ISLANDERS NEED MORE ELITE SKILL AT FORWARD
Should go for home run with second 1st round pick
Last week, we wrote about six skilled and big forwards the Islanders could have their eyes on with picks 26-37 or with a move up closer to the middle of the first round:
Zach Kassian Carter Ashton
Chris Kreider Jordan Caron
Ethan Werek Joonas Nattinen
This week we’ll be writing about the half-dozen defensemen the Islanders may have under consideration. But before I do, I wanted to make my opinion clear. (This is a blog. We try not to get into second-guessing. When we’re wrong – which is often – we want to be wrong before anyone else).
Take another kid defenseman out of high school with an Aaron Ness-like pedigree such as Nick Leddy (ranked 24th in North America by Central Scouting) and it will be at least four years before he’s playing reliable D in prime time for you anyway. If the Islanders want to keep up with Detroit and Chicago and Pittsburgh, Carolina, Philly and the rest, they need more forwards with world-class skill and tenacity. Actually, they need more than just the one they have: Kyle Okposo.
Besides, the Islanders already have a pair of talented draft pick blue-liners in Ness and Travis Hamonic in the fold.
Don’t for a second think I take defensemen for granted. It’s just that there’s other ways to build a strong D, and the Islanders are unlikely to find their Nik Lidstrom in this draft between picks 26-37 or even with a move up to the middle of the round (David Rundblad, you say? Maybe. John Moore? No way they’ll get him).
Neil Smith brought Brendan Witt to the Island with a good deal. Last summer, Garth Snow opened the wallet for Mark Streit at excellent value.
Carolina won a Stanley Cup in 2006 with a hodge-podge blueline and is in the Final Four again with defensemen they mostly signed or traded for. Same with Tampa Bay the year before.
Of course, every team in the league would love a Lidstrom, a Pronger, a Chara. But you have to be able to score. The Islanders moved back to add picks and take Josh Bailey last summer. What a treat if the Islanders made an equally bold move and grabbed a kid with huge upside in the offensive end – a reverse Bailey maneuver, if you will. Or a more moderate move to get Kassian or Kreider or Caron.
In the draft, the Islanders should make a run at future all-stars up front.
Comments.
83 Responses to ISLANDERS NEED MORE ELITE SKILL AT FORWARD
Should go for home run with second 1st round pick
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Im all for drafting 2 forwards in the first round. Then draft a few dmen in the 2nd round and a goalie.
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kevin27NYI says:
i agree. with bailey, okposo, petrov as already top 6 ( i know i know petrov i get it ) we need to finish it up with three more. tavares and kassian? sign me up. the last one you get in the free agency or trade. see penguins or the wings for that…as for dmen, i like what i hear for haminoc, ness and nyemi, and liked what i saw in mcdonald and gervais and hillen.
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The Mick says:
I’m in agreement here. The Isles have the #1 pick and hopefully will take Tavares, so there’s the cornerstone. They re-stocked the farm system last year and should use some assets to take a run at another impact player. Maybe we could speed up the rebuild. The draft can’t come soon enough.
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Strummer's Army says:
It has to be Mr. Kassian. Snow can choose BPA between Tavares and Hedman but Kassian is exactly what the Isles need and he scores.
Wait until round two to focus on defense.
Hey, anyone see Phi is trying to get Loungo and Ohlund (rights) or Price and Komisarik (rights)? Amazing how Loungo seems to get traded every few years.
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Swan says:
C.B., completely agree. Isles need to upgrade their scoring prospects. Well done, sir.
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and if you want to improve the defense fast trade for Kevin Bieksa. He was available last summer and appears to be again because of the Van cap situation. I’d grab Bieksa and a young talented but tough player like the ones they were rumored to like last year in Methot or O’Bryne.
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Big Dally says:
The options seem endless for us. Snowman did a good job in getting us some extra picks to use as chips at the draft table. This draft will be fun.
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Isle_in_LA says:
I’m all for it. WE NEED SCORERS! A couple of mock drafts that I have seen on NHL.com have Kassian going around 7 or 8. I don’t think we can get that high with our 2nd first. Let’s hope he falls a bit lower.
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NYICHAMP39 says:
get me a goalie with two good knees and two good hips. When old man Rick finally goes down we’ll need a replacement.
