DENIS POTVIN CASTS SOME DOUBT ON D THEORY
The legend ponders Tavares vs. Hedman
Islanders Point Blank on Twitter
The People For the Defense of Victor Hedman often cite the precedent set by the drafting of Denis Potvin and subsequent birth of the Islanders dynasty. Even Clark Gillies and Butch Goring have pumped Hedman sight unseen, saying it all started with Potvin.
So the Person for the Offense of John Tavares called Mr. Denis Potvin to the stand. Actually, I just called him on the phone. (For this discussion we did not include Matt Duchene, although Duchene remains very much in the Islanders’ conversation). I figured Denis would stand up for the dman. Instead, he sounded like a man with no interest whatsoever in talking his team into passing on Tavares in order to draft a brother in the blueline fraternity.
“It’s just not that simple,” Potvin said over the phone from his Florida home. “I don’t think you can look at it as just the defenseman over the forward. And as much as I appreciate the lovely words from old teammates, journalists and fans, you have to be careful with comparisons. There is no second coming of Bobby Orr, just as there is no second coming of Bryan Trottier.”
So what would you do if you had the first overall pick, Denis?
“I would pick the player that’s best for our team and best for our market,” he said.
Potvin made that point at least a half-dozen times in our 15-minute conversation, stressing that the Islanders have to do what’s best for the Islanders and their specific situation. He watched both players closely when he covered the World Junior Championships in his hometown of Ottawa. He admitted to seeing a lot more of Tavares than Hedman, but studied the highly-touted Swedish defenseman as much as he could.
“Garth Snow is in a unique situation with everything surrounding the Islanders lately,” Potvin said, referring to the team’s last-place finish and the uncertainty regarding the franchise’s future in Nassau County. “I’ll tell you this: defensemen take time. Every team would love to have Victor Hedman on their blueline for 25 minutes a game, but John Tavares is a tremendously gifted and exciting offensive player. If you’re looking for a lot of bang for your buck, Tavares is the draft pick that’s going to give it to you right away. That’s one aspect you cannot argue.”
Potvin was excited about the potential of a dynamic first line for his Islanders.
“You have a teenager in Josh Bailey. I saw in games against the Panthers that he has some chemistry with Kyle Okposo, who I think the world of as a player,” said Denis. “Put Tavares on the line and whoa…you could have something special. With experience, they could form the kind of dominant line the Islanders haven’t had in a long, long time.”
The Hall of Famer posed a rhetorical question about Hedman.
“Is Victor the kind of explosive defenseman who is going to be one of your, let’s say, top three scorers? He’s a great talent, but I don’t see that happening. Plus, the Islanders already have Mark Streit, who was a real find for Garth. If you’re going to take a two-way defenseman first overall over a forward projected as at least a 40-goal scorer, you better be sure the dman can dominate in all areas. That’s a really tough call.”
I shared my concerns with Denis about the development of a teenage defenseman. The former Panthers television analyst was witness to the first 471 games in the playoffs-less career of Jay Bouwmeester. Florida’s first round pick in 2002, Bouwmeester will be all of 26 years old in September. But after coming through the growing pains in his first three seasons to become a terrific NHLer, Bouwmeester may leave the Panthers as an unrestricted free agent this July 1.
“That’s a very fair point,” Potvin said. “We saw the ups and downs in Florida with Jay. It’s not his fault. Defensemen take time. The trouble is, when you draft a player third overall at age 18, there are expectations that you have to place him right away in the NHL. That doesn’t make it any easier on a young defenseman, no matter how talented he is.”
In the end, Potvin refused to tell the Islanders what to do.
“Let’s face it: no one has seen both of these players more than the scouts around the league,” he said. “And it’s probable that no one has seen Tavares and Hedman more than the Islanders’ scouts. As any good manager will do, Garth is going to listen to his staff. Then he’s going to make the right choice for his team and his market.”
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136 Responses to DENIS POTVIN CASTS SOME DOUBT ON D THEORY
The legend ponders Tavares vs. Hedman
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Take the best player available regardless of position. A team’s needs this year might be different the next, plus it’s always best to maximize your assets. I still believe the best player in the draft is John Tavares and I haven’t seen or heard or read anything to make me change my mind.
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IsleofNJ says:
Denis was quite the defenseman and is diplomatic as well. Even though he didn’t voice a definite choice, he definitely alludes to his thoughts that the ISLES should take JT considering “taking into account the market” etc, etc
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cgs878 says:
Thanks CB, these posts are of great quality and content. Must be nice to have everyone’s phone number too. Don’t ever lose your cell!
If there’s one thing that I’ve learned by watching sporting events, it’s that nothing is EVER certain until the game is officially over. There’s just too much “human element” involved – injuries, mental states of mind, momentary lapses of reason, fight vs. flight impulses, instincts, etc. Everything is variable, and we won’t know who the Islanders have drafted until “the game is over” late on June 26.
