BUTCH GORING AND THE SWEDISH KID
Dynasty center on why the pick should be Hedman
Even before the Islanders won the lottery, “quintessential final dynasty piece” Butch Goring was talking up defenseman Victor Hedman as the player the Islanders must pick first overall on June 26. I finally tracked down Butch today to get his reasoning.
He made it clear before we started that he had not seen much of Hedman, John Tavares or Matt Duchene. His recommendation was based on what he’s been told about the players, his own experience in the game and his feel for what the Islanders need.
“The Islanders should go for the top defenseman,” said Goring, now a studio analyst for MSG Network. “If you look at the last couple of years, they’ve done a pretty good job of adding young forwards – Sean Bergenheim, Kyle Okposo, Josh Bailey, Frans Nielsen, Blake Comeau. But in the system, they lack top defensemen.
“I don’t know if Victor Hedman is going to be a bonafide No. 1 defenseman, but everyone you talk to says that at worst he’ll be a No. 2. The Islanders need someone like Hedman. They have a player in Mark Streit who can carry a power play and do great in both ends, but they don’t have that big and mobile defenseman who can chew up a lot of minutes like Hedman will. In today’s game, you have to be able to move the puck. With Streit and Hedman, the Islanders would be set for a while in that area.
“Hedman is also more ready to play in the NHL next season. If they draft Tavares or (Matt) Duchene, there will be pressure for them to make the team. There’s no doubt the Islanders will keep either of them up. But you have to wonder if they are ready. They have been playing against other teenagers in the Ontario Hockey League. Hedman has been going up against men in the Swedish Elite League and he has fared extremely well.
“You just don’t see defenseman available in the draft with the credentials of Hedman. For me, he is the right pick for the Islanders.”
Get Yer Draft Party Tickets: The Islanders report that as of today 14,224 fans have picked up their free tickets to the team’s Draft Party. If you don’t already have yours, here’s where to get them.
Comments on this story only. Planning on multiple posts each day during the countdown to the draft. Enjoy the home stretch.
177 Responses to BUTCH GORING AND THE SWEDISH KID
Dynasty center on why the pick should be Hedman
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Pez says:
love butch but have to disagree with him taveres WILL make the team if drafted and you cant SIGN for taveres’ talent i’m positive you can sign a UFA with close to Hedmans skills but noones gonna let go of a crosby or ovechkin or at least not any time soon if taveres hopefully comes close to that
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Mike Cavalluzzo says:
If Butch was 1/2 as good at Scouting as he was at Coaching he’d understand that the Islanders as currently constructed can pick up a decent Defenseman via Free Agency (Mark Streit, Brendan Witt, Mike Komisarek, Jay Boumeester) much more easily than they could pick up an Offensive Talent such as John Tavares.
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I am not sure Butch is the smartest hockey mind. I would agree with the rankings more and think Tavares will be the better player.
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Bryan says:
Butch I’m with you 100%
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Schultz39 says:
Not a bad argument there, Butchie.
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isles99 says:
i respectfully disagree with butch. tavares has played in the OHL since he was 14. what elese do you want him to do butch? i also get so annoyed when ppl say the sweidsh elite league competition is tougher. although they might be playing against men, that does not mean that the talent level of those men is equivalent to the talent level of teens in the OHL. the swedish elite league is not the NHL. one more thing, someone had a great post the other day: something that went like Chris Pronger was the last defenseman selected in the top 5 to win the Cup or something. that says a lot to me. when VH develops, he might be past his entry level deal. on the contrary, forwards take less time to develop and can have an immediate impact. especially with a guy like JT who is deadly from the faceoff in. someone also has another GREAT stat the other day that went like nearly 80 percent of ALL playoff goals were scored from the circles down which is JT’s specialty. also, you need elite offense these days in the NHL. look at the penguins, sergei gonchar is not that franchise defenseman. offense rules in today’s NHL. i hope butch goring gets the note.
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isles68 says:
Butch is crazy…im pretty sure tavares wont have a problem making the team next year. Islanders havnt had a goal scorer in 3 years and have been the least scoring team in the last 3 years how will a DMAN help us. please pick TAVARES or this will be a huge bust!!
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i just laugh when some people don’t stick to their own opinion(s). its like whenever someone big says something, ppl tend to agree with them. i know its bad to generalize but its so true for some people.
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mapisles2025 says:
i dont agree with this at all. how u pass up on JOHN TAVARES? I’ve been reading about this kid for the past 3 years.
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did anyone watch the world jr.’s i mean you didnt even here of hedman all tournament Tavares put up big #’s and was the man that tournament…hedman played with kids his age and didnt prove anything compared to Tavares. so by him playing in the swedish elite league doesnt mean anything. like #5 said tavares was playing in the OHL at 14!!
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todd says:
there’s another thing here, I also happen to believe wholeheartedly that Torrey would also take the Defenseman since he always did when faced with a decision. RIght now the team needs everything and d comes first in his mind. So If Butchie and Torrey go with the d, then I can’t possibly disagree with them.
ALso, why did that guy say “Butchie is not the best hockey mind.” Why would anyone say such a thing. Look at the evidence in his favor before you misjudge him. If anyone has the nerve to judge him based upon what happened to him while mike jerk milbum was his boss, they are crazy. Here’s butchie’s evidence: 4 cups as a player, and at least 3-4 more as a head coach in various pro leagues. How is that having a bad hockey mind? -
orngfan says:
speaking of watching things, did anyone watch when butch goring coached this team? i know his cupboards were pretty bare but come on, its not like he’s historically had the best mind in hockey. i agree with comment from isles68 above. tavares shined in the wjc and hedman was invisible. both players played vs. the same competition, one won the gold medal too, and he wasn’t swedish.
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Vukota says:
#10 what graet hockey mind bases his opinion on what other people say?
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West Coast Fan says:
You tell ‘em, Butchie.
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offense is JUST as important as defense and vice versa, why do ppl assume that defense is more important and therefore we should make the defensive pick first. fact is, we shouldn’t make a pick becuase defense is more important….we should make a pick based on who we beleive is the better player ….i beleive the evidence is overwhelmingly in case for tavares
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Pete DeBenedetto says:
To Butch and anyone else out there listening…..
…..Hedman will go 3rd
Tavares 1
Duschene 2
Hedman 3Swedish elite league isn’t NHL….ask Jorgen Jonnsen, Joni Rita, Nick Andersson, etc, etc, etc……….
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Andy Badger says:
I don’t get how people can criticize the Canadian media when Tavares is scrutinized before the draft and then take their word when the same guy is hyped during the worlds.
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Jimmy Sparx says:
Pressure on Tavares to make the New York Islanders hockey club………lol. Now that is a joke!!!!!! Stick to sitting in the stands reporting how the ice looks Butch…..lol.
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Matt says:
tough to argue against butch.
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Mikey says:
Butchie makes a great point: it is essential to have mobile defensemen who can move the puck up the ice. Because Victor is a defenseman, a lot of people here dismiss his potential to be a catalyst for our offense and transition game. The Islanders need to ask themselves if JT has the potential and drive to be much more than a power play specialist in the NHL. If they think the answer is NO, then I cannot see them passing on Hedman. If JT has the ability and determination to overcome his shortcomings, however, he may be too good to pass up. It all depends on their assessment of his character and willingness to be a well-rounded player.
On a related note, I don’t think any GM would draft a player based on his performance at age 14 or 15. Robbie Schremp was awesome as a youngster, but he can’t crack an NHL lineup today.
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A. What good is a mobile D-Man if the forward takes his beautiful outlet pass and shoots if off the top of the glass behind the goaile?
B. Schremp was not even in the same league as JT when they were kids…
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JZimm says:
Still, a natural goal scorer is the hardest thing to find in hockey. Go with Tavares.