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I’m okay with another forward in the first round as long as they pick up a Mathew Clark type player (defenseman) in the early second round. Maybe a goaltender in the third.
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Brian in VA says:
CB nice job! I agree 100% we need to get all the power forwards we can get. JT et al. The reason is the “new NHL” is marketed on Offense. Look the NHL needs and is making sure the Wings play the Pens in the Finals and the NHL will make sure the Pens win the Cup! The want Crosby to be the Next Gretzky and will stop at nothing to make it happen. If you want facts of the NHL driven conspiracy just look at the Penalty disparegy between the Pens and their playoff opponents its almost 3:1. I believe if the Isles get JT we can get in the mix with the Pens/Hawks/Caps/Wings et al and make the playoffs. The new NHL wants scoring and fun marketable teams. NHL is becoming a conspiracy league like the NBA who will make sure its Cavs/Lakers! Go Canes! I strongly dislike Pittsburgh!
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Isles6 says:
All I know is, that I am often a fan of outside the box thinking. Not this time. Unless you are telling me that the GM has made the deals to get both Hedman & Duchene (and your would also be telling me that this months Playmate is at my door) then this is NOT the time for that. Mr. Snow, and I know your organization reads this blog & certain mailing lists, IT HAS TO BE Tavares. I know I am not telling you something you do not already know, your team is desperate for offense. Tavares was not number one in this draft class (Red Line Report, aside) for three years for no reason.
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VALENTINO says:
Outside of Okposo, the Islanders have 4 fourth lines. In the Palffy days, it was just Palffy. In the Yashin days, It was just Yashin. Now its just Okposo. We need more talent up front. We need multiple threats.
I dont care if we win every game 10-9. Just load the boat with some real offensive threats!
Tavares and company !
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Thomas32 says:
RIGHT ON CB!!! You NEED to score goals!!! Ive been saying this for as long as I can remember. Good D-men will always be there to sign or trade for. A god given talent like Tavares should NEVER be passed up! I like the idea of drafting Caron at 26!
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Anthony says:
Isles should trade up and pick Schroeder from Minn. He should be around the 10-14 spot, and we shouldn’t have to trade all 3 picks (26,31,37) to get him. He has a huge offensive upside and he’s just what we need. Afer taking Tavares, another winger who could fly and put the puck in the net would be HUGE. That’s the move we need to make…
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mapisles2025 says:
What’s the possibility of DiBo becoming a top 6 forward?
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Brian B says:
WWJD? What would Jesus do?
Jesus would draft Tavares with the number 1 pick and then trade 2nd and 3rd rounders to move up and take another skilled offensive player…I like the way you think Botta…and Jesus
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Angry Bill says:
I agree 100% Chris that we should be swinging for the fences with most if not all of the 2009 picks. But I think that philosophy should apply to forwards, dmen, and goalies.
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I completely agree with the idea of swinging for the fences and drafting more possible top forwards… unless there is a dman sitting there at that next pick who is just too good to pass up. The nice thing about having 4 of the top 37 picks in this draft is that the Isles have a good chance to make everyone happy.
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Frank says:
Totally agree, CB. I like how you confidently wrote “After the Islanders draft John Tavares first overall next month”. BTW have you seen the NHL.com’s Mock Draft with the Isles taking Hedman and then some goalie at 26th?!?! Unbelievable… so glad I can read this blog and hear some sense spoken about the Isles’ draft situation. We definitely need to move up from 26th and take another highly skilled forward. Keep up the great work!
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hathead68 says:
Tavares at no.1 overall, Kassian via trade up with 26th, 31st and late second rounder, plus early 3rd rounder (and/or another piece if necessary), and 6’8″ dman Taylor Doherty at 37th overall, and best goalie available in 3rd round, and we are set. Isle go home with best draft in over 30yrs.
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Steve says:
I, as most fans, are behind your leadership 100%, Chris. The old addage, offence wins games, defence wins championships…and the best defence is a great offence!
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hathead68, like the way your thinking those three are some of my favs in the draft. I’ve seen Doughty slipping to the end of the 2nd round I don’t know why but he’d be great to get there. No more small soft players that is the only way the draft could get messed up no matter how talented they are.
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Patrick says:
Isn’t a reverse Bailey maneuver still illegal in some states?
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Josh says:
With you there, Chris.