That being said, I think that taking Tavares in the draft and then paying loads of $ for one of the quality free agent D-men (Bouwmeester?) would take care of one piece of both the offense and defense problems.
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Joey303 says:
CB – If the Islanders have what they consider, an excellent draft in their minds, would they be up for trading or signing quality FA’s? Plenty of teams are going to need cap room, and methinks thats just as important for the growth of this franchise, as the draft is.
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ME says:
Hedman is not Potvin. The comparison’s of how the Islanders built their dynasty to today are absolutely ridiculous. Different era and different league. I do not doubt that Hedman will be a very good if not great defenseman when it is all said and done with. If the Islanders really want to make a splash on draft day, they should take Tavares 1st and then work out a deal to place themselves in a position to draft Oliver Ekman-Larsson. That would make draft day a success. Look out for this kid Ekman-Larsson. He will be a special player. Just remember who you heard it from first.
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The man does have a great point… he was 20 when he was drafted, and VH & JT are only 18. It is so much harder to project these kids.
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phishstyx says:
In Hockey futures.com mock draft with some guy from nhl.com says the Isles will take Hedman. If they pass on Tavares I’ll be sick
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Sab says:
Another great piece Chris…..Did you chat with #5 about what he’ll be doing next hockey season?
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Islanders1984 says:
Garth just draft Tavares, no one will get on your case for doing so, do you want to be the next Bill Torrey or the next Mike Milbury in the eyes of Islander fans
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felix says:
and there you have it. even more reason to take JT. with 18 days left I would not mind the isles finally coming out and saying they are taking him. you will still have the same number at the draft party and will sell about 5000 JT jerseys by friday.
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-Big Van Vader says:
If they take Hedman, that Jumbotron is coming DOWN!!!
Who’s with me?!?!??
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german islesfan says:
TAVARES!!! and thomas pock has signed a two year contract in switzerland(rapperswil) GOD THANKS
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Alot of the alumni who were forwards prefer defenseman Hedman, Potvin, our best defenseman and arguably the best all around defenseman ever to play in the NHL prefers forward John Tavares.
Ok, either their egos are so big they don’t want to see a kid come in and be the next big thing at their position or they’re part of Garth’s plan to confuse us even more while we agonize over something we really shouldn’t be agonizing over. All kidding aside, this is a great problem to have. We all know it, yet we still rack our brains with the anxiety that keeps building. We’re getting a great player, that we can bank on. -
dose says:
interesting how the forwards (9 and 91) favor the d-man while the great d-man favors the forward (even if he didn’t say it). they all make good points, but #5′s about “bang for the buck …right away” is the key. they can get a player who everyone says will be not very good but great, AND will instantly energize the fan base. how often does that happen?
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geduffer says:
Here’s what I really think. Don Garth should take his consigliere (Janks) around to meet the other GMs in the top 5 and “make them an offer they can’t refuse” for their top pick and pick Tavares, Hedman, Kane, Schenn AND Cowan. Would that make everyone happy or would everyone want him to keep #26 as well and take Landon Ferraro?
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G. HOWITT says:
You heard from the best-D man OK Snow-man pick JT.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
I think that should put all you Isles build the dynasty with Potvin at bay. He says Tavares is immediate impact player and best in the draft.
Snow we have enough CHARACTER and GRIT. we need a goal scorer.
TAVERES is our guy.
I really hope we part ways with Hilbert too. That guy took way too much ice time up and did nothing.
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EAF says:
key words are “best for our market”
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Steve says:
Great post, Chris, as always. Potvin is well respected hockey man and hopefully future Isles management. Even with an Ego the size of the Andes he still would evidently go with Tavares over the dominant D. Garth really is doing a great job so far. He simply cannot pass on Tavares.
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art says:
Make Potvin and asst. coach.
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doc says:
I hope the Islanders draft TAVARES!
Whatever they do after that… is anybody’s guess, and I believe Snow and his staff will do what’s in the best interest for the future of the team. BUT, as a fan… I WANT Tavares 1st.
DOC
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Mark P says:
I love our Dynasty Islanders, but I am not sure how many of them are really in touch with todays game. Denis was doing TV for Florida while handling a regular XM radio spot 3 days a week. He is probably more in tune with todays situation than most of the other hero’s.
Withstanding trades that spice up our haul….Tavares has to be the #1 pick.
I miss picking up the paper…seeing the top 10 scorers in NHL and finding one of our guys climbing up the list.
It also makes me sick that 20 goals is now the standard for Islander excellence. -
Mikey says:
I agree 100% with Denis on his last point: nobody (including bloggers and fans) is probably more qualified than the Islander scouts to assess these players. Garth needs to ignore all the background noise and listen to his staff.