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Frank says:
I respect Butch alot, but he couldn’t be any more wrong on this topic. First, the Isles already have a better puck-moving/minute-eating/top-D-man in Mark Streit. Second, we all know Hedman or Tavares will be starters next year, but if you wanted to say who has the better chance you have to say JT does. Come on people why can you not see that Hedman, Duchene, etc. don’t have any where near the talent that JT does! It doesn’t matter anyway… all that does matter is what SnoJanks thinks…
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Islanderfan1967 says:
I agree with Butch… WE can score it’s keeping the other team from scoring on us… With DP we can rest a LITTLE but if HE can’t stay healthy we NEED back up… Doesn’t matter HOW many we score if the OPPOSITION scores MORE…
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tool123 says:
Shut Up Butch! Damn you! ;0)
Look at the Penguins and not a #1 d-man…so you can win with a bonafide top D-man. Get the #1 D or find one in next years draft. Damn you Butch!
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Islanderfan1967 how can you say that we can score, were we watching the same team last year???? Didn’t not one player reach the 20-goal mark?
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Paul says:
Shut up, Butch!
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If you mean shooting 10 ft wide of the net or shoot it right in the goalies chest then yes we can score. Give your head a shake for that post.
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The Islander do not have goal scoring!!!! They were last in the league…….lol.
Geez……..
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Adam M says:
No matter who we select, this is the situation I envision.
#1 We select Tavares and move up to get a defenseman in the middle of the first round.
OR
#2 We select Hedman and move up for a scoring winger.
While Goring makes an argument that we have a thin talent pool at the defensive position, this fact is not a mystery. A good defensive talent can be found later in the first round.
I have but one question – When was the last time we had a legitimate FIRST LINE CENTER? Go ahead, I’ll wait.
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Andy 13 don’t know WHAT media you were listening to during the worlds but TSN, was saying his skating is not at the NHL level… And they were the ones showing the games…
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The PolishPrince says:
Yes you can’t teach 6’6″. You also can’t teach someone to have the hockey IQ Tavaras seems to possess. Please oh please let JT pull on an Islanders jersey at the draft. I wish it was the 26th already. I really have to start doing more work at work.
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Vas says:
Butch says he hasn’t seen him much at all and then he says he more nhl ready? Butch, he played 1 year in the Swedish Elite League! Who has played more hockey in the last year than JT? Not many! Who knows and who cares anymore! Let’s just get this draft over with!
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I think that Butch has a great hockey mind and I personally DO trust his judgment. However, that being said, he is not really basing this on his own judgment here. He is instead basing it on the judgment of nameless others who presented information to him. He says himself that his recommendations are based on what he’s been told about the players, not on what he himself has seen. So, while I trust his own experience in the game and his feel for what the Islanders need wholeheartedly, I do not know that what others have told him is as trustworthy.
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And Frank @ 18 is correct. We didn’t have a single 20 goal scorer last season for the first time in franchise history. We need scoring and need it in a big way.
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Frank HOW many one goal games did we loose at the start of the season… IT IS a young team they need time… Crosby wouldn’t help this team right now if we had him…
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Jimmy Mac says:
Sure Hedman would be great.
But the #1 pick in the NHL this year is John Tavares.
I will take the kid that has 432 points in 247 games.
I will take the kid that will fill the net with pucks and the seats with fans.
He might not be OV or Sid, but he will certainly not hurt this team.
If they pass on him, then we will have to hear for the next 15 years how the Isles passed on a 30 to 40 goal scorer.
And God forbid the Maple Leafs find a way to trade up to get him.
We would never hear the end of it. Pierre McGuire and Brian Burke would never let us live it down.
Take the safe pick and make the masses happy.
If Toronto wants to give us Schenn, their #7 pick and next years first rounder they can have him.
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You lose one goal games because you play “hang on hockey”, not because you’re competitive.
Crosby would help any team, especially this one.
Tavares is a foolish pass if he’s passed on.
We’re going to learn in the forthcoming years that Hedman is not the best defenseman to be taken in the first round, it’s Ryan Ellis.
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Blizzard says: I love Butch. But he is flat out wrong. Our leading scorer was Streit. The Islanders desperatly need someone who is a dynamic scoring threat. Those players are drafted, or signed as a FA. Rarely traded, especially with out equal value in return.
If Hedman is so ready to play in the NHL over JT why did JT completely out shine him in the world juniors? MVP I might add. Butch goes on to say that Hedman might not be a #1 d man but definatly a # 2. Is there any question if JT will be a #1 Center? Drafting Hedman over JT would be a huge mistake. If it happens we will watch JT score 40 plus a season somewhere else and who is gonna score for the Islanders. I love KO, put we need more than that. Tavares all the way baby.
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b-ri says:
sorry butch…but there is a reason that there is nobody knocking on your door to offer you a coach/GM job, and its that you are clueless. The Islanders need what every team that wins the cup has…a TOP SCORER Tampa had Vinny and St. Louis. Carolina had Staal. Detroit had Zetterberg Datsyuk and Pitt has Crosby and Malkin. We have a good defense group for the most part. Hillen is developing. Streit Witt and a healthy Sutton are good back there. Dont forget Freddy Meyer either. Ness, Kohn, Hamonic, Katic in the wings. I said this before. Defensemen taken in the last 5 years, only 3 have been all stars, showing that it takes them longer to be an impact player in the league. Forwards a ton of them have made the all star teams in that 5 year period.
Draft smart, draft tavares
sorry butchy, but youre wrong
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Jeff says:
Butch was a great player, but not much of a coach.
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Anybody looking to the Pens as an example of why we should be drafting JT is deluding themselves. JT is neither Crosby nor Malkin…
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Church Hill Drew says:
Sorry Butch, but this isn’t your father’s NHL. I’d have agreed with ya 15-20 years ago but the league has evolved to where offense (and speed to a lesser degree) is crucial.
Hedman is probably the consensus #1 pick for a lot of teams not named the Islanders or Tampa Bay. You can’t go wrong drafting VH. It’s the safe choice, it just should not be OUR choice.
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Warren says:
Hey! Islander fans like I was preaching most of the month Mr. Snow you are on the clock pick the best choice or we might have to do this again some time soon. We Islander fans don’t want to do this again for awhile. Keep the faith fans and remember: “Fans watchout for the race for the CUP we will part of it”
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matt says:
ya lets grab the d-man and piss of an already pissed off fanbase its a very easy pick here. if they want to sell tickets- tavares. if you want a face to your franchise – tavares. if you want to sell jerseys- tavares. The isles need a big time foward just as bad as a big time D-man and all the other factors that need to be taken into account point towards tavares. 14,000 people arent going to the draft party to watch hedman get drafted
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Just wondering, did the penguins have a defenseman on their roster who they drafted with a top pick?
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G. HOWITT says:
Hmmm, goring a forward picks Hedmen and potvin the defensmen picks JT….
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Staten Islander says:
I love Butchie, but they need firepower, thats why i want JT. Hedman may turn out to be a fine player, but D-men take time to develop. If he turns out being what people seem to think he might be, then we can always sign him as a free agent when the time comes
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Jethro09 says:
I respectfully disagree, Butch. You may not see d-men like Hedman in the draft too often, but you also don’t get a chance to pick a player with the scoring ability and star power like Tavares too often either.
Even Tavares’ detractors concede he’ll score 40 goals/season for his career and that he’s money from the circles in. The Isles haven’t had a player like that since Palffy. The Isles were the lowest scoring team in hockey last year, with Okposo, Bailey, Neilsen, etc. Bergie and Comeau will never be big scorers. The Isles need scoring and star power. The pick has to be Tavares.
