile on my face too when i read that about him and Kenny(hope Kenny and friend Tommy Salo my fav. isles goalie that i’ve watched play make it to a game next year)…
we cant lose with this draft pick but it is HARDER to get a sniper off FA then it is to get a top D-man….Garth Snow is doing a great job as a GM…by 2015 we will be consistently contending for the cup
I bet my life that all these analysts and scouts and writers who are suggesting we take Hedman will the FIRST ones writing articles about HOW or WHY the Islanders passed up on John Tavares. That will then be followed up with other articles once Tavares begins to be a standout prospect like many predicted he would be.
This is like watching an accident happen in slow motion.
God help us.
We’ve all heard the slogan WWJD - What Would Jesus Do. I think our mindset should be WWDD. What Would Detroit Do? Would the Red Wings draft a player primarily to generate ticket sales, sell some jerseys, “excite” the fan base, or please its fans? The obvious answer is NO. They would draft the best player available that would most help their team build a consistent winner. If we want to develop a championship culture and attitude in this franchise, then we can’t make decisions based on fear. We can’t select players because we’re afraid of negative reaction from a few fans. Garth should make what he feels is the best hockey decision. We have two great choices.
Detroit would not do many of the things that the Isles have done in the past (especially under Mad Mike). So Detroit would never have gotten themselves into a situation where they need to “generate ticket sales, sell some jerseys, Excite the fan base”. Detroit doesn’t have 2 other teams in spitting distance. Detroit doesn’t need the lighthouse. I am sorry but the Isles need to do what the Isles need to do and that is draft Tavares.
In the end I say pick the goal scorer.
However, I LOVE what Garth and Ryan are doing. If this was the NFL and they interviewed all the players no one would question it. Do your home work boys because you never know what deal may present itself.
Let’s say the Isles basic plan is to stay put with their picks and then someone makes an offer we can’t refuse.
Unless we know everything there is about who’s still left undrafted how can we say “can’t refuse”.
Don’t know why, but I trust garth and I think Charles is staying clear, well clear enough.
Looks like Tavares is on twitter now guys. Toronto radio station outed his twitter -looks like there trying to recruit him-Islander fans start writing him telling him he needs to be a islander
Twitter.com/The_JohnTavares
Uh… Mikey #76! The Detroit Red Wings have been in the playoffs for 18 straight years and have won 4 Stanley Cups in the last 10 years, 11 Cups total and are in the finals again!! They don’t need the draft to excite fans or generate ticket sales. They are fat dumb and happy!!They have only had 4 first round picks since 2000 and I doubt very seriously that their fans give a hoot about the upcoming draft! Unfortunately as Isle fans, our season has been over for a month, we have not won a playoff series since 1993. We just finished with the worst record in Hockey!Our team is quite possibly moving in 5 years! So “yes” our draft does need to be about generating excitement and generating ticket sales, selling jersey’s, not only to build fan interest but to save our franchise altogether!!It is all we got!!! Garth and Co. have to consider a lot more than Detroit would ever have to consider! As for WWJD, time to drag out the old phrase,”Jesus Saves, but Tavares score’s on the rebound”!
Ok CB, any way it would be justified to trade all our extra picks, plus next years 1st, plus whatever it takes to try and get picks 1 and 2? If it was even remotely possible to make that deal, would any other NHL team let us walk away with the both of them? I am a JT supporter, and don’t shoot the messenger, but any chance they make the slightly easier move for Hedman and Duchene? I know you have already said in your opinion they go with JT, but do you think they could be weighing the Hedduch possibilty?
#33
You want to jump from section 305. I need someone to throw through the Jumbotron should Snow do anything other than take Tavares. You smelling what the Rock is cookin’?
-Big Van Vader
Most of the top d men in the league today were not top of the draft class…(Chara, Lidstrom, Boyle, Campbell, Streit, McCabe etc.)
Just go with JT. Please.
StevieL - I understand what you are saying, but don’t forget that the Red Wings were the “Dead Wings” from 1970-1982. They were complete garbage; won one playoff round in 15 years. But then they brought in our boy Jimmy Devellano who helped to build that winning pedigree by drafting the BEST players available (just like he did with the Isles). Unless John Tavares is running on the Democratic ticket against Murray, I don’t know how he can get those fools to approve the Lighthouse Zoning. Joe Mondello probably doesn’t know the difference between John Tavares and John Tortarella. If you think an 18 year old kid is going to be our political savior, then you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.