However, I take issue with some of Potvin’s other points. Particularly, I do not understand the logic behind selecting the player that is best for “our market.” Wasn’t this part of Ottawa’s thinking when they selected the French-speaking Daigle? The best player available is always, by definition, the best player for our market. Second, I don’t understand Potvin’s reasoning re Streit and the length of Dman development. You do not draft players with an eye towards the next 1-3 years. Trades and FA signings are meant to fulfill that purpose. You draft players based on their projected value to your organization in years 3-10 of their career. If anything (all things being equal), it makes even more sense to select a defenseman in summer #2 of the rebuild rather than 2-3 years from now when the team will (hopefully) be looking to make a run. We can afford to go through the bumps and bruises of Hedman’s development now when we are still in the rebuilding phase.
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JTorBUST says:
19, I agree with you Denny’s quote says it all. Our market is not about bringing the stanley cup home right now it is about saving this franchise. JT will create enough revenue to take this team out of the red ,Victor will not, that cut and dry. 2006 #1 pick D man Eric Johnson over forwards J Stahl, Toews, Kessel…would you rather have the majority of the approx 7500-10000 ( and counting) fans at the draft party walk out or walk to the ticket line and buy a jersey after?
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Nick says:
Ive made this point time and again- D MEN TAKE LONGER TO DEVELOP. We could develop Hedman and then lose him to FA. TAVARES is the only choice.
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StevieL says:
CB, awesome get with the Captain!! What amazes me is that the Dynasty team, in addition to how great they were, is what a classy knowlegable bunch they are!!Articulate with great insight, they are a great read everytime. Potvin watched them both play. He knows the Isles need a star, and he knows Tavares is that star.
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BC says:
I think one thing is for certain. That the Islanders will not trade the first overall pick. On the Islanders website, the top headline is “With the No. 1 Pick, the isles select…” Unlike past stories on the website about the draft, which have been vague, I do not think the Islanders would have wanted a story about picking 1st overall if they did not expect to be picking in that slot on the day of the draft.
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One more thing: I don’t put much stock into making decisions for the sole purpose of pleasing the fans or boosting the organization’s “credibility” around the league. Remember this quote: “I mean…it makes us credible immediately. I think it not only boosts the fans but it’s going to be a real lift for the guys on our team, knowing we have a guy like this.” This is what Mike Milbury said after trading Spezza and Chara for Yashin. At the time, I remember that most fans were frustrated with Chara’s development and were dying to have a first-line 40 goal scoring center. Unfortunately, Milbury gave in to the short-term pressure, but it crippled our franchise in the long-run. I am not equating Tavares with Yashin, but rather making a point that decisions need to be made for HOCKEY reasons. Who can best help us be a consistent cup winner over the long haul? That is the only relevant question Garth should be asking.
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Hedmen plays too soft for his size. we will have enough toughness to surround JT this year. They signed HALEY too a 2 way contract….
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mw147 says:
Good read, CB
Now that he is no longer broadcasting for the Panthers, did you discuss his future plans? I do not see him as an assistant coach, but I could see him as a part time roving instructor in our organization, spending time at Salt Lake City, Bridgeport, and Long Island. Being a broadcaster for the past 15 years he is certainly connected with today’s NHL. -
DANO says:
CB your always on the money and you never have a bad story to tell, keep up the good work. Did you ever think of moving to Canada we could use a good man up here
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isles3113 says:
after reading what garth says on the website, im confident he will be choosing tavares
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Mikey did you just compare Tavares to Yashin. come one man. I think the better argument for that Is building vs the draft vs trading for NHL established players. I was one of those isles fans that was upset to trade Chara. Also remember Chara was not first round pick, He was late round GEM> we can find those guys, not waste #1 pick for Hedman.
If you ask me i say dont even trade other picks for lower pick. We have 8 picks in 3 rounds. Figure tavares going to be stud. Unless you can trade down to top 10 i say keep them. B/c even if 1 or 2 of those guys with remaing 7 picks is impact players its a homerun.
I like playing more picks than trading and betting on one pick.
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Jerry says:
What we need is Tavares, a solid rest of the draft(preferably a power forward who can play right away), that along with the prospects of a new arena will bring free agents here and get the franchise back to where it belongs.BTW, I’d love to see Komiserek and Cammilleri here next year.
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Is this still a question. My personal opinion. No way we pass on Tavares. I cant imagine taking anyone else at #1. Is it possible we trade to #3 and pickup Wolski and Svatos and get Duchesne. Ya its a small chance that could happen. But were all islanders and we want Tavares.