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I’m NOT buying a Tavares Jersey anytime soon… Just bought my son a Bailey AS thats our last name… And I will wait and see who I might get as Bossy was me guy but in todays NHL players change more offten than my underware and it’s SAD… Modano over in Dallas seem’s to be the LAST of the OLD SCHOOL…
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
I strongly … No … I intensely disagree with Butch … Love what the guy did as a member of the Dynasty … but I couldn’t disagree more.
First of all … and I’ve stated this countless times … In this day and age of UFA … you cannot build around a young defenseman … by the time they hit their prime … their playing out the last year of their RFA contract getting ready to hit UFA.
Other than Detroit (who by the way had immense offensive talent since the days of Yzerman and Federov) the only team that had drafted and developed their own stud defensman to win a cup is the Devils (Niedermeyer) … most cup winners inherit their stud defenders via trade or FA … a lot of people say look what Pronger did for the ducks … yeah sure after he bounced around a few teams.
Tavares is my overwhelming choice.
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don’t drink the Goring Kool-Aid !!
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Isles fan 1967: The Isles CAN’T score goals. That’s why they were dead last in goal scoring in the NHL this season. They are equally bad at keeping the puck out of their net as well. They need both. Scorers like Tavares are not easy to come by, especially with his star power. We can get a solid “D” prospect in the middle of the first round, but not a scorer with the ability of Tavares.
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Detroit put up the MONEY to get/keep those guy… ISLES SPENT the least in the league so… IF you spend the least you GET the least… AND where did WE finish LAST… Thats A far cry from the PROMISE we GOT WHEN WANG TOOK OVER… HE SAID HE WOULD SPEND THE MONEY TOO BRING A CUP BACK TO LONG ISLAND… So all YOU Tavares FANS HOW ARE YOU GOING TO FEEL IN 3c YEARS When he gets SOLD to another team…
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Islesfan1967: So if Wang is the AntiChrist and is going to sell Tavares in three years, what makes you think he wouldn’t do the same with Hedman? Top d-men in the NHL are making between $7-8 Million/season.
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bergie20 says:
i completely agree with butch.
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Jordan says:
Thers no denying Tavares talent, but I dont understand how you dont see where Victor Hedman will get us. He will play 25 hard mins, shut people down, score 65-70 points a year, and hes huge. I think pound for pount Hedman is the better player. We do also need a top line center so I can see how it is a hard decision to make, but I would go with Hedman for sure.
Another thing too is, stop saying Defence take longer to develope, thats not the truth.
Look at the last years draft, Schenn and Doughty out played Stamkos for most of the year by a long shot. It all depends on the coaching and how YOUR TEAM developes the players.One important thing to remember as well is, you can teach a player how to shoot, skate and read plays….but you cant teach someone how to be 6’7 230lbs lol
As sexy as it sounds to draft Tavares and have him score a bunch of goals, Hedman is the way to go if we want the cup someday soon!
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TheEuropeanVacation says:
Butchie’s a great Islander, but honestly it’s just an opinion. It’s been blogged ad nauseum, but just to say it again: defensemen take lots of time to develop. Pronger bounced around to lots of teams. Most defencemen do….there are notable exceptions. But they are the exceptions. So you can find a defenseman who is 25 plus, just hitting his prime and sign him for 5 years. But it is offence that will get this team moving…
Look at what Pittsburgh did with veritable no names on defense, with the exception of Gonchar…..and he’s no bruiser on the back end.
Tavares. Tavares. Tavares.
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Jethro09 there is nothing he saying he would do either… but without his project and some quick returns on this TEAM ANY businessman will tell you that you need to find a wayout of this or you’ll loose your shirt…
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kevin27NYI says:
i respect butch and his opinion but i feel like tavares is the player we should be drafting june 26th. we need goals and first line talent. weve been deprived of this for so long!
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Strummer's Army says:
Great stuff CB! Alright Butchie let us put all our cards on the table here, isn’t it true Sir you just don’t want John Tavares wearing your #91? I mean right now every one knows 91 is Butch Goring, JT wears that sweater and it just might get retired with Tavares on it.lol
Butch makes several good points. Let not forget not only was he a great player but he was until he got to the NHL a very successful coach and GM. I would give his opinion more weight if he saw them play a lot all three of them.
No doubt JT is NHL ready too and it is an easier transition then on defense. I’ll say it again either way the Isles are going to get a great player and either way they are going to miss out on a great player but based on all I’ve seen and read Tavares will have the greatest impact of any player in the draft.
Tavares
Kassian
Olsen
Clark
Doughty
GoalieHappy!
I’ll say it again this is the best sports site on the internet! There isn’t a fan of any team in any sport that wouldn’t kill for this kind of coverage of their team. This is one area where the Islanders far outshine the rest of the sports world! Thank you CB and thank you to Chris Dey for the concept and the Isles for sponsoring it. The Isles really did something special here!
PS: I can’t attend the post draft mixer so someone please buy CB a drink for me.
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oh…one last thought. Schenn and Doughty did not “out play” Stamkos last year. I live in Toronto, and trust me, on a decent team he’d never play those kind of minutes. And he wasn’t dominating at all. As the year wore on, the bloom was falling off the rose.
Hedman will be a good player. I’m pretty sure of that. But I am sure that his NHL career – if it spans 10 year or more – will see him wear at least 3 different jerseys.
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Why do you think we NEED top line talent so bad right now? If we add a guy like Tavares, I think we will end up exactly like Atlanta is right now. They have sucked since they started in the league because they picked guys like Kovalchuk and Heatley. They both scored 40-50 goals a year, destroyed the powerplay, and were high offensivly. But did it get them anywhere? NO….defence wins championships and I wants the cup, not a 40 goal scorer. I figured everyone else would feel the same but I guess your all ok with mediocracy
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Greg says:
I’d still take Tavares. Not just because “he’ll score 40 goals!!!”. Stats are meaningless to a certain extent. IMO, Tavares can be a top flight talented player who also competes hard in other areas. He’s a winner. Alexei Yashin scored 40 goals. Nicest guy in the world, but not someone you want to lead your team. I think JT is the guy who can have a Modano/Sakic/Yzerman type impact on this franchise. Not particularly in style, but in commitment. Remember when Sakic and Yzerman broke into the league they were 1 dimensional scorers much like Tavares. They worked to become complete players which led to stanley cup rings. In a nutshell, I value the all around forward who can score over the Pavel Bure’s and Ilya Kovalchuk’s of the world. I’m saying take JT because he will become the all around player that scouts claim Duchene is right now (but with a much better scoring touch). Projection!
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And Schenn not playing good last year? Are you crazy? He led all rookies in hits and blocked shots, and was 2nd in ice time.
Toronto is a good example of what we should be doing. Draft a franchise defence and build from the net out. They have Schenn, Toskala, Pogge, and prolly Gustavsson….we have some great forward talent as it is and need to fill some defence and goal because lIke it was posted before, we cant rely on DP at all this year, it will be an addition if hes healthy -
Dan L says:
Hedman will not put up 65-70 points per year, not anytime in this decade future anyways. Only 2 defensemen in the NHL put up over 60 this past season: Markov and Green. Markov is a PP specialist and Green has been dubbed a “dwinger” because hes essentially just a winger on defense. Only 10 put up in the 50s, just for the record some of those names were Lidstrom, Chara, Niedermayer, Rafalski, Boyle. Hedman will not be in mentioned with these players for at least 5-6 years. Not to say Tavares will be a 50 goal, 100pt scorer right out of the gate but since the rule changes look at the guys tearing up the scoring charts: Crosby, Ovechkin, Malkin, Richards, Carter, Parise, Getzlaf, Backstrom. These guys have not been in the league that long and have proven themselves to be dangerous, consistent threats to score. Gotta respect Butchie’s opinion but the Islanders are legally insane if they dont draft Tavares.