No point in revealing your hand now…Garth will have some buyers calling at the draft table, take your time get to know all of them, pick the right player! We need talent, athletic ability, size, determination and personality!
Glad to see the scouts are doing their homework.
Sounds like a great kid and a fantastic talent. I’m sure Tampa Bay will be very happy with him. JT please.
I dont mind reading all of the draft Tavares and draft Hedman stuff because, well, there isnt much else to talk about. But guys please stop with the trade up and draft Tavares and Hedman stuff or the trade down and get Hedman and Duchesne scenario. The Isles do not have the resources to pull off a trade to get a pick away from an equally bad team that will net you a franchise building block. Its Tavares, Hedman, or Duchesne. Thats it.
(and its going to be Tavares.)
I think you’re much likelier to have a dedicated long-term Islander with Hedman. If successful to the extent of everyone’s projections, Taveras will bolt at the first opportunity - if for no other reason than the fact that his homegrown Canadian brthren will do everything they can to pry him away via free agency.
Love the character that Hedman demonstrates and it actually lessens my angst as it does seem like there isn’t a bad choice when it comes to him or JT. He’d be a great addition to any club. You can’t have enough players that are devoted and passionate like that on your squad. I prefer JT but I have also noticed several clubs (Ottawa, Vancouver, Tampa) that have struggled with offence because they lack a mobil puck moving defenceman to kick start their offence. That’s why Ottawa dealt us the first round pick last season. You can have all kinds of talent up front and still struggle to score if you can’t get out of your own zone.
I still wonder if Garth isn’t playing things coyly in hopes that Tampa offers up something significant to switch spots so they can gaurantee they get Hedman. Maybe they offer up a second this year and next or maybe next years first to swap places?
I just read the TSN article on Hedman, agent says, “…he’s not a hitting man.” That’s it for me, draft Tavares.
Yes JT seems to be the obvious choice for us because we need a goal scorer and he is ranked as the best player in the draft. We definitely need a big fleet footed d-man too. I would say that not as big as a decision but also so very important would be that 2nd first round pick.
I know CB was talking about who they will possibly tender with an earlier blog and he also mentioned that you can only have so many guys in your system or something like that. So if we do not package any of these picks are we possible cutting or not signing a player who might be a late bloomer because we do not have enough space to keep him.
I’ll be shocked if the Isles don’t take JT with the first overall pick.
Call Milbury and ask him to pick between the two. Then take who he DOESN’T pick.
god damn I wish we had the first and second :/. I like both of them so much, and although I am a D-Man first (biased b/c I have played defense for 14 years), I still say Tavares because of our glaring needs from the Ice to the Box Office…
just curious. tampa selected stamkos #1 last year, while they had St Louis and Vinny LeCav on the roster. now they are drafting #2 this year.
i aint putting down KO and JB, but they aint the same quality as tampa has on the ice.
defenders take time to develop, scoring kinda comes naturally. either guy is really a solid pick, but adding 40 goals from tavares doesnt mean we are in the playoffs, ask tampa.
I hope they take the best available player, not a ticket seller.
Take Hedman and try to get Duchene, as well. Or, trade down to get Duchene. Today’s NHL is about speed. Scott Gordon is about speed. Why take Tavares who skates SLOWER than Hedman/Duchene skating backwards? Imagine the deal you would get from COL if you waved a 1st rounder in front of their desperate faces.
Make a deal, Garth. Take Hedman. Take Duchene. Take Tavares if no deal becomes available.
Fantastic piece CB even though I’m 100% for the NYI drafting JT, keep up the excellent work!
#94 has the right idea.
In no way will I disrespect Victor Hedman, but last time Andres Kallur got his way, it was Robert Nilsson over Zach Parise.
I would love to have Tavares, Hedman, and Duchene, but can’t have them all. With that said, I really would like the goal scorer. Surely, in years down the road, there will be times where it would be a good time to have Hedman, but goal scorers are just so hard to find. We don’t need Tavares to be THE guy, but if he is THE goal scorer, that’s more than what you can say for most of the league. Brett Hull, Phil Esposito, and Mike Bossy; not GREAT skaters, but GREAT… well, you know.
