“YOU’RE SETTING YOURSELF UP TO LOOK SILLY”
One month from today, the NYI will take Tavares
Point Blank on Twitter: http://twitter.com/nyipointblank
Chris Botta is also on Facebook
As most of you have noticed, since John Tavares visited Long Island two weeks ago I’ve taken to writing not-so-subtle lines like, “After the Islanders take Tavares…” and “Relish the drafting of Tavares.”
Reader Mike from Queens, echoing the sentiments of many emails I’ve received lately, posted this in Comments:
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.
For starters, it should be obvious to everyone that I never worry about setting myself up to look silly. If I cared about that, I wouldn’t have written that I’d rather hold on to the first pick and take John Tavares than have Evgeni Malkin on the night Geno and Sid’s Penguins won a spot in the conference final. LOL. (Some fans wrote the deal was a no-brainer, and they’d throw in Kyle Okposo. That was interesting, considering the Islanders once acquired a Hart-nominated Russian center coming off two 40-goal seasons for the second overall pick and a future Norris nominee).
This is how we do the blog. Report what you hear. Write what you feel. Hopefully, the fans respond (oh boy, do they!) and you let the rest take care of itself.
So far, I’m proud to say, the batting average has been pretty good. But there are times, like when I wrote Josh Bailey should go to junior and will go to junior - only to watch the Islanders keep him about five minutes after I posted - well, it happens.
One Islandermaniac contacted me to ask if I was playing up Tavares as a diversionary tactic, a favor to my former colleague Garth Snow. Let me be frank. I worked closely with Garth for a few years. I like the guy. But if my life ever comes down to writing a blog so I can run screens for Garth, really…please just shoot me.
On the subject of John Tavares, I’m an Islanders blogger and this is the franchise’s biggest moment in a long time. I have to take a stand. As a mainstream reporter, blogger or fan, we are faced with two big questions:
1. Who do you think the Islanders should take? I feel strongly that they should take Tavares.
2. Who do you think the Islanders will take? I’m fairly certain the Islanders will take Tavares.
(Here’s an exercise for you. Humor me. Go out and buy a copy of the Draft Preview of The Hockey News. Read it cover to cover. Then write in the Comments section why you think the Islanders should and will draft Victor Hedman, or why you think the Islanders should and will draft Matt Duchene).
To be clear, I may have “testicular fortitude” but I have no stone in the game. I’m not connected to any of the players or their agents. To the fans who say let the Islanders pick the player Snow, Ryan Jankowski and the scouting staff are convinced is the best player available, I hear you completely. That’s exactly what they should do. We can also all agree that the Islanders could use a star at forward and defense.
But as I wrote recently, we don’t get into second-guessing. When it comes to facts, I want to be right first. When it comes to opinions, I want to be right or wrong first. Stir it up. Engage debate. Have some friggin’ fun. It’s hockey, for Terry Crisp’s sake.
If I didn’t write with passion - on a blog called Islanders Point Blank - about what the Islanders should do and will do with the first overall pick, what would be the point of doing this the last eight months?
As of this very moment - exactly one month before the big night - I think the Islanders will select John Tavares with the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. I believe this based on “anecdotal evidence.” (Greg Logan used that term in his live chat with Newsday readers last Monday. I like that). If anything happens in the next month that forces me to re-consider my prediction, I will immediately post a story and the reasons why.
If I maintain my prediction of the team taking Tavares all the way until draft day and the Islanders select Victor Hedman, I’ll have been wrong. And then I’ll just go back to writing the blog the same way I always have: with strong opinions and with a hunger to get as much right as I can.
My opinion that they should draft Tavares will not change over the next month. If the Islanders pick Hedman, you’ll know how I feel. After voting for Tavares since before the lottery win, there will be no point in another month of columns why I disagree with the decision. It will be done.
I’ll absorb the 670 Comments from readers telling me what a turd I am. I’ll simply go back to work. In this case, I’ll just start writing about the Islanders career of a very, very talented 6-6 defenseman from Sweden or the young man some experts believe is the next Steve Yzerman. Or both.
But if I had to put money down, I’d bet on the Islanders taking John Tavares one month from today.
Comments.