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Neil says:
Thank you for answering my question, CB! Three follow-up thoughts…
1. It’d be nice if they let Scott Gordon into that final meeting. He’s only the coach.
2. I am very surprised you think they haven’t already come to a final-final decision internally. Other than some freak injury between now and the draft, what the heck could possibly change?
3. I hope Mike Bossy is brought along to actually make the pick from the podium. That would be cool. I always thought it was super classy when Neil Smith had Ted Nolan announce the Okoposo pick and the crowd gave him a big hand. -
blitz says:
Draft the forward, then spend 5-6 mil per year on NHL proven Top 1 in Jbo or Top 3-4 at 4-5 on Komi, or Top 4 at 3 mil on Beauchemin.
No need to wait on Hedman.
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Joe Reekie says:
Jordan,
there are so many variables that make a great team. it can be done so many different ways. you do not need a superstar defensemen or even great defensemen (look at pittsburg, Carolina and Tampa from most recent 5 years or so) but you do need at least 1 star offenseman. all the players the isles have now are all complimentary players with the possible future exception of Okposo. otherwise, we would be absolutely insane to pass on Tavares. Butch is afraid of someone taking over his #91. he has no clue.
JT has been the focal point for defensive teams sice he had 72 goals AND HE STILL HAS LED LEAGUE IN SCORING. he has played ridiuluous amount of hockey and despite being so young, scrutinized and attacked by media he has prevailed.
he has Bossy, Hull skills combined with other goal scoring skills. you cannot teach that. 6-6 compared to those skills is like Darrius Heyward Bey vs. Jerry Rice. stop with HEdman’s stupid height infatuation. When Tavares plays against a team that doesn’t focus only on him (nhl players can’t really) he will make this comparison look really silly. -
i believe that CB keeps swinging pendulum just a bit back and forth to keep it interesting. he will give us some relief with his JT tidbits and then come back with “be afraid, be very afraid” or Butch Goring article. as does the media too, this keeps us all interested (and nervous) but at the very end the momentum will all come full circle (nhl.com analyists are already doing this) back to John Tavares, the first Superstar we have had since the glory days of Trottier, Bossy, and Potvin.
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If we draft Hedman we won’t have anyone to score goals except for Kyle and Streit, and thats if he can light the lamp 16 times again. We need offense. If we draft Hedman I would expect us to be on Taylor Hall alert next year too.
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Goring’s opinion goes against what Potivin stated. Potvin felt that defenseman take a few years to fully develop. So we need to go with JT…He has the ability to score 18-20 goals next season.
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tsharaf says:
Jt is not only a great talent but proved at the world that he’s a great leader as well.he showed he has the drive to be a great leader. Butch,neilsen, Bernie and comeau are not frontline talent. We need a centerpiece and it jt. We have done ok picking up men via free agency and can do it again if necessary.
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Tony F. says:
Who on this thread has played and coached in the NHL. Yeah, I’m sure Butch Goring has it all wrong. What could he base his opinion on, real professional hockey experience? lobs!
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valentino says:
Isles report over 14,000 people now have claimed tickets to the draft party. If butch goring is right and the isles take hedman, then about 13, 800 are gonna walk out of the coliseum that friday night. Hopefully for good.
I cant wait to read all about how the Isles look foolish yet again by passing on Tavares
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KO21 says:
I’m afraid Butch is expecting too much out of our current crop of prospects…I believe we have just 1 possible superstar forward in Okposo…
We need more than 1
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C.J. says:
I’m sorry. I lost a lot of faith in what Butch Goring has to say after seeing him coach.
I know this is totally different, but it’s just the way I feel.
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isles316 says:
I’ve said this before but I don’t think the Islanders fans and franchise could swallow passing up on Tavares and having Hedman be a dud. If Tavares is a dud I think people could live with it because everyone has said this kid is something special for the last 4 years or so. If the Isles pass on Tavares, Hedman better turn out to be the superior player or Snow and company will never live it down.
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will s says:
butch just doesn’t want to give up his number 91 to tavs
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WM says:
If fans at the draft party get PO’ed and storm out, they’re a bunch of idiots. The Isles can’t go wrong taking EITHER Tavares OR Hedman.
And I’m sorry but I don’t see fans storming the ticket window if Tavares does get selected. -
Ryan T. says:
I have to respectfully disagree with Butchy. Yes, the Isles need a top defenseman in their system, but he will take years to develop. He’s not going to eat up 30 minutes out of the gate. Plus, you would hate to see him walk in his mid 20′s if we don’t sign him. I think Tavares will have an immediate impact. I like Josh Bailey, but I think most people see him as a #2 Center. Tavares with Okposo, and maybe adding a good LW in time would be a very potent line. Although we do have more depth at forward, aside from Okposo I think most of them are 2nd and 3rd liners.
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mark my words – if the isles pass on tavares…that place is going to empty out.
They did it last year for passing on filatov….this year will be much much worse.
Also, I bet the gate draw improves significantly with tavares playin versus hedman.
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I want JT, but whatever happens, happens. Nothing I can do about it but root for whoever Snow drafts. I like Hedman too but I just feel (ever so slightly) that Tavares is the right pick for the organization.
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Islanders1984 says:
Wm i disagree I think allot of fans will be storming the ticket booth if tavares is selected, Hedman is an exception because if isles want him they will have to take him at 1 b/c tampa will take him at 2. I for one will be one of them if tavares is taking at 1 i will re-up my season tixs the next day, but if they take Duchene at 1 I don’t see there being anything wrong with fans storming out. You can’t ask fans to drop a couple of thousand dollors on season tickets when they constantly do things that tries the faith and passion of there fan base
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goring said comeou is a good prospect…yea butch…he had 15 points in 51 games last year and was constantly in gordon’s doghouse….if the isles continue to draft prospects like that, their entire team will be chock full of 30 point guys (oh wait, with the exception of streit, okposo, bailey,weight and maybe nielsen, that is exactly what their team is) ….some of the people here make me laugh…just as we do, the “experts” also make educated guesses as to who the better player will turn out to be…their guesses are as good as mine and yours…its just that they have been around the game longer and its their job…but at the end of the day, guesses are guesses…plus if you think our opinions are meaningless, then what is the point of posting our opinion? or better yet your opinion? the intelligence level on this board is really, really high. (sarcasm)
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Islesfan1967: you sound as if you’re making an argument that if Wang doesn’t start making money, he’s going to sell the team. I agree with that argument, that if the Lighthouse is rejected and he can’t build, he’ll look to sell the team to curb his losses. But that argument cuts against the argument to draft Hedman. 80% of fans want Tavares and he’s a marquee name that can get people into the seats. Hedman’s not going to create a buzz among the fan base and help sell tickets. That’s another, off-ice reason for the Isles to draft Tavares. Then need his ability to energize the fan base and sell tickets. People who dismiss that reality are not seeing the whole picture.
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Here’s another way to look at it: you know how all Isles’ fans (and hockey fans for that matter) look at the 2000 draft as the year that set the Isles back a decade by drafting DP over Heatley and trading Luongo/Jokinen for Parrish/Kvasha? If the Isles pass on JT and he turns out to meet his expectations, we will all look at the 2009 draft as another draft that set this team back years. This team and fan base can’t afford for that to happen. They need to go with Tavares.
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Thank you Jethro finally somebody sees this EXACTLY how i do
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Rob in NJ says:
If the Isles pick Hedman..well they pick Hedman. Butch is not a scout, its just his opinion. Can’t wait til the draft. JT OR BUST!!
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Justin says:
The Islanders need elite talent, they have none right now. Okposo is very good, but I don’t think he is at that elite level. Same with Bailey. Comeau, Nielsen and Bergy are at best 2nd-liners. Get that elite offensive skill in here. This may be the franchise’s only chance to get it because no top-notch free agents are coming here in the near future. Tavares.
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Jethro spells it out perfectly.