Can the Isles take both?
Kenny jonsson makes me scared of wasting the pick on a swedish defenseman. He was soft and then just walked one day, just like Salo, Forsberg, etc. I haven’t seen one North American talent pick up and leave when the going gets tough.
@YellowHat:
Please, go right ahead and burn your Isles gear. We don’t need half-ass fans like you stinking things up.
re; derek #6: JT definitely #1 overall. But were not getting Hedman also. That being said, I’d not only give up every other pick in this years draft, I’d give up 2010 1st rounder to Tampa to get him at #2. Would that be a crazy offer on our part or would they be crazy to accept it? Mad Mike who?
Whether we get Tavares, Hedman, or on the outside, Duchene, the Islanders are still LONG shots to sniff the playoffs next year. I would like the playoffs, but it’s not likely. This is a growing team. Tavares, Hedman, or Duchene will be a piece of the puzzle, but not the final piece. Realistically, the Islanders are two full seasons from playoff contention. Even Mario took a few seasons. So we have to be patient, we are contenders for Taylor Hall next year (not that we should tank), but the Islanders will be picking in the top 5 in 2010. That’s just the reality of it. The upside is, that we should be turning the corner when the SUCK draft rolls around in 2011.
draft Tavares, get DiPietro for a whole year, throw a buttload of money at Komisarik and pick up a quality winger and the playoffs aint that much of a long shot.
If hedman was at least more physical and could throw some big hits here and there, then yeah it would make the choice between him and JT very difficult, but a d-man like hedman who says the right things, has great skills and moves great for a man of his stature is almost unheard of is a turn on. But being listed at 6′6 220 pounds that doesn’t hit is a tun off. And you can’t teach a player to be physical. Take Tavares, cause he is the sure thing, and he has been doing a lot to make his all around game better, and has worked on his strength and conditioning.
And Isles say #30, if the islanders are somehow able to pull off a miracle on draft day and are able to get Tavares and Hedman, then I will 1st off get on my knees and cry happy tears, 2nd I will go down to the nearest tattoo shop by me in las vegas and get the islanders logo tattooed on me. I swear it, and you all can hold me to that cause I aint joking.
He’s saying all the right things, all signs point to a successful career for the young Swede. But after passing on players such as Gaborik, Parise, and so on, it will hurt too much to watch this kid scores 40+ goals in any uniform other than an Islander one. We need him. I hate the way it sounds but its hard for me to get mad at anyone who says they are done if Garth & Co. ruin this for us. JT or Bust!
All of this debate makes me respect the Isle organization a little more for keeping people guessing. Hopefully we get something extra out of it. Vote for Kristen Mcelroy!!!!
I feel a Tavares PLUS another top 15 pick is in the cards….
steve@97, tampa is where they are becuase of their d and goaltending. while mike smith is good, he isnt great and their defence is pretty damn bad. thats why they lose games. we have depth and a great D when healthy and same for goaltending but we dont have the 40 goal scorer so that will help us in the playoffs
rob76 if they are giving up if they dont take tavares then thats just…silly. i would repeat what geduffer said at 24.also, hedman would not be a bust so im not sure why you would write jt or bust, and its not just its other people too..
I’m goin freakin NUTS!!!!! Pick JT, take Hedman, trade up, keep the picks, get JT and Hedman, Garths a genious, no faith in Garth, Kate, Charles, the x-employee looking in, the thousands of us just going crazy…. ARGHHHHHHHH, its all just re-god-damn-diculous!!!!!
I know how the Isles can stay in the NVMC AND NOT have to build the LH and earn enough for charles to stay off the bread line.
What we have going on is a True life Reality Show.
We have our heros, villians and some that play both sides.
The show wouldn’t do well in the states, but Canada and international, through the roof!!! In China alone, where Wang already has his connections would eat this up. To them its American and different from their culture. It would be like looking in at the freak show.
You can even sprinkle in the old guard and have them commentate on the craziness.
I bet you can easily pull in a $75-$100 mil. There’s a few billion people in China alone who are potential viewers.
Its my idea and if it happens I claim life time luxury box and 2% of the gross. Being American ill sue if I don’t get paid, then appear on the show and get paid for that as well.