I believe the Isles should be drafting a large, bruising, stay-at-home defenseman at 26. The only problem being that there are none that fit that profile at the time the Isles are on the clock, unless they want to risk it and take a stab at a second or third rounder (which doesn’t make much sense when they’re loaded with those pick in those rounds).
Hence, it only makes sense to really go after a skilled forward at 26.
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Islanders1984 says:
CB you wrote -”After the Islanders draft John Tavares first overall next month”
Are you that confident they will be taking him. Or do you perhaps know what Mr Snow is already going to do with the pick.
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bergie20 says:
i really like defenseman tim erixon (son of jan) from sweden. he’s probably 2 years away from the nhl. very good all around d-man with some size. i think he’s still there at 26. if they go with offense, i like than ethan werek and jeremy morin. if i trade up to the mid-first round, i take scott glennie whose fast, big, and finds the back of the net. this draft could go so many ways after the first 5 or so players. very hard to read who will go where.
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Craig says:
I know that he won’t be picked in the first round since he’s deemed as a stretch, is very small, blah blah….
but I hope the Islanders use one of their 2nd round or 3 round picks on Toni Rajala. I think he’d be a player similar to Petrov that he’d be a low risk, high reward player.
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Blizzard says: That Runbald guy looks interesting…..Im all for drafting forwards though. Im so sick of the grinders, the Hilberts etc…. we need some Jam upfront. We havent had much of any kind of offense since the Turgeon days…….
Norris trophy winners are nice, dont get me wrong. But in this NHL and with this coach and system organizationally we need Kassian. TKO line as someone suggested.
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Robert says:
I was waiting that whole blog for you to name these top skill guys you want the Islanders to go after, but you didn’t name one player CB… So I’ll do it for you..
I have been screaming for months, get Jordan Schroeder!! Jordan Schroeder is the exact type of player you are talking about in this blog…. He will be the last of the 5 or 6 elite skill forwards taken because of his size… But he has proven at every level so far, it isn’t an issue… He lit up the University of Minnesota score sheet this year as a freshman, as well as being the leading scorer for the US World junior team.. More points at the world juniors then older very high draft picks such as Colin Wilson who went in the top 10 last year… Schroeder should go in the 10-12 range and with an inch or two more height would be in the top 5 or 6 picks…
CB, you told me I was crazy a few months back if I thought we could get Schroeder after already snagging the #1 pick… Well if you are suggesting we grab an elite skill forward, in my book, Schroeder is the last of the “sure bets”.. Of course some other guys will emerge as great players, but picking that guy is a crap shoot after Schroeder.. Here are my elite skill forwards for this draft and the type of players CB is talking about:
1. Tavares
2. Kane
3. Duchene
4. MSP
5. Schroeder
I don’t put Brayden Schenn on that list because he is more of a banger and grinder than a pure skill guy…. Of the guys on this list, Schroeder is the only one we have a legitimate shot at without trading the top pick, because Schroeder slips a bit to the 10-12 spot.
Tavares and Schroeder along with Bailey and Okposo!!!! Wow! -
For everyone screaming about Kassian, CB listed him as an option for the middle of first round or 26th pick, NOT an elite scorer whom he is suggesting to make a bold run at in this blog… Kassian is a moderate move, NOT a bold move… If I’m trading up, I’m trading up for a TOP skill player like Schroder, not Kassian… Kassian is a banger with questionable skating and hockey sense from everything I read…
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Schroder, Kane, Schenn.. Homeruns!!!
Kassian… a double! -
Seth says:
you wrote that after the islanders draft john tavares 1 do you think this is what is goiong to happen?
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Adam M says:
Just as a recommendation, I usually write blog posts in word documents before posting in case the inevitable happens and posts get deleted. Im sure that seems obvious after it happens, but I’ve lost loooong posts before and it is very frusterating. It was a good post, wish I had it saved for you.
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Brian G says:
This team should not be trading any picks unless its a no brainer move…they need so much…I am a big believer in taking the best available player at the draft in any sport…you don’t draft for need, you get the most talented players you can obtain. The Islanders organization doesn’t have much blue chip talent.
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Mike from Queens says:
So, now the Isles *will* draft JT?
I hope you’re right, and I respect your testicular fortitude to make that assertion, but you’re setting yourself up to look silly.
Good luck.