105 Responses to ““YOU’RE SETTING YOURSELF UP TO LOOK SILLY”
One month from today, the NYI will take Tavares”
Please Wait
i hope your right. since ive been an islander fan the best ive seen was yashin. no bossy, trottier, turgeron,lofantaine, palffy. for the matter of hedman i havent seen potvin. but i have seen kenny johnson who was well you all know and becuase they worked so well together ill throw in hamrilik and acuoin becuase those three proved that you dont always need a number dman if you have three very good dmen, and of course streit. what i want to see is a scorer on this team and that man is john tavares. it gets boring seeing stars on other teams beating us on the scoreboard…
the hockey news had an article a week ago or so that said they believed the islanders would take john tavares first overall. honestly, for a franchise on the brink of decimation, how do you pass on a marquee player like john tavares. he will give the islanders everything they could hope for on what may be one of the more important seasons this franchise has seen since 1985.
at the least, all eyes of the hockey world will be on the islanders come october (especially in canada) maybe we even get a winter classic game out of it, who knows! but i’m pretty sure hedman alone wont put us on the map!
Agreed
marking your territory - i like that chris!
I hope Chris is right, but I strongly believe we will NOT take Tavares..Snow will be offered lots of deals for the #1 pick. If he accepts if any of those deals that assures us of not taking J.T..If the scouting staff feels J.T. Hedman and Duchene or 2 out of 3 are about the same in value, most likely we will trade down to p/u an extra asset..#3 Snow has gone on record that he wants to move up in the Draft w/ the 26th overall pick. What better way of doing that than Moving down from 1 to 2 or 3 & grabbing an extra asset to do that?…Number 4: Lots of Rumors that Isles will draft Hedman..#5 The Isles never do the Convential thing..If Snow thinks any of the Top Players are undervalued(even Schenn, Ekman-Larsson, Svensson, Kulikov, Kane)& are close to or better than J.T. he might trade down to get them.. #6 we have no young star Dman to Build Around..#7 Snow loves High Character players; Gordon loves speed and 2 way play..Hedman
i hope your right….i just see no reason why the isles will pick a guy first who was not even in the debate for the 1st overall pick 3 months ago….likewise i dont expect the isles to pick hedman as the new lanscape of the NHL clearly shows you need skill players and goal scorers on your team……(tavares, okposos, a healtht DP, and mark streit can be a great nuclear of starting something big on long island) make it happen snow. because if you don’t, i will never spend another penny to go watch an islanders game. this franchise has endured too many mistakes recently and its time to finally shed the label of a laughingstock franchise and get on the road to prominence.
Could not agree with you any more.
John Tavares has been consensus #1 for this draft for last 3 years and that has not changed.
This is not rocket science. This kid has dominated at every level he has played in his life. From peewee, juniors, and on the world stage.
John Tavares will not disappoint. He will be everything he is cracked up to be. Franchise and future NHL allstar or even if he is JUST A GUY THAT GOING TO SCORE 50+ goals each year but not a Franchise guy. That comment still baffles me.
Only people bashing him is canadien media and guys with Draft picks #2 or lower. Isles are in the driver seat.
Tavares will be an ISLANDER.
I just can’t wait till the draft is over. This nonsense is getting old. Its Tavares. That’s the pick. Best pick for the franchise now. Best pick for the franchise in the future. Best pick for the franchise on the ice. Best pick for the franchise off the ice.
I agree with you Chris. I think they’ll end up taking John Tavares and we can finally put the draft talk to bed. Hopefully then we can focus on keeping this franchise where it belongs, on Long Island.
“If I maintain my prediction of the team taking Tavares all the way until draft day and the Islanders select Victor Hedman, I’ll have been wrong. And then I’ll just go back to writing the blog the same way I always have: with strong opinions and with a hunger to get as much right as I can.”
Does this mean the blog is continuing beyond the draft???
We could’ve done the Hockey News exercise back in 2006-07: go out, read the season preview, then come back here and gone out and bought the Hockey News season preview in 2006-07 and come back and write why you think the Isles will finish any higher than 13th.
CB: AMEN! JT BABY!
Tavares all the way. When my ticket rep called to renew my season tix, I said I would renew if they did the right thing in June. He assured me they would, so I think I took care of the problem and they will draft Tavares.
A little while back I heard Garth interview about how he felt that when healthy DP could change the face of a game. His point was that by standing on their head and making unbelievable saves quality goalies can single-handedly affect the outcome of any given game on any given night.
Than being said, I think if he continues to possess that same rationale he will opt for Tavares over Hedman. Not that Hedman isn’t a solid choice but defensemen don’t typically dominate games.