For the last time Hedman is NOT soft. Somehow that got onto this bored and now it is considered to be a fact. All that has ever been said about him was that he did not use his body as much as someone his size could. But that is something that is EASILY teached and he can and will learn. He is not soft.
to post 104…soft kenny was soft??? really ??? after how many concussions?? forsberg picked up and left??? after losing his spleen and having no ankles left what did he have left to prove to anyone?
If the Isles have a chance to snag Hedman & Duchene, go for it. If not, take Tavares.
It may be early, but how does next year’s class look? Are there world class d-men in the pipeline for the future?
Taking JT and VH 1 and 2 would be huge, obviously. I’d trade next year’s #1 and then some to get this done. The Isles will likely be a lottery team next year too so that pick will have good value.
Or, if Wang really is a master manipulator….he instructs Garth to trade down several times sparking the fans into a riot resulting in the tear down of the coliseum. Wang tells MSG “sorry, about your building but there’s no more lease” and then he tells ToH “sorry, nothing to renovate, rubberstamp the Lighthouse or we fly.”
what about drafting hedman and getting kenny jonsson to somehow come back? haha i hope we draft tavares though!! but i like the idea of trying to bring kenny back?? any chance? does anyone have any info on him???
You mention a few of the euro scouts, what I want to know is this…..Who was part of the Islander braintrust that picked Robert Nilsson??? Because I don’t want any of those fools chiming in on this pick at all!
I think its just plain dumb for fans to be sooo opinionated about players they have never really seen play. Most fans are just basing their opinions on what they have read rather than first hand accounts. Now the only jr player in the recent past I saw play just 3 games that I really wanted was Zach Parise, he stood out for me.
At first I was all in favor of Tavares but that was before I had a chance to watch Hedman play in a few games. I am still leaning 55-45 towards Tavares because of what a player of his caliber might mean for the franchise but Hedman is making me think twice and thrice about choosing him over JT. I wish by some miracle the Islanders could land both but that won’t happen so it’s no use thinking about it.
Hedman would be a fine #1 pick. The thing is that Tampa wants him to be there at #2 so badly that if there was a way to get anything from Tampa for them to ensure that we don’t take Hedman it would be a small coup. They are probably going to close their eyes and cross their fingers that we take Tavares, which we should, but getting a bribe from them in the way of a player or pick would be a nice win for us.
I also found the last comment of the piece funny. Of course the Isles are interviewing every one of the projected top 60, they have 20 picks in the first 3 rounds…
This article seems to me the groundwork for the Islanders taking VH. If this is the case I am praying that it is at the # 2 spot after the Isles give up their other 2009 # 1 pick, 2010 #1 pick, and Justin Dibo to reunitie with Stamkos. Outside of KO ,Bailey, Streit Tampa can pick anyone else they would like and we ll throw in a box of vintage mid 80’s green paper beer cups with the stick figures on them
I would NOT swap picks with Tampa Bay. We all presume that the guy TB wants is VH. However there are 2-3 other solid Top 10 D-Men. TB could then very easily swap the #1 pick to the evil Brian Burke.
Is an extra 3rd round pick worth the embaressment?
Super, Kid. Would love to have him, but not at the expense of Tavares. UNLESS he admits that he may not be in it for the long term…
TSN’s Combine Blog said that JT didn’t do any upper body exercises (bench, push-ups, etc.) due to a possible injury. If its still his shoulder bothering him I wonder how extensive the damage is and how it will affect his training camp in the Fall. Definately shows that he was injured in his time with London.
Will C (104) Forsberg was one of the most talented and toughest players to play the game. You don’t know what you are talking about when you call him soft. He took a pounding in the NHL and it finally caught up to him but noway can you call him soft.
Chris, why are you talking about hockey on your political blog??
=P
Does anyone think that Burke is paying hedman to say this so the leafs can trade for tavares?
Yellowhat - says sick of hearing you build from net out, why did Pitt take Maklakin and Crosby. You do know a guy named Fleury was taking as the #$1 and is the goalie. And hopefully you do know there was no defensive prospect that anyone was consdidering over Crosby and Malakin? Please burn your gear, you are not a real fan, and are probably clueless to boot
Watch Detroit beat Pitt again. Hmmm - they have no scorer better than malakin and Crosby - how could that be? Two words, Lidstrom & Rafalski
defense wins in all sports