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Kassian is an excellent skater and not just for his size. He also has always led or been near the top in team scoring. There is no part of his game that is marginal. Several writers have stated if the draft were held at 20 yrs old instead of 18 Kassian would be a top 3 pick as his game continues to improve. He has wicked hands and not just for throwing punches. You may remember both he and Doughty checked Tavares during an all-star game, could you imagine what he’d do to Sissy Crosby during the regular season or playoffs? You may have read articles about how fighting during the playoffs is at a recent high. Kassian is a must.
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Alex Kinkead says:
We should draft Oliver Roy so he can beat the **** out of some Rags lol
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I agree with being careful about trading away any of the picks between #26, 31 and 37….. This draft is see even as far as the talent level after the first 7 or 8 picks… There are 30 guys that could go 15th or 35th…. We could sit still and have some gems fall in our laps… If you are not gonna trade up into the top 10, then just sit still and be pleasently suprised at who is still there with those three picks… I guarantee one of those big 6 forwards CB mentioned is there at 26 if the Isles want one, and plenty other highly skilled players.
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JZimm says:
If they can get into the mid-first round, gotta go with Ryan Ellis. Yes, he’s a defenseman, but if you were ever looking for a long term power play quarterback… look no further. He shoots missles from the point, and at least at the junior level, he keeps pucks in the zone like a few Rangers did in 1994 (Leetch and Zubov). If he’s there in the mid 1st round, and the Islanders move up, passing on him is regrettable. Would honestly rather have Ellis than Hedman.
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why is their so little support over the possibility of trading up for Schroeder? He was awesome for US world Juniors, stood out with older, drafted players on the team… that’s BS the whole size thing; the kid can play hockey! I don’t buy the whole “if he were 2 inches taller” crap… that’s nonsense… get the kid and watch hin put in 25 goals NEXT season! He’s better for Minn . than Blake Wheeler was, and he tore it up this year; watch this kid star…
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GGC says:
Just as there are All Star potential forwards in the range of the 2nd 1st rounder, according to professional scouting reports, there are also a wealth of All Star potential D men, or, at worst, top-4 caliber (e.g. OEL, Runblad, Erixon, Despres, De Haan).
Take BDA, best defenseman available, and balance out the prospect cupboard. If there is someone on their radar that is in the teen range, possibly move up; especially if said player falls. I’d prefer one with size and mobility, a rare commodity I know.
Again, in the name of diversifying the prospect cupboard. When’s the last time the Isles have had an elite D prospect?
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Brad says:
Carolina won because of cam ward, he is a mad man, and an extremely underrated defensive core. Take the best player you can get in the draft reguardless of position if your the isles, you need help everywhere. to 43 Chara off the top of my head. Logie’s idea to try to get the 2 and 3 pick is brilliant and it works for all parties garth should do it.
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MarinerIslanderSean says:
If you can trade up to 10-12 and get Schroeder, you do it. I’ve been hoping they can somehow pull this off for awhile.
If they stay at 26, I’d like them to take Zach Budish if available. Could be a steal. Budish is a 6’2″ 230 lb. power forward type who could drop due to concerns with his knee after he tore his ACL last year. He literally is a middle linebacker on skates (was All-Minnesota in football last year) and some speculate he would have been Mr. Hockey this year instead of Nick Leddy if it wasn’t for the injury. Budish will join Aaron Ness and Schroeder on the Gophers next year.
Carl Klingberg is another possibility that I haven’t seen mentioned here. Another bruising type with scoring ability from Sweden.
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dman, hathead #22 thats what i was going to write. take tavares trade up for kassian. also get dohert and ill be the happiest SOB on this side of the country.
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isles72 says:
whats nice about the extra picks in the 2nd round is we can take a guy like Toni Rajala because he’ll likely slide due to size concerns .Teams that have very few picks will not take a chance on him
youtube rajala
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfBlMF5G70c -
Irish Isle says:
I think if we truly have learned anything this playoffs is that the deeper you get the more size matters.
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bossy22 says:
We as Islander fans make it sound so easy to trade up. You have to assume that teams sitting with the 12 to 16 picks have the same players we are talking about on their radar. I would love to see a package of picks to move up and take another player that could “possibly” play next season, but it won’t be as easy as one may think.
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the bomber says:
my wife says just that. unfortunately i lack elite level size.