Hedman may be capable of blocking shots or wreaking havoc on opposing forwards, but he isn’t going to potentially score 40 goals in a season and be personally responsible for another few wins here and there.
For that alone, I think the responsible choice would be Tavares.
Chris,
Although the popular consensus is Tavares, either JT or Hedman is a winner. Torrey built a winner around Potvin, and they may revisit that strategy again. A Swedish connection of Streit & Hedman (Persson and Jonsson anyone?), would be a killer combo on D. The Isles like a speedy Dman who can score on the PP, and VH may find a home in that role on the second PP unit. With DP’s future very much in question, they may be considering bolstering the D for whoever winds up in goal. And as you pointed out, we could be in the hunt for a goalie. With all the picks they hold, they may trade for a talented scorer. My fear is that we shoot ourselves in the foot and don’t get either JT or VH.
Tavares!!!! And CB, you certainly display your “testicular fortitude” in each post, not caring what eveyone thinks. Keep it up.
CB, you’re right, they’re drafting Tavares. The BIG question, the MOST INTRIGUING question, is what they do afterwards… what they could trade to move up, who they’re targeting, how high could they go… that’s what the blog should be debating, not the 1st pick!
Unless there’s a Lindros for Forsberg, Ricci, Duchene, Simon, Hextall trade in the works - which I don’t see happening - it’s Tavares… then your guess is as good as mine!!!
Core (15),
Sounds like a plan, except for one problem: Streit is Swiss, not Swedish.
coreofthe4, streit is not swedish, he is from switzerland….i will be a very happy person if the isles select the follwoing players: tavares, kassian,tomas tatar, richard panik, and jarsalov janus…….tatar is a sleeper, he was slovakia’s leading scorer at the WJC
You said turd…
Tavares has to be the pick. No questions asked. Why?
1)He is the best player available hands down.
2)He is what the islanders need right here and right now.
3)He scores goals and last time I checked, the team with the most goals wins the game.
I say the Islanders better walk away with both Duchene and Hedman if they trade away Tavares.
I think like CB. no other option here. JT or bust. (literally BUST!)
In hockey many believe you build from the goalie to defense to forward. But many also belive you take the best available player in the draft. So this means Tavares then a trade or ufa for at least one top 2 defenseman and then trades or ufas for at least 2 top 4 lineman. This may require trading piks and prospects but we must field a playoff contending lineup to have any chance of having Wamg hang on or have a comptetive team to sell to a local buyer. The DP situation will have to be settled by Oct. and who can judge that better than Snow? In my opinion last years two guys are at best backups. In summary JT needs a real team behind him to put up good numbers. We have alot of prospects in the system lets make next season a winner!
“You’re setting yourself up to Look Silly”
That has been what the Islanders have doing for the past 9 years.
So if they pass on Tavares it will just sum up the Phrase. ( not for u CB)
I start to wonder where costs come into effect on this. When time comes for a contract with either Headman or Tavares, who’s contract will cost more Tavares a Steve Yzerman type player ($$$)or Headman a solid all round defenseman.
What i am leading to here is, who is going to cost Wang more money in the future when Wang does everything from 15 year deals to keep yearly salaries low and 1-2 year deals. The signing of a Yzerman type player might demand over 20 mil for 3 years.
Yzerman was paid 22.5 mil for 3 years.
My opinion is Wang might go for the Future lower cost contract where Headman would be alot cheaper than that.
You have to look out 4-5years to see true value and Wang does not over pay or spend money on players of that Caliber unless they sign long term deals.
Tavares might not want that or Wang for that matter. Just looking forward….
Like #23 said…..you take the best player available in the draft. Tavares.
I read THN’s Draft Preview from cover to cover and I can’t make a case for anyone to be picked ahead of Tavares. Yeah, I could talk about building from the blueline out and how defense win championships and all of that other nonsense to sound cliche. But the truth is you need to pick the best player regardless of position and that in my mind is John Tavares. And what wins championships are the teams with the most depth and talent who play as a team, not offense or defense….and a solid goalie helps as well.
Anyone for Taylor Hall next year?
love the confidence cb, love it, if only you were in charge of the draft, the track record though leaves many doors open, and while i agree with you, i think you sound 99.9% sure they take JT, while i would rate it at about 90%
Only one more month to go, I cant wait til it is over and done with!