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Brian B says:
Isles are taking Tavares…I’m pretty confident.
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Al L says:
Unless Hedman has Potvin written all over him,and he doesn’t the only way I would take him is if a special goal scorer wasn’t available. Butchie speaks of Franz,Bergy,Comeau,Bailey and Okposo as if they are extraordinay talent. Okposo could very well develop into a premier power foward,but he isn’t a creator and sniper. Goring insisting that Hedman will be able to step right in and play 25 minutes a night is a stretch to say the least. Tavares like Gretzky boasts of tremendous anticipation skills. They see plays developing a shade before they are near execution. That is what sets them apart from other natural goal scorers. Bossy was another who found every nook and cranny on the ice before a D man could react. The same reportedly holds true for Tavares. These types don’t come along very often. When you are lucky enough to be in position to acquire them,you don’t turn your back on the opportunity. No doubt Hedman will become a fine player in this League,but Tavares is just what the doctor ordered for this franchise. The other solid but not spectacular youngsters here,can now have the empty circle filled and revolve around it! Our defensive needs can either be filled by Garth trading up in the draft or if plucking another talented foward after moving up,acquiring home boys Komisarek and Scuderi via free agency.
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#38 oh and how many games did we score 2 goals or less at the end of the year??
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Will C says:
Not surprising coming from a defensive minded forward. He is of the mind of defense wins championships. The Pens have no one near Lidstroms quality and lost due to the dynamic forwards of Pitt. TAKE TAVARES! —-I am driving 200+ miles to see this and celebrate fathers day with my son. We want JT!
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Steve says:
Love ya, Butchie, but with no 20 goal scorers in the lineup and last in the league in offence it is ovious what our real need is…TAVARES!
Let’s generate some excitement again!
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I meant OBVIOUS…go Tavares!
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Jordan 59 Hedman will NOTTTTT score 60 pts a year… not even close to that!
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Not only are the Isles gonna pick Tavares, its gonna be the right move.
All I hear about Hedman is his size and skating ability. Congrats Victor.
All I hear about Tavares is tremendous offensive ability that is rare. A guy that is deadly from below the circles. Strong on the puck. Motivated. Loves the game. It is really funny to think that as soon as the Isles got the pick, Tavares stock dropped. Why? Cause he can’t skate….come on, he’s a hockey player, he can skate. I don’t care how fluid he is as long as he gets the job done. Parise couldn’t skate either right? I also heard he isn’t good away from the puck and is bad defensively. Well thats why he is a forward, and his job is to score goals. Not to play defense.
JT baby!!!
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leviticus says:
Isles99…”just as we do, the “experts” also make educated guesses as to who the better player will turn out to be…their guesses are as good as mine and yours…its just that they have been around the game longer and its their job…but at the end of the day, guesses are guesses…”
You must be kidding? So, drafting is a guess, and you know as much as those that do it for a living? I bet you REALLY believe you could be a GM of a professional hockey team too!! Hahahahahahahah…funny stuff!!
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How do you figure? Right now, he has doubled MPS’s point per game average in the same league, and everyone says he will be a Naslund, Forsberg guy who can score 35 and put up 90 points….so explain?
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doc says:
Butch couldn’t be more wrong… and I know that is just his opinion, but this #1 pick will define the Islanders for the next 10 plus years.
If you think that the “NON-Pick” of Parise haunts us fan and this franchise… just imagine if you multiply that by a THOUSAND!
There won’t be a day that goes by as a fan that you won’t look back and be traumatised by the “NON-pick” of Tavares!!!
I know… it’s just hockey and sports… not life and death. But the passion runs deep.
DOC
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Benjamin K says:
i hate how people are saying that blah blah the swedish elite league is not the NHL…NEWS FLASH!! NEITHER IS THE CHL. i am not arguing for either side here, im just saying that people need to understand both sides of an arguement before they start to back one side up. In this particular post, fans for both the Tavares Camp and the Hedman Camp have very good arguements…let Snow and Jankowski decide who is better…after all isn’t it their job???
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dave chyzowski says:
tavares will score 60 goals in the NHL!! Hedman is 6-6, you can’t teach that.
Tavares is going to be the facer o fht e Franchise…. How many 6-6 guys can skate
Tavares will be a perenial All-Star
Hedman is fast and skates like windTavares will sell tickets, Jerseys and media attention… Hedman moves real well for a guy that big
Tavares anticipates plays like Gretzky, can make ridiciculous plays in traffic, can score like Bossyh, and Hull and is a master at scoring easy goals as well…. Hedman is 6-6- Pronger is big too and LIdstrom is Swedish
Tavares will bring a Stanley cup to Long Island
How many Defensemen are 6-6?This whole debate is ludicrous!!!!! All those who want Hedman are Leaf fans who want the coli burned down as well
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TEAM DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS!!!!
Since the great defenders of the 70s, 80s aand early 90s games are very rarely dominated by defensemen today … Even the Prongers’ of today have less game impact due to the restrictions on defending players from interfering, holding and other impeding infractions.
I have also yet to read or see someone talk about Hedman’s defensive prowess … and how he’s a great shut down defenseman. All I hear is how fluid of a skater he is … and how he’s huge and makes great passes.
I have a collage for my desktop on my laptop that I created. One of the pictures is Tavares showing Hedman a seat in the players bench during the WJC. The center pic of course if Trotts and Boss with the Cup!
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the bomber says:
did Butch Goring just try to argue that the Isles are loaded up front because they have Kyle Okposo, Frans Neilson, Sean Bergenheim, Josh Bailey and Blake Comeau?? Yeah Butch, we are all set up front for years to come. In fact, lets just draft all defense and goalies this year since we are soon to be an offensive juggernaut once those All Star caliber forwards take the league by storm.
Shocking statement by a guy who knows a lot more about hockey than any of us knuckleheads.
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BillyIsle says:
CB…I know you’re only signed until the draft, has there been any progress on an extension? New deal? Anything? Whats the latest!!
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Dan C says:
Butch, you were 11 and 255 as a coach. Keep your opinions to yourself…jk
Seriously though, if they don’t draft Tavares, they better break out the riot gear in NVMC on June 26th
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Hey Jordan….
“Led all rookies in blocked shots”? Are you for real? You sound more like a agent than a fan….that like a stat that would read “he led all rookie left handed defensemen in the last minute of play in plus minus when they were up a goal”
And “Schenn, Toskala, Pogge…” Pogge had trouble stopping at the gas station to fill his car, let alone stopping a puck. As for Toskala, there were rumours he liked seeing his team play behind in the score in the first period, hence the large number of of soft first period goals he let in….
Schenn is a good prospect. But that’s all – and outside of Toronto, no one in their right mind will ever think he will be anything more than a number 2 or 3 dman. Which is a good career, but no hall of famer…..
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this was written about Bossy on NHL.com
No. 15: Mike Bossy (N.Y. Islanders, 1977) — Twelve teams (including the Rangers and Toronto twice each) passed on Bossy because he was regarded as just another sniper from the run-and-gun Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Isles coach Al Arbour told GM Bill Torrey he could teach Bossy to play defense; he was right, and the rest is history. Bossy scored 573 goals in just 10 seasons and was a key to the Isles’ four consecutive Stanley Cups before being forced to retire in 1987 due to back problems. Had Bossy stayed healthy, it’s likely he — not Wayne Gretzky — would have broken Gordie Howe’s all-time record for goals.
Lets not pass on these years sniper who people claim lack a defensive game as well.
Snow please take Tavares
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Brooks Simpson says:
Boy, if the Isles draft Hedman, I can’t wait to see the reaction here.
Face it, if you were really confident that Snow would draft Tavares, you wouldn’t be crossing your fingers.
I await the Duchene should be #1 interview from someone like Wayne Merrick.