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RAmen says:
Two things –
1. Great insight – great to hear his perspective given that he’s been watching the development of Bouwmeester.
2. I love the picture with the cup! -
#19 Spot on..JT=sell-outs $$..Hedmean=cricket sounds
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isles99 says:
some people forget that there is only one denis potvin or bobby orr, im glad he reitrated that. there are, however, many 40 goal scorers who don’t take nearly as long to develop. this comes straight from potvin’s mouth and not just mine.
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By not showing his cards Snow has built the excitement around this team and this draft to a peak level. If he goes ahead and picks JT first overall, I’d give him high marks on how he’s handled the lottery and having the first pick overall.
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rb says:
Denis is too modest to say it, but there’s no second coming of No. 5 either…what other defenseman in NHL history put up 1,000 points and could also knock you into next week?
watching the Youtbe clips of VH, he reminds me a lot of a young Larry Robinson…but in today’s 30-team NHL I don’t believe you can pass on the potential big-time goal scorer because no one trades you guys like that in their prime and it’s almost impossible to draft them in later rounds notwithstanding the usual exceptions people throw out
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West Coast Fan says:
Denis too modest? lol… I almost just spit out my morning coffee…
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We already have Streit. Better than Lidstrom this past season in my opinion. We have time for a dman of the future. Draft Tavares NOW.
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Staten Islander says:
Draft JT, then go after a big and NASTY d-man
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Islander’s are not giving any hints on who they are drafting from what i see. i hope its because of the draft party, so there will be a party when they pick JT
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IslesHostage says:
Just a quicky to ponder: if we drafted based on talent and BPA, would we be in the situation we are in drafting based on “market?” If Tavares is better, draft him. If Hedman is better, draft him. If marketability is key, draft Wayne Newton and put this team further into the dark ages.
Quality sells. Marketability gets you crutches and repeat surgeries and fans whose hearts are scarred and tattered.
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Fist of Gillies says:
The Isles have scored less than 200 goals each of the last two seasons and have a chance to get a guy who many predict will hit the ice scoring with 30 – 40 goals.
throw in the need for a star and an arena development to get approved – i don’t see this breaking any other way:
Draft Tavares
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lovin lethbridge says:
If we can draft JT at one, and move up to take Kreider or Moore, what a great draft that would be. And both Moore and Kreider are committed to school for next year, meaning we are more than likely destined for another lottery pick. Having one player ready to contribute now, and one a year or two away sets us up going forward to be a real strong team by 2012. there is no quick fix building with youth
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bob l says:
fist of gillies, you are correct, give yourself a bell!
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Strummer's Army says:
Hi, I’m Chris Botta and I’m not just the President of the John Tavares fan club but I’m also a member.
Great piece Chris. I just don’t see (barring some amazing package) how the Isles can pass on John Tavares. So nice to hear from Denis Potvin too!
This from the Isles own website put it in perspective for me.
Tavares, a center, has skated in 247 career OHL games, compiling 215 goals and 218 assists for 433 points in four seasons with Oshawa and London. He has also played in 38 career playoff games, recording 20 goals and 36 assists for 56 points.Hedman, a defenseman, has skated in 82 career Swedish Elite League games, compiling nine goals and 16 assists for 25 points in two seasons with Modo. He won Rookie of the Year honors in 2008-09 after recording 21 points (7-14-21) in 43 games while patrolling Modo’s blue line.
Duchene, a center, has played in 121 career Ontario Hockey League games, compiling 61 goals and 68 assists for 129 points in two seasons with the Brampton Battalion. He has also appeared in 26 playoff games with the Battalion, notching 15 goals and 13 assists for 28 points.
Looking at those numbers how could anyone pass on Tavares?
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Anyone see former Stars/Flames GM Craig Button on NHL ON THE FLY last night? His mock draft was interesting. Eriksson was number 10, Ekman-larsson was number 4, Evander Kane wasn’t in his top 10, Hedman was picked first by the Isles, Tavares went 2 to Tampa. Cowen was #9. Kassian was not top 10 either. Who know if he is right but the first mock draft I’ve seen by a former GM.
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G. Howitt (#30)- You say Hedman plays too soft for his size? He’s an 18 year old playing against men (and quite well) in the Swedish Elite League. Spare us this nonsense. Whichever team winds up with him is going to have a great player.
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Hockey1919 says:
Funny how your pre-disposition to the debate can change your interpretation of what Potvin said. He leaned towards Tavares but in the end he said that the Islanders scouts, the guys that have actually seen these kids play, should help Snow make the decision.
Hedman is not projected to be Bobby Orr, but let’s not leave out the rest of the quote, Tavares is projected to be Trottier either. I hope that Tavares isn’t considered a bust if he doesn’t score 40 next year (unless he’s playing for Tampa). Some fans are willing to crucify DP since he was a 1st overall pick and has been injured.
If you believe that JT can make an immediate impact and score 40-goals then he is your man, if you believe that VH can play 30-minutes and you have patience that changes the debate. Remember some forwards take longer than forever to develop – see Daigle and the merchandising that saved the Sens.