I was on a Tbay site today….they all want Hedman….and want to trade out of the pick if isles pick him first.
I hope Snow continues to leak out info that Isles are taking Hedman….force Tbay into giving us thier #2 NOT to pick Hedman…then pick JT….the obvious Isles need. If we can squeeze out a little extra, and still get our man…..why not!
The islanders NEED to draft John Tavares. I just don’t understand how Hedman is even in this conversation. Coming out of the junior championships a few months ago the pick was hands down JT. Then Tavares dosn’t have a great playoff series and now all of a sudden everything else hes done is questioned. I honestly laugh when I hear these analysts talking about how Hedman will ‘anchor the blue line for years to come’ what exactly has Hedman done thats so great? all I hear people say is that ‘hes 6′6″ and can skate’…the Islanders need help in ALL AREAS…and why not give the fans what they want and draft a dynamic scorer…ughhhhhh sorry for the rant..nothing here that hasn’t bee said 100x just as a life long Islander fan i’m really afraid Snow is going to SCREW THIS UP.
does anyone know where the draft party is? they better not host it at the coliseum if they are going to choose hedman, because there will be a riot and we will destroy the old barn which will force them to either a) buy into Kate’s plan, or b) move. It will not be good either way. Think of the consequences… picking Hedman is not a smart choice.
hahaha im kidding. JT all the way on the real!!!
LOL, well said, CB.
I also say that they pick JT at #1……it’s what they trade him for afterwards that’s the real question. We need an over / under on how long he’s an Islander.
JT will be the first pick no matter what. Even if Garth and his scouts think Hedman or Duchene are better. The reason is money. Wang needs to cover all bases when it comes to this team. If he doesn’t get the Lighthouse I am sorry to say he more than likely sell the team. What about Queens or Brooklyn? Well they sound great to us fans, but lets be realistic. Wang will not get a development deal on the scale of the lighthouse at either of those places. Wang is a businessman first and having a potential superstar like JT would increase the value of this team if it becomes necessary to sell.
Speaking of Taylor Hall, found this up on the hfboards site…
Hall, whether Windsor wins today or not, will carry the mantle as the top NHL prospect into the 2010 draft. He has been following what’s been going on with Tavares.
“We don’t talk a lot but you see what’s being said about him and I think he’s handled this really well,” Hall said. “They talk about Hedman but I’ve played against them both and there’s no doubt in my mind Johnny’s going to be the first pick overall and have a better overall career.
“Nothing against Victor, he’s a good skater, but John’s going to put up points and the intangibles he has make up for anything people think he’s missing.”
http://www.edmontonsun.com/sports/hockey/2009/05/23/9549321-sun.html
Suggesting that someone “shoot you in the head” if you become a lackey for Snow seems a little heavy for an isles blog.
I really want Tavares.
CB, thanks very much for this post. We have butted heads about the draft a few times in the comments section, but I understand what you are doing. If I ran a blog with thousands of readers, I would also try to stir the pot, ignite some debate, and drive people to my site. I don’t always read the blog for your opinions, but I respect your right to say your piece on your own space. My only problem during the past month is that you have sometimes twisted the facts to support your conclusions: a) You recently claimed Tavares was number one in Central Scouting without clarifying that Central Scouting also has Hedman number one; b) you have falsely claimed that Hedman was only recently suggested as a number one pick by some “cage-rattlers.” Some of your loyal readers put a lot of faith in you, so it is your duty to make sure that you are not giving false information. It’s sad that many people without any knowledge of the draft have read your posts and concluded that JT is the “consensus” number one pick. I understand that you want to bring some passionate debate to Islander Country, but you also owe your readers the truth.
enough of this trade down stuff..it has to be J.T. he was higher rated then stamkos last year, hes the top rated this year and its early but he better than anyone next year, now how many players can say that…p.s. i just picked up my islanders #91 jersey so someone is gonna owe me 2 bills if they blow this.
Honestly, there is no wrong choice, whoever they pick will be a great addition for the future.
Should: VICTOR HEDMAN
Will: John Tavares
Love when people want us to stack picks cause we can get Tyler Hall next year, did everyone forget we are the Isles, no way we win the lottery 2 years in a row, dont mess with the hockey Gods
Thehockeynews.com has an article on us and tavares
Bailey should have stayed in JR.
He would have won a gold medal, OHL Champs, and Memorial Cup Champs.
Isles should draft Tavarses.