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Blizzard says:
I think Butchie is runnin a little interference for the Isles. Must be. Maybe see how bad Tampa wants him. I wonder if Tampa had the first pick would it be Hedman like everyone assumes.
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Hey, CB: If the Isles are able to convince Tb to switch picks so TB can pick Hedman what would be the cost of swapping spots? A 2nd rounder?
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fwb says:
I am for Tavares, like it seems, most. Though I understand the uniqueness of Hedman and the need for him as well, so I wouldn’t be that disappointed in him. I did see somewhere today where John Tavares was compared to Alexandre Daigle from the 93 draft. Player who tore up his league. Was suppose to be the face of a struggling franchise looking for a star and someone to get them an arena deal. You see how well that worked for Ottawa. Guess it could go that way, though I believe in Tavares. Did make me think, though ….
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Noone has compared Tavares to Daigle. I’m sure you mis-understood.
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hathead68 says:
I loved watching Butchie as a player and think he’s good on MSG as an analyst, but boy do I think he’s wrong! It must be Tavares for every hockey and business reason there is. Hedman in a heartbeat at 2nd overall if we had lost the lottery, no doubt. But this is the Islanders year to be back on the NHL map!
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Railbait says:
Please draft Tavares!
I could go on and on repeating what others have said, but bottom line is – draft John Tavares or expect many disappointed fans.
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Mike79 says:
Goring is just clueless. Our offense sucks and Tavares is NHL ready.
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Chris G in SC says:
I’m actually praying for the 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 to 1 longshot for a trade for #2 and #3 and get Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene. Other than that, I expect my Tavares Retro jersey to arrive in the mail sometime in July. As of now, I believe JT is the best player. But, I would be for Hedman if we can sign the Sedin twins from the Canucks. They seem to want to test the UFA waters. I can’t see many teams other than us being able to afford both of them. They would help the offense, Hedman can start the second pairing with Witt or Sutton. Then we can focus on signing a starting goalie. Give a Craig Anderson / Scott Clemmenson type a 1 or 2 year deal, let DP progress with caution, since he won’t be going anywhere else soon. Hey, CB, isn’t there some stud goalie in the SEL some teams are drooling for? Are we an illogical choice for him? Anyway, I hope you keep this blog going through the season. You have done an outstanding job and given us that bleed blue and orange a place to play.
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Michael says:
I can’t believe there’s people like Butch Goring suggesting the Islanders pass on John Tavares. I sware to god, if the Islanders blow this..
They are going to have to make it up big time. How are they going to keep the already small fanbase.. when 99% of them are praying for Tavares?
Jesus.. just thinking of them passing on a talent like Tavares. I’m already sick. I’m going to be blasted next Friday.. I can’t bare to watch the Hedman pick in a normal state.
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Muller9 says:
The pick will not be JT prepare yourselves
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westfall says:
Folks, lets take it easy on Butchie, although I disagree with him. Tavares, Hedman, and Duchene are all outstanding prospects and the Isles will be very fortunate to call one of them their own. But I would feel most comfortable taking Tavares because of his intangibles. Let me explain: Tavares has been under a tremendous microscope in Canada since he was 14 – four-teen!! – and he has always produced. He broke a 30-yr old scorinf record held by Wayne Gretzky as a 16-year old. Look at his preformance at the WJC in December. Yes, I know Canada’s team was stacked and was playing at home, but they were also under tremendous pressure to win. Tavares led that team to the gold and was most deservedly the MVP of the tourney. The pressure of being the #1 pick and the face of Islander country will not make him wilt. Are we sure we can say the same about Hedman? How about Duchene, who had a fine season in the OHL but was not even the #1 center on his team; having Cody Hodgson as his teammate took a lot of pressure of Duchene. When was the last time we had a true first line forward who thrived on the pressure? I’ll tell who that was – Patty LaFontaine – and he was traded almost 18 years ago! Another guy who was too small and didn’t play defense. Go with JT.
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I know Tavares is a talent, but let’s not look passed Hedman like he is nothing. Do you remember a player that age, that size, with those skills? You hear the name Chris Pronger etcetc. Pretty good. Let’s not look at our love for Tavares (me included) by not realizing how talented Hedman is. If it was that easy a pick, there would be NO question. Just like in the Lindros draft year, the Crosby draft year etcetc … let’s be thankful that there are 2 studs, at different positions no less – for the Isles to take.
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Tavares, so the coliseum doesn’t look like modern day Iran on the 26th
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rb says:
I think Butchie just doesn’t want somebody else wearing 91
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Mike L says:
#48- The Pens drafted Whitney with a top 5 pick and used the first pick in 03 on Fleury instead of Staal. To decide between Tavares and Hedman is definitely tougher than picking Malkin over Cam Barker, Crosby over Jack Johnson, or Staal over Ty Wishart. I beieve Hedman will be a very good defenseman for the Bolts, but Tavares will be our leading goal scorer for years
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Brian says:
I just got my Islanders Draft Day Hat from NHL.COM and I must say, its a pretty nice hat. Let’s Go Islanders!!!
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#106 LOL!!!! Good stuff….
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Numbers65 says:
Gimmie a break Butchie! We have done well drafting fowards already? Which one on that short list is the goal scorer? HELLO! Please help the team and draft the scorer. JT!
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german islesfan says:
John Tavares is my only choice.
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I have already stated my case for Tavares! His selection should be no brainer! In answer to Chris G #122,I want to plant a seed for a possible young goalie who will be available sooner rather than later! Last friday my Hershey Bears(I relocated and now reside out here) won the AHL’S Calder Cup and now present the Washington Caps(The parent club)with a nice dilemma. It is all but certain Simeon Varlamov,former Bear, is their present and future goaltender,but the kid here, 21 year old Michal Neuvirth collected FOUR shutouts,was 16-6 throughout the playoff run and was simply outstanding. Having seen both,this kid could very well be better! The Caps are not going to keep both and will get a Kings Ransom for either. Since they are committed to Varlamov,my guess Neuvirth could be had. Again,it would cost plenty,but believe me,he is worth it! There isn’t anyone close to this kids skill set in the draft!!!Feel free to add anything,Mr Botta!!! Selfishly I’d love to see Neuvirth remain a Bear,but that isn’t the way a Developmental League works. What better place for him to land than The Island?????
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purify says:
Quote “we need a pure goal scorer, who can put the puck in the net” mark streit…. This from out leading scorer a dman… What does that say about our offense. Hedman played in the swiss league with men on olympic size rinks where contact is at a minimal and the play is so spread out. The swiss league never developed to many player with an edge for physical play. Hedmans own agent admitted he lacked a physical pressence, at 6-7 u can’t teach that it has to come from within. He is a big kenny johnson. Not bad but not great. Did anyone watch the wjc he did nothing. Hedman got pushed around and couldn’t take a hit agaisnt kids his age that play more physical and know how to move on a smaller rink. Tavarese with the most pressure to perform answered all the critics. Can vs usa he single handedly desroyed us. Tavares wants to be an islander, if he wasn’t special why would team inquire about the 1st pick the day after the lottery. Come on all the negative comes from those who’s teams can’t have him. If toronto has our pick there would be no negatice press on tavares and burke would be a hero. Remember the fight last year to get him in the draft, tavares just missed the cut off date. If he’s not special then who is.snow cannot afford to pass on him. Funny thing is to many people associated with the team in the past and present are all hinting hedman, not good. Tampa will then receive two number one picks in a row and move vinny and become a power house in a couple of years. Tampa d will get better with the return for vinny and we will become a bigger joke in the league. Bottoem of the league in scoring for the past few years. The only way hedman works for me is if we had cammallari locked up for 5 years. Hate to say it majority of us want tavare, to bad my gut say my heart will be ripped out again from this organization and I will be completley turned off from this team and managment.next years draft is week, beside hall. This is a make or break for this team.