Streit has one great season under his belt and hope many more, so easy with the Lidstrom comparisons. You can make up a lot of 1 goal games by having better goaltending than scoring more goals. Need 40 more goals? Gaborik and Hossa to a team built to win may be there as well.
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If they drafted Tavares ONLY for marketing reasons, season ticket sales and buzz… it’s not like they’d be getting a stiff. He’s still arguably the #1 rated prospect in this years draft.
It’s not as if they would be sacrificing a talent in exchange for marketing. Geez… give it a break.
Draft Tavares for all of the right reasons. He’s the #1 rated prospect, he creates buzz and excitement, he will bring fans to the game and will become the face of the franchise.
DOC
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Bryan says:
and with the first pick, the islanders select John Tavares!!!!! if i dont hear those words on June 26th I think my head will explode…….It’s the safest pick and it’s the most exciting, how often does that happen?
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Tavaras or Bust!!! says:
With all signs pointing to JT, the fans want him, Garth would alienate a large % of Isles fans if he chose someone other that JT. I hope Garth weighs this into his decision.
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Savetheisles.webs.com says:
(12)
I’m with you
Better pick tavares
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and we still think this is an unsolved mystery?
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Good for Denis Potvin. He could have been all high and mighty and ‘d’ oriented guy – but he told the truth. Garth should do what is best for the team (I believe Tavares). It’s not that simple – d over forward, it all depends on the situation. Denis hit this right on the head. Unless Garth could swing a deal for the 2nd and 3rd pick (at expense, at least, of the 1st), Tavares has too many ‘intangibles’ that this team needs.
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ooops, dont know what happenned in that post cb, delete it if u want, meant to say this…
hi, i’m doug, nice to meet you matt, have a good tour, catch’ya later
hmm…is that victor hedman over there? he looks big, well, no need to introduce myself
hey john, i’m doug, get in the car, i know this great little place that stacks the pancakes as high as your face
and we still think this is an unsolved mystery?
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isles72 says:
no Potvin , no cups
you sir , we’re the best d-man the league has ever seen
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Muller9 says:
Mark my words……MATT DUCHENE at # 1……we are the NY ISLANDERS
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kevin says:
i agree with garth snow when he said were going to pick the guy who will bring a stanley cup home to the island. sign me up for that. you want fans?marketability? win a cup.
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No Mike Bossy = no cups…
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Blizzard says: The outcry of drafting Tavares has reached a fever pitch. LOL. Can there be any doubt? We are the Islanders after all. But rest assured Milbury is gone, cant believe that @#%$^ announces between periods in the finals, I can just imagine what Milbury would do. Tavares has no jam and trade the pick. June 26th will be a glorious day for Islander fans.
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thepolishprince says:
No way the Isles take Duchene at #1. Absolutely no way. More than likely JT for all the reasons that have been beaten to death. Best player available people – thats Tavares, a player who by EVERY account will be no less than a 40 goal a year guy in the NHL. Has Duchene garnered anything near that ceiling by the majority of scouts?
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KDessart says:
Botta,
Great post. I for one, along with a lot of NHL GMS will tell you that you take the best available player in the 1st round. After the first you pick players in the positions you need. Thanx for posting these on FB!KD
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kevin fitz says:
I still believe there is no way they take Duchene with the first pick. They may end up with him, but they will trade down to take him. It would be the height of stupidity to take him at #1.
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Garth says; “We do our due diligence and we’re looking for players who are going to help us win the Stanley Cup,” Snow said. “That’s the only mandate I have ever gotten from our owner Charles Wang—to bring the Stanley Cup back to Long Island.”
… nice to hear smart words from our GM instead of insanity
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tond24 says:
1st pick J.T.
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dp says:
Great read, I am so excited for the draft.
Tavares and Duchene stay chez Snow, Hedman at a hotel. I think its now the TavDuch watch and I have no idea who Snow will choose.
Now what goaltenders will be available come July 1st to be our starter if Rick is still “healing”?? -
I just couldn’t imagine how Garth could go against the obvious majority…
CB, can use your inside clout to get the results on the Isles promo, where fans voted for the #1 pick???
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Pete says:
Market=Tavares. Thanks Botta!
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no Smitty = no cups
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
All things being equal … My main reason for picking Tavares over Hedman without looking back is the same exact reason that you and Potsy alluded to CB … Defenseman take time … no matter how talented they are … you are forfeiting at least the first 3 years of a stud defenseman’s career just on developing the player. A team already poised to make a run in the playoffs might be able to afford that time … The Isles can’t … they can’t wait for Hedman to develop only to become a UFA after 3 years of developing … and 4-5 good years as Hedman enters his prime as a UFA … JayBo is the prime example.
Draft Tavares!!!