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CJCB says:
Kassian! Tavares #1 Kassian #2. Sign Komisarik. Draft day ala Milbury. Lets get it DONE!!!!
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Leviticus says:
now the armchair GM’s who never saw anyone play, and wouldn’t know how to scout anyway, have decided Kassian is ‘the guy’… Unbelievable!
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mrlbem says:
I’d be for Schroeder, but I think that Jeff Tambellini has ruined it (at least with respect to our fan base) for any prospect who is vertically challenged (that applies to Ryan Ellis as well).
On another note, CB, you really should be chosen by the Islanders as host of the Draft Party this year. While it would interfere with your blogging live from the Draft Party, you would do a better job than Buccigros (sp?) last year or our radio guys. You are the true voice of the Islander Fan and live and die along with the rest of us with all the crap going on, both on and off the ice.
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I agree….go offense early and often. Go for the most skilled offensive players. There are a couple of sleeper Euros in this draft with high skill levels that Snow can probably grab in the 2nd round as well.
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Oren says:
I’ve read on HF’s that the Finnish Rajala is moving up the chart as far as value. He’s only 5’9 but supposedly has unbelievable offensive skill…something we lack. Size is important but sometimes its how you use that size thats important. If he’s available I hope they grab him with the 1st second rounder.
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Joey303 says:
Have we forgotten about trades? Wouldnt #26,31 bring back one hell of a good forward? I believe it certainly could. Garth and co. have to cover all bases here. When, lets say, #14 is picking and there is a legit chance to move up for a scoring forward, then do it. But dont forget about other teams with salary issues and only a few picks. They will be more than willing to trade. We are in the drivers seat this year, and its up to Garth and co. to get it done. The most important draft year for us in the last 15 for sure. IMO I would take a stab at Gaborik also, ya never know
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Jethro09 says:
Yes, the Isles need more front-line skill up front, but they also need help on the blueline. I think the second first rounder, whether its #26 or higher, must be used on a d-man, provided that Snow does the right thing and drafts JT first overall.
I know they have some prospects in the system, but none of them really jump out as elite talent. Kessel, Katic, Kohn are not going to be top three d-men in the NHL. They are filler. Ness, Hamonic and Niemi may be a little better, but I don’t think they’ll be top pair d-men. A top pair d-man who plays in the mold of Brendan Witt that has a little offensive ability would be a steal with that second first rounder if they can pull it off.
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Robby D says:
Isles should target Kreider and Klingburg. I’d say Kassian but we’d have to trade down for him. He won’t be around at 26.
Kreider’s scouting report in the Hockey News says that his skating ability is beyond the NHL. He skates as well or better than players in the NHL. He is also 6-2 205. Speed with that size could equal a real good player.
Hey JOEY303, you should forget about trades! Look what trades have done to this franchise. We should never want to ever trade again after the raping we took for so many years. Trades are the kiss of death for us. You need a skilled Gm like Lou lamoriello to pull off good trades.
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I’m with the Shroeder guys on this. If the Isles can move up, that’s the guy I’m taking.
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Blizzard says:
Size? two words…Zach Parise.
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bob l says:
I personally would love to see Ryan Ellis here, that would make for some solid PP bluelining, but hey, why not ask JT how he liked playing with NAZ? he should be around in the mid-teen range picks, go get him and let him play together…plus JT will get a little revenge on him by making him wear 61 this time, and taking the 91 for himself
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We already won the draft lottery. Every Islander fan site, message board, blog etc. it’s unanimous. The fans want Tavares. After that, there is no reason for fans to get in a huff over what they’ve read in the Hockey News, TSN’s site, CBC, Sportsnet etc, etc. and even seen in a few world Jr tourney games. There is no one here who has more inside info than Jankowski and I’m putting my faith in him. This is his draft. My hope is that they’ll do the most prudent thing and draft the BEST ranked player they have on the board for each subsequent pick after Tavares. Not draft the best offensive, defensive need etc.