Everybody agrees… Talent, Tickets Sales… nothing but positives.
Hopefully… the Isles find a home this fall.
Chris Botta, you are the MAN! Love reading every single one of your posts. First thing I do when I wake up in the morning and I am constantly checking throughout the day and I couldn’t agree more with your comments.
I wanna believe you when you say we are taking JT….but for some reason i keep hearing “THERE HAS BEEN A TRADE”
It doesnt matter who we get if the Isles arent here anymore…
Thats all we need to focus on, call Mondello and demand an apology!!!
CB ~ I’m with you 1000000% … I not only think the Isles will take Tavares … I also think it’s the right pick … and I know that I will receive responses to this comment that say that I have never seen him play in person … or that I can’t go by You Tube … and my response to them is … yeah … you’re right … b/c you can’t … for that matter that would apply to supporting the Isles drafting any player … my sure thing projection as Tavares as the best player at the draft has to do with his career body of work to date vs. those of the other players, CB’s dead-on player analysis which he gets from many scouts, the majority of scouts opinions, and yes … the few games that I was able to see of the players … and countless clips of the top 10 players in the draft… No comparisson between JT and the rest.
THN, We are not trading Tavares we are picking him and he will be a mainstay on Long Island for years to come!
BTW .. CB … you have to add a caption to the first picture … That is #19 Johnny Tavares giving #4 Victor Hedman a lift into the player’s bench. I pointed that out on an NHL Central Scouting clip early last month … BTW … everyone can look up NHL Central Scouting’s clips for more info on a lot of projected first rounders … EJ McGuire … who I’ve found to be very accurate and frank in his accessments does some good narration.
Also … there was a website that I came across from a Canadian radio station that actually had a link to the worst of Tavares and Hedman if you want to see their bone head plays the last 2 years … basically I’ve seen NHL seasoned vets do the same bone head plays … but it was only to show that both were human. Hedman seemed to get turned around a lot. I can’t find it now or I’d email it to CB to link to his blog … but if any of ya’s come across it send it to CB.
Keep up the great work Chris, best source for Islander information on the web imo.
There is just waaaaay too much time between the lottery and the actual DRAFT.
Take Tavares. “Enough is enough and it’s time for a change.”-Owen Hart (Another canadian, might I add)
Here’s to hoping Tavares will be the best hockey player in Queens for years to come
I still say take the best player available. That being said it appears to be Tavares and he appears to be the guy that is truly too hard to pass up. It could haunt an organization for 20 years.
Also, there isn’t a trade you could bring me where I’d include Okposo. He’s really dynamic. He reminds me of Ovechenkin a bit on the ice.
I’m all for Tavares, but if it’s Hedman or a trade down for Duchesne I’ll root for them just as hard. Either Hedman or JT (he’ll never realy be “JT” to an Isles fan) and it sounds like they’re in great shape. Exciting time.
I think Snow is trying to get Tampa Bay to feel as though the NYI will take Hedmen and have them trade up to #1 for Hedmen and the Isles get an additional pick from them. Get JT and TB’s 2nd/3rd rd pick maybe? That would be ideal.
Draft Tavares or I’m out as a Islander fan, I take anymore stupid decisions by this franchise. I’m sick of hearing how the Islanders are the least relevant pro team in the ny area. Tavares will make us matter again…. Both goals and defense are keys to winning games, but only one is exciting….
I hope we take Tavares, too, but let’s not get carried away (far too late for that, I’m sure). Anyone counting on the kid to be the saviour of the franchise is setting themselves up for disappointment.
No way do I include KO in any trade. This kid will be an all star.
The Edm Journal is claiming Minn goalie Josh Harding is potentially available via trade. He’s the kind of young rising goalie that would make a fine back up to DiPietro and looking like he is capable of playing as a starter if needed.
I hope Tavares (if he is the Isles pick) take a “normal” number like 29 rather then 91 or 61. However, given he always seems to wear 91, 19, or 61 he seems committed to the # scheme.
#36
Good link to the article out of Edmonton.
Also, again proving the value of Doug Weight during JT’s visit:
“The club showed him around and he had lunch with forward Doug Weight”
This could be a great situation if the Isles do what they SHOULD do !
It must be Tavares and Tavares only!!!! Potential Superstar must be an Islander.
On a side note,I can’t find anyplace which sells the Hockey News on L.I. I have tried everywhere,even the bookstores and no T.H.N. I guess the only way to get it now is through subscription. Does anyone out here know where to find it?