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beatlebailey says:
i am past the speculation – the Isles will take Tavares. The question is how many goals does he score in his rookie season. I am going with 29 goals. What does everyone else think?
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to #74… I say between 30 and 35 goals for Tavares’ rookie year.
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dave chyzowski says:
how can Garth and Ken Morrow say at draft lottery that they are so excited for the fans… pack the coliseum with Tavares starved fans and then draft Ivan Drago Hedman and disappoint all fans and have them all boo. if they are excited for the fans and are packing the colie it will be John Tavares.
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UIF says:
I think we’re aiming too high. Regardless of what team drafts him, I’d expect early struggles for Tavares similar to what Stamkos went through. But just when people were labeling Stamkos a “bust,” he finishes the season strong and walks away with over 20 goals.
Next season, maybe the guy pushes close to 30. I’d expect a similar curve for Tavares, and would be happy with that if he does it for the Islanders.
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Look at Stricklands article….says we are after Hedman
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Vukota says:
Who cares what Strickland says. If Botta doesn’t know, nobody knows.
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They really can’t think 10,000 plus are showing up to hear any other name except Tavares.
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Pete M says:
Strickland is just another one of those guys who is keeping the Leafs fans all lathered up about the possibility of getting Tavares by saying the Isles are leaning towards Hedman.
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–Sorry I made a mistake in last post…Here is the Correct Craig Button top 10 Mock DRaft——– 10-tim erixon (compared him to mathias ohlund
9- Jared Cowen (compared him to Derian Hatcher)
8-Nazim Kadri (compared him to scott gomez)
7-Magnus Paarjarvi-svensson (compared him to john Tonelli)
6-Jacob Joseffson (compared him to Bengt-Ake gustaffson ????)
5-Brayden Schenn (compared him to mike richards)
4-Oliver Ekman-Larsson (compared him to sergei zubov)
3-Matt Duchesne (compared him to rob brindamour)
2-John Tavares
1-Viktor Hedman -
No Bryan Trottier = No Mike Bossy
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BR says:
Great piece. Am still hoping that the pick is Tavares, but either way we’ll be picking a key piece who will benefit the team for years to come.
On another note, Ottawa media is reporting this afternoon that Heatley has requested a trade.
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Brian B says:
I’m worried like all of you guys are about them picking Hedman instead of Tavares…but I’m sorry. I just can’t see Garth taking Victor Hedman, who will not make an immediate impact and while waiting for him to fully develop in 3-5 years, fans are gonna be all over Garth and if the Isles aren’t winning, is Wang gonna just let him continue doing the job?
I think Snow just wants to show the fans and gm’s around the league that his business is his business and you will never know what he’s gonna do.
Today, I firmly believe we are gonna draft Tavares. (Duchene shouldn’t even be in the discussion).
P.S. Remember, do the Isles scouts wanna be known as those guys that passed on Tavares?
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Anybody else notice on the isles website how they did a profile on the top 30 prospects and they don’t have one for Tavares???? Unless I missed it, I don’t see him anywhere???
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Isle_in_LA says:
Word is Dany Heatly is demanding a trade. I say we pull a Milbury and trade the #1 to Ottawa for him. It worked out well with Yashin. JT
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Being an Isles fan since birth, you know just like i know if something can go wrong it probably will……..with the islanders
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Tool123 says:
Brian B…. I feel it also has to do with the Draft Party. Over 10,000 so far are schedule to attend and event hough the tickets are free, the merchandise, sales and Ticket sales isnt. If Garth comes out and says he is picking Tavares right off the bat, I bet half those people rather watch on Vs. They are trying to make this a lifetime event, to witness the future of the Isles being drafted, to make it more ammusing to attend the party. If it was me, if Garth said today he is drafting Tavares, the Draft party wont be as thrilling to attend and I rather watch on TV instead.
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Larry says:
#81, Strickland says they are interested in drafting Hedman, they are also interested in drafting Tavares and Duschene
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Rob76 says:
I, Too am completely worried and paranoid that Garth will have one of his “I know better” moments and not JT. However they have a draft party every year, the fact that they are having a draft party this year as well has nothing to do with them picking JT, Hedman or making a trade(Heatley, Vinny, or trade down). They have draft parties when they aren’t in the lottery, I hope that everyone at the draft party goes home happy with JT. If they pick Tavares, everyone will want his jersey, t-shirt and tickets, if they pick Hedman – they all will be trying to beat the traffic minutes after the pick is made
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Vukota…There doing it alphabetically. T for Tavares will be displayed tomorrow!
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No Mike Bossy = No Bryan Trottier…
It’s silly… it’s a team game. You need obvious goal scoring talent… even if the goal scorer has a deficiency on the defensive side of the game.