Build up your assets. In the end, it doesn’t matter. We’ve already won and that’s worth a great sigh of relief after the season we just had. Now, let’s breath fresh air into this franchise with some youth and give them a chance to develop. No more inane trade downs, trade ups or fantasy jackpots. As mentioned, we already won the jackpot prize. The rest is gravy and some. -
Mark P says:
Agree…We need to have 4 high end “gifted” offensive players to compete:
We may have 2…Bailey and Okposo. Tavares….We do need a 4th. Shroeder is a guy the Isles have probably scouted alot through Ness visits and WJC…if he drops out of top 10…he could be the type of play making wing Tavares will need. I like the thought of a PF like Kassian as well. A guy like Trent Hunter can play on the second line if he is surrounded by players with top end skill. He can go in the corners and get the puck…and can easily pop in 20 goals when healthy. he just can’t be one of the lead guys….but if he is the weak link on a line…he could succeed.
Defense is a hard position to project anyway. Seems like these guys can be “plucked” in FA. We should stay awy from drafting 5-10/5-11 Dman this year….We have plenty of D prospects that are small. I big hitter or at least a guy with a huge wingspan to clog up the passing lanes would help in round 2. -
I like Schroeder a lot, but he almost certainly wouldn’t be on the board for us unless we somehow, through a trade or probably 2, turned the 26th pick into a top-10 selection. That also goes into the age-old question of drafting the best player or drafting for positional need – if they do what I’d like them to do with the top pick, and then draft Schroeder, like some are suggesting, then you have Tavares, Bailey, Schroeder, Nielsen, Smith, Iggulden, Colliton, and the vets at center….I’d imagine Tavares plays the wing his first year, likely with Weight or Bailey in the middle, but I’m hoping for a big winger or a skilled d-man with the other first rounder, after they take Tavares.
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art says:
Arguing against taking forwards in the draft is like arguing against motherhood! Nevertheless you can make the case for trading piks and players for underperforming under 30 established 50 point veterans who will not become ufas. The league is full of such players who became stars with a change of locale, Even the best later round piks take 2 to 4 or more years to make the NHL. If Wang is to be patient he needs to put a playoff contender on the ice THIS YEAR! That will fill seats, fill newspaper columns and the internet. Headlines of developing players somewhere in western Canada won’t keep our team on the Island.
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Erik says:
I’m still a big Ethan Werek fan, I think he’ll be around at #31.
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Chris from bellmore says:
What is everyones opinion on Ray Ferraro’s Son. If he is anything like his father then i feel he is exactly what we need.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
CB you hit the nail on the head.
You can get it down with good collective defensive effort. Besides we have Streit.But the best teams in league. We need Finishers. You can teach anything in hockey except SKILL.
Draft two fowards with first round picks and find your defensive prospects in 2nd and 3rd round.
LETS GO ISLES.
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Giaco says:
The Isles needed a scoring/top foward last year as well and they had Filitov (sp) land in there lap and they traded down twice to get a playmaking center.
What makes anyone thinl this year is different?
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streit02 says:
Im all for trading up. If we have a chance to draft another elite player then we have to do it. I would prefer a forward bc i believe our defensive prospects are better right now (basically hamonic & ness) should be locks (i use the word “lock” cautiously) for 2 out of a future top 4 D. The Islanders organization is full of prospects from the 30-40 draft range. We need to utilize this opportunity if it presents itself to move up in the draft to grab a player with good top 6 potential. We’re filled with 3rd and 4th liners and if anyone is going to crack the top 6 it will be from a player whos best contributions will be to compliment his other two linemates maybe with some grit. The only top 6 guys we have are bailey, okposo and hopefully tavares. Guys like Bergenheim, Comeau, Joenssu, Hunter, will never be a go to player on the wing. We dont need any more complimentary players.
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Mikey says:
The Isles need elite offensive skill, but we also need big, skilled defenseman and more goaltending depth. A team like the Blues or Kings with very good prospect depth can maybe use this approach, but the Isles are very shallow everywhere. You draft the best player available, and then move those assets down the line to plug holes in your lineup. That is the tried and true way to build a champion, and it will never change. Imagine if Bill Torrey followed CB’s advice at the 73 draft:
“It was a tough call at number one, but we went with Lysiak because he’s proven to be a scoring sensation throughout his junior career. I’m sure Potvin will be a good defenseman in this league for many years, but you can’t argue with Lysiak’s unbelievable offensive output with Medicine Hat. Goal scoring is really the future of the NHL. I mean look at the Candiens this year…Cournoyer, Lemaire, and this young gun Guy Lafleur. How can we keep up with that, unless we have elite offensive skill? Defenseman Dave Lewis was on the board in the third round, but again I feel we need more offense to compete with the Canadiens. We drafted Ron Smith last year, and I feel we can pick up defensemen through trades and free agency.” – Bill Torrey
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-Big Van Vader says:
If he doesn’t pick Tavares, maybe I can drive to wherever they’re holding the Draft and throw Snow through THEIR Jumbotron.