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Hedman has dominated in the Swedish Elite league for two seasons. Not the Swiss. Check the facts. The Elite league is about the same level as the AHL, but with bigger rinks and older players. The all time top players coming out of that league are only Lidstrom, Forsberg, Sundin and Borje Salming. True, Lidstrom is not the meanest hitter, but would you rate Forsberg and Sundin as non-physical players? Hedman’s playing style is compared to something between Lidstrom and Pronger and I’ve never seen anyone projecting him to be anything lesser than a top 2 D-man. I’m not saying he’s a surefire generational talent, but probably the safest pick among the top 3 players.
I haven’t made up my mind yet. Tavares would be very exciting, but I fear it would be more like pissing my pants to keep warm. Judging by talent reports he’s not close to the talent level of the big three of Ovechkin, Malkin and Crosby in the East, more like Heatley, Spezza, Carter, Vanek etc. Putting JT on the ice against either Crosby, Malkin or Ovechkin would mean that statistically the Isles should lose more often than win. To outgun them would take a team of more than one Tavares, meaning that this rebuild to an SC contender will probably take way longer if Snow goes for offense in the draft now, contrary to popular belief on this blog. Hedman is NHL ready (quoting several scouts and himself) and might be the one capable of shutting down a high powered D 25 – 30 mins a game. I hope Snow trusts his scouts who’s seen both players over a full season rather than fans who saw a guy coming up just a little bit short against a more talented Canadian team in their capitol. -
Jim says:
Hedman is the right choice. Not that they should, but you can convert him into a forward and he’d probably be a better goal scorer than the slow fotted, defensively challenged Tavares.
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isles72 says:
I’m cool either way
its a no lose situation if they take either jt/vh -
big dally mac says:
Draft’s pretty good next year actually. It’s the 2011 that’s the worst in recent memory even worse then 1999. But you are right Tavares needs to be taken. There are some reallly high end d-man in the top ten next year….Cam Fowler is one name that sticks out.
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isles6 says:
I understand that fans should not dictate how teams should build their roster, but I would have to say, in this case, Mr. Snow, you probably should listen. We all know that that people in the organization read this blog, and I am pretty sure that the comments are read as well,so you know what has to be done come June 26th…Make sure that this blog never goes away, and DRAFT JOHN TAVARES!!!!!!!!
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bcarroll25 says:
#133 hedman plays in sweden,not switzerland.
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The fact that our leading scorer was a defenseman last year is alone testament that the Isles need to super charge the forward position with a dynamic stud scorer like Tavares.
Hedman’s skating and size are always mentioned as his best attributes … and I’m sure a big man on a big ice surface has an advantage over his peers. However … the NHL is played on a smaller ice surface … and even some other Swedish 2009 draft prospects have gotten SEL time … so I’m not really impressed with Hedman playing against men in the SEL.
Hedman was schooled by a bunch of CHL teenagers Tavares included in the WJC … CB … can you post the photo of Tavares planting Hedman into the players bench?
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Islander86 says:
We need JT !!!
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David Volek says:
Butch Goring and anyone else can say that defense wins championships and that the isles should take Hedmen. The fact is, however, that the islanders most glaring need is a 40 goal tier 1 forward. They havent had a 40 goal scoring since Ziggy Palffy. OBVIOUSLY they cannot bring one in via UFA, so I feel its pretty darn obvious who they should select first overall.
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I love how fans are so quick to regurgitate what they read in the papers. Has ANYONE seen any of these kids play on a consistent basis???? The fact of the matter is that Tavares broke #99′s records in the “O”. The other fact is that the islanders most glaring need is a goal scorer…….HELLOOOOOOOO.
Hedmen could wind up being the better pick, but whose to say until that day comes. You cannot over analyze this situation. To me its as clear as the day is long……….you draft what you need. If Tampa had that first overall pick you can rest assured they would draft Hedmen because that who THEY need. The islanders are not in the position to start over thinking this…….its simple. You need a goal scorer and what do you know……..you have one. -
Actually, teams that draft first overall, including the Isles, need both. Its obvious to me you draft what you can not otherwise acquire. Its not a coincidence that the Isles have not been able to sign one bona fide scorer since the enhanced UFA began four years ago, the top UFA scorers will not sign here. If we can not sign the scorers (unlike top d-men, the Isles have brought in Streit, Witt, Sutton and others in the last few years) how is the team ever going to get a real good scorer on its roster? That is the question the media SHOULD be asking the Isles.
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Joey303 says:
No Butch= No cups
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Jack says:
The Canadian JR’s make everyone look ordinary, including Ovechkin and Malkin. Tavares is projected to score 40+ in the NHL. Only 8 NHL players scored 40 or more this year out of over 500 fowards. Pick Hedman and watch Tavares score 40+ elsewhere will leave Snow and Co. with a Milbury like STAIN on their careers.
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#137 ur right sorry..work nights half dead. Still don’t wanthim.
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No Tavares = No fans
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
Isles99 thanks for kind words. yes it was me that said pronger was last top 5 dman to do win cup and it as not with team that was drafted by him.
Even if you look at the stanley cup finals. Who was getting keyed in on. Pitts focused on what Zetteberg and Daystuk, Detroit focused on sid and Malkin. It wasnt Lidstrom focused on them. It was collective effort.
You look at the most succesful teams in NHL and its those that Offensive firepower up front not the best necessarily the best defense. Ask Minn how the playoffs worked out for them and they are as good as defensive team as you can get.
Look no further than Anaheim. Did they go on fire b/c defense or was it the emergence of BOBBY RYAN in 2nd half of the year. Kid was on fire.
Tavares is no brainer for #1. Sorry Butchie, while i love you man. I think you are more worried that about losing your number 91.
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#150 i agree will give up my season tickets….
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Dack1972 says:
#67 did you actually type your post with a straight face.”Toronto is a good example of what we should be doing” Are you serious?.Toskala sucks, Toronto is not resigning Pogge. They have no talent.
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Long Suffering says:
Thank god Butch does not run the Islanders and is in the broadcast booth where he belongs. Truth be told — Butch (while a good man) is in the broadcast booth and not behind the bench or in the front office because his hockey personnel judgment and talent evaluation skills have proven terrible. If Garth follows the advice of Butch, he will soon find himself in the broadcast booth with Butch.
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@Chris 122
You got it exactly it. I have no doubt Snow could get Hedman and either Kane/Schenn. That would be much better.
Kane is compaired to Iginla, Schenn to Mike Richards, Tavares to Heatley, and Hedman to Lidstrom. So what would you rather haveRichards and Lidstrom
Iginla and Lidstrom
or just HeatleyI agree that taking Tavares you cant go wrong because everyone THINKS he will be the better player, and if he does play great and we don t pick him, then we look stupid. But Hedman, to anyone who knows alot about hockey, will be the bigger impact on winning a cup here. Then if you add in the assets we can get with trading down like another top 5 pick, its a no brainer to take that route
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dose says:
this debate is beyond tedious. i like hearing from potvin and goring, but the same conjecture and numbers and guessing over and over and over is tiresome. before everyone tells me to shut up and stay away if i don’t like it, can i suggest maybe CB should take a break until the 23rd or so, when the tension really starts to build ?