Agree with CB!!!! This is the first time in a LONG time that a crucial draft pick like Tavares can be for this organization. You just cant pass it up! You didn’t see Pittsburgh or Washington trade down to get more picks when Crosby and Malkin were staring at them , did you ?? This hopefully will be the turning point this team needs!! Hire some GOOD assistant coaches that work good with Gordon and this team will make its mark sooner than later!!
Chip Saunders #60…I get the online version on http://www.zinio.com Here on long Island, you will find that a couple of places will carry it and then when you go back , they wont. I find online version better and on PC at all times…plus You can get it as soon Canadians get it. Problem, No Bathroom literature!
Thanks for the Info Tool123.#61 I will be checking that out.
It should be JT. Worst case scouts are predicting him to be in the top 10 in the league in scoring for years. When’s the last time an Islander was top 10 for years on end? That said I’m afraid to bring my kids to the draft party on the odd chance someting dumb happens (ie trading out of the top 3) and the Coli gets burned down.
that article that mentioned that tavares had lunch is indicative of one thing only…isles are def. taking tavares…there was a reason why snow signed weight to a 1 yr extenstion…to show jt the ways of life in the NHL
Agreed! Pick the best player available and that is Tavares.
Also, pick up the best future coach available in Guy Boucher from Drummondville as an assistant!
The Hockey News is nothing more than a Canadian propaganda rag waste of paper that has a sole purpose of promoting the ‘current 6′ teams Detroit, Montreal, Toronto, Flyers, Rangers, and Avalanche. Nothing proves that more than the latest blog from THN writer Rory Boylen who says the Isles should trade John Tavares (#1 pick). Please dont buy or buy into any of this Canadian biased crap or shovel it around as high end sources. Chris please investigate before posting. When the THN is showing Tavares promoted as #1 pick, please find out WHY this rag has done so. I havent had a THN subscription in years, and Ive just been reminded again as to why.
I firmly believe the Isles should and will pick John Tavares #1. However, if things dont get better on the Lighthouse front soon we all may be watching him on center ice in some other town a la quebec fans watching a young Peter Forsberg on the avalanche. Fans and residents need to act this summer if we truly do not want to see the Islanders move, I dont understand why people dont see how real the threat is.
Tool123 (#63) … No Bathroom Literature?? Guess it can be read via a laptop or Blackberry.
that draft preview isn’t there (zinio) anyone else know where to download it?
Dude. I couldn’t read past the part where you compared Geno to Yash. Have you been watching the playoffs?
Geno shows more heart and determination in a single shift then Yashin did in his entire career.
CB- I hope you are right. Not only do I agree with you about selecting Tavares #1 overall, but that the Islanders should go for it offensively and try to move up from 26th overall to grab Zack Kassian. We still can address defense with our other picks. This year we need top talent on offense. Selecting JT just makes perfect hockey sense as well as business sense. There are always two sides to a debate, but JT is the winning argument.
To be honest, the number one pick doesn’t excite me anymore. We will either take Hedman or Tavares. We are not going to take someone who was not even in the picture two months ago(Duchene). And whichever one of those two that we do pick is going to be a great player. Nothing to worry about there.
I am more excited to see what Snow does with the 26th overall, the three second rounders, and two third rounders. What we do with those picks could be pivotal in speeding up the rebuilding process. I am also interested in who the Isles will add NOT from the draft[read free agency and/or the trade market]. Wang HAS to spend 40M regardless, due to the cap floor. Unless he just wants to give the NHL money(a.k.a being penalized for not reaching the floor), we HAVE to add talent through free agency or the trade market.
10 days from today, 2 years ago, NYI announced they were buying out the remainder of Yashin’s contract.
2 year anniversary Jun 6, but first year PB up and running to discuss it.
the second after they draft Tavares we will hear one of the loudest ovations in the NVMC and all across islander country in a long time.
Okposo is a developing star. You draft a player that can match his talent, develop with him, and be 2/3rds of your #1 line for the next 10 years. The player is there! You may not have a chance to draft a player of his caliber again! His talent is undeniable! He already is a star! Every young kid on LI will wear his jersey! He makes the Isles imteresting to all Hockey fans to watch! Draft Tavares , and you can use every draft for the next 5 years to build defense behind the “TKO” line!
my goodness. thank god for this blog. with all the downer news that is coming in about the future of this organization, june 26th will be one of the most exciting, dare i say FUN, days in islanders recent history.