You need strong stay at home defensemen… a good if not great goalie… offensive defensemen that might be a little deficient on the defensive side… defensive forwards that are a little deficient on the offensive side… etc.
The Islanders NEED a talent, a face, a marketing departments dream in JOHN TAVARES!!!
DOC
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Tool 123- Thanks bro, didn’t realize that
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with regards to the heatley sitch…… june 26th will bring us heatley and tavares. He makes too much money for almost anybody else. give ottawa back their 1st pick this year or give them ours next year, but if we walk away from the draft with tavres and heatley and ricky is healthy, we will make the playoffs and you can quote me. Heatley is only 28, u better believe he is worth next years #1 pick.!!!!!!!
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i think it would cost more than 2 no 1′s…throw in bailey too
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So about this 10,000 number. The Islanders are giving away the tickets for free. You can request up to 6 tickets per order. I think most people would grab 6 tickets if they think there is any chance that they will use all 6. That being said, I think it would be shocking to say the least if there were over 10,000 people in attendance for the draft party.
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i want garth to trade up to select scott glennie or john moore after drafting tavares
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i forgot to add that drafting tavares and glennie will give 4/6 of our first two lines:
okposo, tavares, player X
bailey, glennie, player Y -
Joe Reekie says:
do they have draft party at coliseum every year?
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#90, if we trade for heatly the only one we should give up is dipietro. correct the mistake
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Valentino says:
No Arbour = No Cups
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Quez says:
I can hear Howie Rose calling it the “HOTline” – Heatley – Okposo – Tavares! Ottawa will not get fair value for Heatley given that he makes 7.5/per and wants out. In todays NHL, cap space needs to be treated like a commodity. Isles need get creative and make an almost reverse Yashin deal. Maybe a 2nd this year and our first next, tops.
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Booten says:
I really hope they take Potvin’s advice and pick JT. I’d love to go to iceworks and watch him in action.
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Duchene did not even play for Team Canada, I will seroiusly question Garth and the scouting staff if they select him over JT and even Hedman. I will be livid if they select him first overall….
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Ben says:
I agree with #88. I think the focus of the staff is getting as clear a picture of the prospects in the middle and see if they can work a deal to trade up.
I would not be surprised if the Islander pull off 3 first round picks.
The youth movement cannot go on forever and blue chip players don’t fall into your lap if you’re placing 20th in the league.
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Jeff says:
I want John Tavares for all reasons and I will state my more than 10 reasons again. Marketing (sells tickets), medias follows Islanders ands will make NYI NYR rivalry that much better, drafting Tavares will take performance pressure off youngster, Josh Bailey is not and will not become a number 1 center (will be a very good # 2 center), Tavares in lineup would attract UFA over the years as a grerat D would not, yes Tavares and Hedman could leave once UFA but Hedman from Swedebn has another optoin of returning to his country for an unforeseen reason if something unpredictable happens, the team did not have one 20 goal scorer last year, you can always find great D men later in the draft (easier to add them as UFA ex: CHara, Boyle, Campbell), offense wins games today and if he is a sniper, remember shooouts are used to determine games picking up valuable points in the standings, Tavares is rated number 1, and he will at the worst be a 40 goal scorer. I don’t think there are any other reasons as I hit them all on the button. I say draft Tavares, throw money at either Bouwmeester or Komisarek. Trade up to draft a blue chip defensive prospect (this way you have Streit, the UFA, and top prospect can develop slowly to keep the cupboard full and always going like Detroit), and try to get Camilleri, Tanguay, Tkachuk, Cole (or some type of scoring winger as UFA). I cannot believe I am agonizing over this. June 26, 2009 NHL entry draft and Islanders draft party cannot get here soon enough!
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No Milbury = No shot at Tavares
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No Denis Potvin = No tortured Ranger fans
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( 109 )
I agree with some points but signing all the FA’s is not going to happen.
Maybe we sign Komi and that’s it. I would still be happy with Komi and that’s it. I don’t believe snow and Wang will throw tons of $$ when we are in a Rebuilding mode
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No Butchie No Cups
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hobotm says:
for all you that want hedman or that still question who the isles need to draft…i ask what d-man did the penguins draft or have for that matter, that got them to the stanley cup finals the past two years???…in my opinion you dont need a d-man to get you to the promise land…we need offense..just look at the penguins…they have crosby, malkin and a supporting cast that are fun to watch and play a team game…we need TAVARES not d…long live the LONG ISLANDERS!!!! Lets go get Tavares then second guess….
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No Tavares = No Fans
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coral springs isle fan says:
I’m getting the feeling the Isles are going to draft Duchene. I don’t think they will take him #1 though. I have this feeling they will trade down and add assets in order to move up. I know the fans are not enamored with Duchene but he almost makes more sense. You still get the goal scoring you need but he has more to his game. I’m just trying to keep an open mind so I don’t feel betrayed by the staff.