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bob l says:
too many posts to read them all so i am sorry if this is duplicated…
butch sounded like he was completely talking out of his @ss here…
SMOKESCREEN ALERT here boys!
i am almost willing to bet that butch hung up with CB and immediately called Snow up… “yeah garth, it went great, i sold hedman to chris, yeah, it was very convincing…yeah no problem it was my pleasure, ok, have a great draft next weekend, bye”
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JPinVA says:
It’s great to read all the opinions on both sides of this, and sorry if somebody has mentioned this before:
It would be great to hear that Snow has made a deal right before he steps to the podium. A deal that includes a first rounder and Ilya Kovalchuk. They have TWO first rounders that will have some value. The 26th this year and a top ten [most likely] next year. If they can work something out for picks (one #1 and additional 2′s) then Ilya should be had… then they can breath easy about drafting something they desperately need… a big defenseman that can move the puck. YOU CAN’T TEACH SIZE, and they do not have any on the blueline. Sutton is on his way out, and Witt most certainly has declined. Neither of them has Hedman’s [potential] offensive abilities. I think in the long run Hedman is the betteer choice. But they just can’t do it without a 40 goal guy in their camp.
If no deal is made tavares is the safest PR choice.
Snow has done a great job so far. He has a tremendous amount of assetts going into this draft and UFA period… he needs to put the Islanders on the map again.
Plus… one more year of Gordon, then we need to get a REAL COACH. -
Gutty34 says:
Detroit lost the cup because both their top forwards were banged up and not playing 100%. So too was Lidstrom but he was pretty much back to 100%. Enought said….D is important but in a league that no longer allows the clutching and grabbing, stick use and the old D tactics, offense wins in the end. Remove Sid or Malkin from the mix and Pitt loses badly. Gonchar = Streit. We have the lone defensemen who eats minutes, QB’s the PP and leads the blue line. What other D man did Pitt have that was a stud? None. Most D are picked later in the draft and there are many solid players to be had. Look at the past and it will easily be supported. Tavares is the man. Anything less and I will be unhappy. The more I think about it the more I realize I wont be happy and wont get over it if his name is not called June 26th. I am not sure as a die hard fan what my next step would be but I think many of us are looking at June 26th as a deciding factor – thats a threat Garth
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HAHA Bob, that made me crack up… it’s probably true too!!!
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god almighty in heaven above, people, please STOP calling these kids the next lidstrom/heatley/etc’s
i get the impression hedman wants to be in a bigger market than LI, 2 huge red flags in his interview with CB, “i thought it would be more like a city” and him asking about the NY GIRLS — i understand he’s a raging hormonal beast at this point, but still things i didn’t like to hear
and thanks frank, i try…
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Tom Barone says:
I love Butch to pieces! however… NO FRIGGIN WAY!!! we’re gonna miss the boat on this one if we pick Hedman.
AGAIN! will the Islanders be a worse team if they pick Hedman over JT? ? no. Hedman is going to be a franchise player as well.
I’m talking about that “X factor” I think JT brings. He sounds like a dynamic talent and much more room to grow and get better with NHL trainers working with him. He looks like he has a fiery personality and emotions running on the surface. The fans will rally around JT and lift the franchise on his shoulders and run with it for as long and far as he can carry it.
That’s what I want as an Islanders fan. Someone with emotion, passion and commitment to the franchise and beating the PISS out of the RANGERS every time we play them!!!!
I want the Islanders to be respected as they deserve to be again and I want it NOW!!!!! JT is the way to go, hands down. (IMO)
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RHL Vin says:
2 years ago we didnt have a 50 point scorer. Last year we had a defenseman lead the team in scoring and none of our forwards scored 40 points. 40 POINTS!!!! Someone please tell me the last time an NHL team didnt have a 40 point scorer at the forward position! Please draft Taveras. He will be an offensive weapon and will only make Okposo and Bailey better. Get a defenseman next year. The Islanders cant go another year with zero offense.
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Snow all you have to say is 2 words JT, then you will get the keys to NY…
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This is what the ISLANDERS feel is newsworthy on their website today. This is the talent level we boast. Please note the career highs in goals, assists and points in 65 games !!!!
Now tell me again why we don’t need Tavares?
Islanders forward Jeff Tambellini is optimistic about the team’s future and is working hard this summer to improve his overall game. Go to newyorkislanders.com to read about his views on the upcoming draft and the Islanders’ future.
This season Tambellini established new career highs in games played (65), goals (7), assists (8), points (15), average time on ice (13:06), penalty minutes (32), and shots (98). -
158 – you cant teach size, true, but you can acquire size thru the UFA market. Also, young size does not equate to success in the NHL.
The Isles have not been able to acquire scoring thru the UFA, so their only way to get scoring is thru the draft, period. The only choice here is JT.
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Brian From Jersey says:
I love Butch but he took too many pucks to that velvet helmet of his…. pick the skill guy mainly because we lack in that dept. more….
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Richie Hansen says:
Butchie = Excellent Islander; Horrible coach even worse judge of talent.
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bcarey says:
The thing on the draft party and it’s incredible “success” thus far with ticket sales: I ordered four tickets, and I only have one other friend who has confirmed that he wants to go. I am sure I am not the only one to do this. If they have more than 10,000 people, I will be surprised. If the weather is nice, then 8,000 would be a shock.
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Eric says:
People forget that Butch Goring was once the coach of the Islanders. A terrible coach by the way. The guy has not had a coaching job since at any level. That should speak volumes.
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Mookie says:
This is why Butchie isn’t coaching or
running a team. Can’t agree more with Eric above -
-Big Van Vader says:
(169) I also “ordered” 4 tix to the Draft Party and I have all 4 tix taken. It varies. This thing will “sell out”, but their should be around 12,000 people there.
Do the right thing, Garth. Say TAVARES.
Or that Jumbotron will have to be replaced.
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geduffer says:
Dose (#156)is right. This is worse than tedious. First of all, it says right in the piece that Goring hasn’t seen the guys play. That translates to “he doesn’t know.” Now I haven’t seen them play. That translates to “I’m not going to give Garth advice because he’s going to know better having seen these guys play”. Garth will not base his decision on anything said in these comments or in a forum. I know what I expect him to do, but I could be wrong and I won’t give up my tickets or consider him a fool if he takes (or doesn’t take) a specific player. I’m just going to root like hell for whoever he does draft starting in prospect camp.
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Chris M says:
I sure am glad that Butch isn’t running my team. Talented young forwards? Beyond a few select guys, the cupboard is bare at forward. This team couldn’t buy a goal for much of last season and there doesn’t seem to be a heck of a lot of help on the way. To say that there’s anyone in the Islander system who has the potential to come close to that of Tavares is an insult to Tavares.
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Chris M (#174) – I agree with you, I’m also glad that Butch is not running the team. They have a few talented young forwards but, as CB always says, they’ve got holes everywhere. Hopefully Garth plugs two holes with elite talent and makes one free agent signing that works out as well as Streit has. Plus you need goaltending badly.
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Jim #137!!! Unless you have seen Tavares play you obviously have read second hand reports and misinterpreted them. John Tavares is NOT slow footed,nor is he a poor skater. Conversely he is strong and shifty on his skates,albeit not speedy. Being not speedy isn’t necessarily slow!! From the offensive blue line in,he is as elusive as anyone in the draft,probably more so. Where did you gather that Tavares is deficient in the defensive zone? Again,conversely he is very responsible in all three zones! You are entitled to favor Hedman,but doing so shouldn’t include blatantly and irresponsibly passing along inaccurate info on Tavares.
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22Isles22 says:
Butch who would you pick if Tavares wears #61 instead of #91?
Also We all know you’re a terrific hockey player (and Islander), but what qualifies you to give GM advice? Your Stellar coaching career of your stint on Hockey Night Live NY?
Please leave this big decision to the experts, or eh hem, um, what we have in lieu of an expert, back-up goalie Garth Snow.
My 2 Biggest Fears on Draft Day:
1) THEY DONT PICK TAVARES!!!
2) TAVARES CHOOSES TO WEAR #61
(I already ordered my #91 jersey and will be wearing it at the Draft Party)
P.S.- Tho I’d happily pay for a jersey repair over Hedman, Duchene, or a trade.
JT91 or Bust!!!!
Amen Butch,
I have been in the Hedman corner from the beginning as well.