Islander fans, take a moment and let it sink in. The New York Islanders will select a true goal scoring stud that the entire league has been drooling over for years. He’s not injury prone. He’s not a diva. He has not talked poorly about the organization in the press. Here he is. John Tavares. REJOICE!!!!!!! IT’S ALL WE GOT!
i’am sure John Tavares is on june 26 an islander…can’t wait to hear this.
CB–
Hockey News had another article on the Isles and JT saying that they need to take him to fill seats and try to get momentum on the lighthouse, something I noted after the draft preview came out 2 weeks ago. Great article I suggest everyone check it out. In other news I am anxious for the next month and I hope that in the weeks before the draft that the NYI come out and say John Tavares is our man like the LA Clippers did with Blake Griffin following the NBA Draft Lottery. Or for us hockey fans like the Lightning did with Have you seen steve stamkos? HAVE YOU SEEN JOHN TAVARES? he’s better than stamkos as per the fact Johnny would have gone first last year had he been born like four days sooner. come one garth, quit keeping it a secret and declare the teams love for JT
Nice stand but I cannot believe that you would compare a BEAST like Malkin to an older lazy Yashin.
BRING IN JT!
Tool123 (#63) … No Bathroom Literature?? Guess it can be read via a laptop or Blackberry.
No trading down with TB, even if TB wants Hedman. Take Tavares at #1. It would mean alot to him and that is worth more then a 3rd round pick (what we may receive extra from TB). The only thing Snow should be working on is moving up in the draft. Snow is smart and like CB, I believe Tavares will be putting on an Islander Jersey.
Gotta agree w/ Bossy22
Didn’t Dudley say that it left a bad taste with Bouwmeester that even though the Panthers wanted him, they traded down two spots to get him #3. Lets treat JT w/ class, and show him how important he is to our organization and make him #1. Lets treat him like the best looking girl at the bar.
i don’t know if that’s the greatest idea Irish, i mean, after a few drinks, doesn’t every guy usually want to do unmentionable things to the best looking girl at that bar?
Timm (77): true goal scoring stud? not injury prone? not a diva? has not talked poorly about the organization? How do you know? He is not in the NHL yet- so you really cant know any of these things. However if he does wind up an Islander (which I think is likely) I of course hope that you are correct!
I think the Isles have to take Tavares. I think everyone of us can live with Tavares not living up to expectations. I think if the Isles don’t take Tavares and the players they take underacheive than none of us would be able to handle that.
Isles316 - The Isles actually CANNOT live with this pick being a bust. This is why they need to do their homework and try and best determine who will be the best player over the long haul. A bust with this pick will almost ruin the rebuild. If they feel JT will be the best player in this draft long term then that is who needs to be picked. If they feel it’s Hedman than they need to pick him. Who cares what the initial fan reaction will be. Even if they sell out every game next year they will lose money. They have to think long term. If they pick hedman and he becomes the next Lidstrom and we start winning cups, I doubt many people will be upset while we are winning.
??? when ordering my #91 Tavares jersey, should i leave the captaincy spot blank? i think it’s very possible in year #2 or 3 he gets and A or a C on his jersey
“I hope we take Tavares, too, but let’s not get carried away (far too late for that, I’m sure). Anyone counting on the kid to be the saviour of the franchise is setting themselves up for disappointment.”
BR why do you say this? WHY NOT! he is a BIG TIME PLAYER. If he goes #1 there is a TON of responsibility put on your shoulders. I say STACK IT ON! This is what the ISlanders need BADLY. Make the Islanders relevant again in the NY/NJ area. Start with JT and work your way IN. This has to happen and I don’t see messing around with TBay. Just take JT at #1 and try to trade up into the top 10 to get a solid defenseman.
Sorry but I disagree not putting high hopes on JT. I don’t want to scare the kid but he must know the gravity of the situation and if he rises to the challenge he will be a better man for it down the road. This can be his team and he is in New York. You can’t ask for a better opportunity for a kid than this. Even though the rest of the league things he will be wasted if he comes here. They don’t remember the good days when the Islanders were a NHL powerhouse. The fans are there in NY, NJ and CT and will come out regardless what building he plays in.
They pick Tavares I’m getting my #91 jersey…are you?
I’ve warmed up to the idea of drafting Hedman, have to be honest.