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Quez says:
In the current NHL, I would not be afraid of drafting a player because of lack of size. Therefore I wouldn’t hesitate to add Ellis or Shroeder, but wouldn’t mind Kass or Kreider. We do need some size @ the wing. CB, I’m interested to hear your thoughts, on guys like Ben Hankowski, Jeremy Morin, and Danny Mattson who might be availabe with on of our 2nd rounders.
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Mikey, i understand your concerns, but you cant compare the draft year of denis potvin’s to this. You can argue all day long about previous drafts. Its also great to have depth in an organization, but the Isles do have depth. Thats all they have. We are an organization filled with depth players. We need real talent. We need go to guys. Bottom line is if you have an opportunity at an extremely talented player you go for it. They do not come cheap via free agency or trade. Its much easier to trade or sign some depth players than it is to aquire talent. And trading a bunch of depth players will not get you talent back in return. Sieze the opportunity!
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Coach B says:
Most of the best offensive players are at the top of the draft. A sleeper for possibly pick 37 is LW Tomas Tatar, the Sloakian who was so impressive at the World Junior.
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CB-I see Iggulden’s name mentioned….is he really somebody we should be thinking about for the future, or is he just a journeymen that was on a one year deal that is interchangeable with all the other AHL veteran scorers/NHL depth that seem to move around each year?
He did show something, but these guys seem to come and go every year. Seems like Trever Smith is destined to be our 5th Center/top Offensive call up for next season? -
Blizzard says:
#69….its real simple, last year we where at number 5, this year we are number one. Do you think if we had the number one last year Snow wouldnt have drafted Stamkos? Please stop it. In the end last years draft might be a success depending on this draft and the development of Baily. No reason to think Snow will trade down.
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admin says:
(71) You make a lot of good points. I also spoke with Torrey and touched on those issues. Where we disagree is that it’s not as black-and-white as forward vs. defense. We’re not talking about Denis Potvin vs. Tom Lysiak 39 years ago. We’re talking John Tavares vs. Victor Hedman in 2009. Different players. I agree: take the best player available. Thanks for the good note…CB
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I hope our Draft ends up something like this if we stand pat with all of our selections through the 1st 3 rounds assuming these are the BPA.
1st. Tavares F
26th.Kreider F/ Elliot D
31st. Werek F/ Hackett G
37th. Budish F/ Roy G
56th. McNabb D
62nd. Doherty D/ Blacker D
3rd from pit. Samuelsson DWe need everything
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kabbage says:
Erik (79) I like that and I think we should stand pat. Look at the players we got in the second round last year (Ness, Hamonic). This year is supposed to be a deep draft as well. Some people think that the Scouting services draft ranking are THE word when quite often many highly ranked players do not develop into the players that they were projected to be. So if you plan on trading up to get a player that may not be as good as the player drafted at the pick you traded away isn’t always the best move. For example, Elliot taken at #26 may turn out better than Kulikov taken at #12-#16, so why trade away draft picks to draft Kulikov?
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Mr. Botta, what would it ake to move up to grab Langdon Ferraro and would he be worth it in your opinion? He scored 4 point in the Last U-18 tournement with team canada. Won the fastest skater at the CHL all star game this past year and scored 37 goals this year with Red Deer. To Me he sounds like an explosive scoring threat that the Isles could use.
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UIF says:
I’m with Chris TMC (20) here. I like the idea of going for forwards, but if a defenseman slips down that’s too good to pass up, take ‘im.
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Smokey says:
I always felt based on scouting reports that the home run in that range would be Budish
Once again, you nailed it Chris. For years, the Isles major problem has been putting the puck in the net. Many of the forwards the team has produced in recent years are solid hockey players – but not scorers. I love Trent Hunter & how he plays the game as much as anybody, but you don’t win a Stanley Cup with a team full of Trent Hunters. You need guys who can put the biscuit in the basket, and this team doesn’t have enough of them, whether it be on the NHL level or at Bridgeport. The Isles need to think offense, offense, offense in this draft.