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Railbait says:
114 said it first, but let me elaborate –
No #91 = No cups
As in the past (Goring) so goes the future (Tavares)!
DRAFT TAVARES!!!!!
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Duchene is more physically ready for the NHL; just go to NHL.com and you can watch an interview with all the top draft choices and you will see that Tavares does not quite measure up with Duchene. Just my opinion. Good night!
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Mike L says:
hotbotm- I want Tavares as much as the next fan (I already have a Tavares jersey) but the answer to your question is that in 2000 the Penguins used their first round pick on defenseman Brooks Orpik who has been the backbone of the Pens defense and has consistently been one of the league leaders in hits and blocked shots. As much as Crosby and Malkin carried the team to the finals, Orpik
s role has also been very important to the team’s success -
bear says:
idk if anyone else has heard, but ive read a few places heatley wants out of ottawa…is this true? and if so would it be worth sending nexts years first and picks from this year there to get him? idk his contract situation, but if we can get him signed and draft tavares and then sign 1 or 2 good defensemen,and a decent 1B goalie this team could very, very well be playoff bound (assuming continued improvement of younger guys playing well and DP coming back) a pipe dream perhaps, but a guy can dream, right?
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Mikey (29): Great post! If this team starts making decisions because its what the fans want instead of what they feel will be best for this teams long term success, then this team is doomed. Thankfully, Garth doesnt seem the type to bow to what ANY of us have to say- and I sincerely hope thats how things remain.
If Hedman or even Duchene are deemed by this team to offer more in regard to bringing the stanley cup back to LI, then Tavares is going to sit there. And if Tavares is as good as you all think he is, then he WILL Be picked. Thats wthe way it SHOULD be. I dont know why that would get anyone upset, though- if you believe in the greatness of Tavares then you should believe that he WILL shine as the best pick in the eyes of the experts. Right?
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Brooks Orpik is a nice defensemen… but please… let’s not lose sight of what makes the penguins the penguins.
You can replace Orpik with about 50 other defensemen in this league and the penguins are still in the finals. There are maybe 3 other forwards that you could substitute for Crosby or Malkin – and their names are Ovechkin, Datsyuk and Kovalchuk. End of story.
DOC
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rob in nj says:
CB thanks for this amazing site.keep it up and hope this sticks around for a long while!…all this is just to build doubt and uncertainty among the fans. Its good business to pack the coli with fans doubting the pick and then select JT..ka-ching! We saw what happened last year..this year there is a lot more on the line…You can’t go wrong with JT and I am confident that’s what they are going to do..look how hyped this has become..kudos to garth for creating all the suspense..can’t wait til the draft!!
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post 111 steve…haha no milbury = no shot at tavares. you’re right
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post 111 steve…haha no milbury = no shot at tavares. you’re right
16 long days.. -
Oren says:
Heatley is now available! 26th pick and 37th + Comeau Next year 2nd rounder for Heatley. We keep 31st pick.
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no islander fans= no islanders
TAVARES SHOOTS AND SCORES
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No Point Blank = No good
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Oren,
Remember, we got that 26th pick FROM Ottawa, so that would make the trade essentially Campoli, Comeau and 2 second rounders for a 2 time 50 goal scorer in his prime. NOT gonna happen! We would have to use the 26th and 37th to move up to the 16th or 17th pick to even get things started. the 17th pick, plus the 37th pick, trivino, another decent prospect and a second rounder next year MAY get the ball rolling on that trade. -
Jordan says:
omggggg if the isles pass on Hedman we will regret it for life. Look at Detroit, how do you think they won all the cups they did? Nick Lidstrom, period. Datsyuk and Zetterberg are greta too but Lidstrom is by far the reason they are where there are. He shuts the other teams down, and puts up alot of points as well. He is the MVP of the NHL in the last 10-15 years by far. Tavares is great too dont get me wrong, but he is more of a Danny Heatley guy, and can score 50 goals, but not a Franchise playeer. Ask yourself, who would you rather have, 20 years of Lidstrom, or 20 years of Heatley? I rest my case
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Also, DO NOT compaire Ja-Bo to Hedman, Ja-bo is a highly overrated player, simply because he is Canadian, and that happens sometimes. His name is worth more then his actual play. Look at Nash, what has he done for the Jackets?
Also when saying Hedman is not “NHL ready”, thats foolish. He has played with Men now for 2 years, while Tavares has played with 15-19 years olds, so how can he be more ready? Defence wins championships in ever sport, and its no different then hockey.
No Hedman=no cup for a long while -
Jeff says:
The captain is telling us to pick Tavares.
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Robbie says:
Would you trade our 2010 first round pick for hedmsn?
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Obviously, but no GM would be that stupid to take that deal
CB,
You never cease to amaze with the quality of your posts.