With that said, this is as monumental as it is status quo. We need to walk away from the podium with Tavares.
snow i doubt your reading this but i will write it anyways i am a suffering islander fan for my whole life and i havent lived the glory days i am a young islander fan and no matter how many stupid things the front office did i stuck with them and will do the same no matter the outcome of the draft but!!! this has to be the greatest thing to happen to the islanders in my lifetime as a islander fan so im asking you just like 95% of islander country is
PLEASE DRAFT TAVARES!!!!
It can not be overstated how important a full colliseum is in keeping this team on the Island. filling seats with promotions is better than empty ones but it doesn’t pay bills. Yes letting kids in for nothing is commendable and a full arena is vital on a network telecast but it can’t keep Wang here. Last year the team couldn’t score, play defense, or stop the puck! Tavares is only a great start. The draft will not change anything for a few yeares. We must trade for, sign ufas, next month or we will be playing like last season with an AHL offence plus KO and Bergy, bailey, comeau, and maybe 3 or 4 others who are NHL material. The defense is better and of course the big ? DP. A fast start this fall is the only way to keep the franchise on the Island!
Lets pick JT and automatically have the top young hockey player (with Parise) in the Metro area. If he does what he is supposed to do (score goals) he will bring us all the attention we need.
I don’t think you all realize how much better bailey going to become. He cut out of the same mold. He wants to be the best. While he won’t be type of scorer that kyle or our future john tavares going to be, he going to show us a lot more of next season
Can’t wait till june 26th.
I must have touched some kind of nerve. Between twitter and other posts, I think this is the third mention of that particular comment. At least my grammar was solid.
I also stand by my assertion. You can write with passion, encourage the Isles to pick whomever, rile up the base with the good old “Rah-rah” rhetoric, and avoid saying with certainty who they will pick. I’m not saying Chris shouldn’t have said it; I don’t care much about how far he sticks his neck out. Yet, stick his neck out he did. That’s all I meant to say.
And, like I said, I hope he’s right, and I hope he looks good in the end.
I agree about Baily, this is one kid who I think will be a very good NHL’er. Sees the ice well and showed some great vision and playmaking ability for a 19 year old out of juniors. Has a nice quick hard shot too. I have him pegged as a future captain.
I will gladly buy a #91 Tavares jersey the same day we draft him.
#61: The Borders Books on 110 in Farmingdale (with the Home Depot and movie theatre) is well stocked with the issue.
I just picked one up after striking out at all the local Barnes and Nobles…
I too will definitely be getting a Tavares jersey! Most likely the 3rd jersey, eventhough i just got a 3rd KO jersey, they are just sooo nice! i hope he takes #61! Thats my #!
Heck, I grabbed one a few days ago at the local Wegman’s supermarket. Not as in-depth as previous draft preview issues, primarily because they spent time griping about how weak the 2011 draft looks. I did appreciate the capsule reviews of their top sixty prospects, however.
Guerin’s in the finals! Got a goal last night, too. Good for him. Too bad Snow couldn’t have made that conditional pick advance one round for each round that Pittsburgh won, we’d have another top-30 selection.
PS - rest in peace, Peter Zezel.
#2 michael- I beg to differ but this the most important season for the franchise since 79-80. We were the “chokers”. Even after reaching the cup and up 3 gms to 2 if we lose that game/series the team is broken up and my guess is maybe a cup if we are lucky.
Now we face a team on the brink. We are the worst team in hockey over the past 15 years. This is the last chance to get some credibility. How many teams, in any sport, have blown 2 first overall picks in the time span that we did.
Tavares, even if you think there are 5-10-50 better players, has to be the pick. You have to take the marquis guy, no questions, garths hands are tied.
It can’t be traded for anything or anybody, and it won’t.
Go Garth
Go Ryan J
Go Charles and the LH
F-Kate!!!!!
So,Gary, you want to spend borrowed money on a stadium and megaplex for a team that in your own words is “the worst in hockey the past 15 years”. ? Hmmm.
Draft the best player to help win the cup.
Our thoughts with John Tonelli. Hopefully he doesn’t let this happen again.
JT or KC!!!!
Exactly…worst team, my favorite team, the only sport team I live and die for.
Not to mention the benefit to Nassau, my home for 43 years.
The LH deal makes or breaks the isles as well as my home.
I’m gone in 7 years when my youngest goes to college if it doesn’t get done.