VH GETS THE 3-HOUR TOUR: Hedman and dad visit LI and meet with Wang, Snow, Jankowski and Bossy
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Victor Hedman today became the third of The Big Three prospects for the 2009 NHL Draft to visit Long Island and meet with Islanders management.
Hedman, his father Olle and his agent Peter Wallen were picked up at their hotel this morning by Islanders general manager Garth Snow and given a tour of Nassau County that went from the North Shore to the southern beaches. The trip ended at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, where Snow presented his vision for the franchise and listened to Hedman’s thoughts on where he fits with the Islanders.
During the visit, the group was joined by Islanders owner Charles Wang, scouting director Ryan Jankowski and legendary goal scorer Mike Bossy.
“First class in every way,” Wallen said early this evening from Pittsburgh, where Hedman was invited by the NHL to make a few appearances, meet the media and watch Tuesday night’s Cup Final Game 3 at the Igloo. “We wish we could have stayed longer, but the Islanders understood the NHL needed Victor in Pittsburgh. Long Island is such a beautiful place. I know Victor was really impressed by Garth’s presentation and that Mr. Wang took the time to meet with him. Victor’s father thought the Island would be more like a city. He thinks this is a great place for his son.”
The Islanders, who knew about Wallen’s stay with Mike Bossy’s family 30 years ago as a youth hockey player, added the touch of having Bossy stop by to say hello to the Hedmans. Bossy presented autographed prints from the famed photo shoot he did three decades ago with a hockey stick on fire.
“I’m there for Victor, who’s 18 years old, but I’m meeting Bossy for the second time and I turned into a kid again,” said Wallen. “That was amazing.”
I asked the agent if he has a better feel today for what the Islanders might do with the first overall draft selection.
“The only thing I know for sure is that the Islanders like Victor a lot,” said Wallen. “But I still don’t think we’ll know anything until the night of the draft. I’m sure the Islanders would love to have Victor, but there are at least two other great players in the mix. The Islanders have a tough decision to make, but they are in a very fortunate position. The way I see it, the race is wide-open and anything – including a trade – could happen.
“Just let everyone know that we enjoyed the trip and can’t thank the Islanders enough for the hospitality they showed us today.”
Note: In anticipation of the question, there are reasons why this blog was able to provide more inside coverage of Hedman’s visit – as opposed to previous trips by John Tavares and Matt Duchene. Thanks to some personal contacts, I was able to get Hedman on the phone last week at the Draft Combine. The last two days, Wallen was gracious enough to speak to me on-the-record.
Tavares and Duchene share an agent. Their agent has chosen to this point to stay more low-key. Different methods, that’s all. This doesn’t mean Tavares and Duchene are less-than-sterling young men. They are. I still hope to interview them in the near future.
Comments.
58 Responses to VH GETS THE 3-HOUR TOUR: Hedman and dad visit LI and meet with Wang, Snow, Jankowski and Bossy
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kevin says:
first! anyway, makes me a little worried were taking hedman but ill still be happy with him but lets hope tavares got a nice tour too!
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well i feel dumb, i got second. either way, i agree jon. chris, do you still think that the islanders are leaning towards tavares or have they changed towards hedman?
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pete says:
HEDMAN!!!the constant chatter of tavares to toronto, and tavares speaking openly about his desire to play there is a turn off. hedman sounds like a great kid
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Dino says:
HEDMAN!!!!
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mikko says:
i said it way back in december, matt duchene will be the best player in this draft!!! taveres and hedman will be good players in the nhl, but duchene is a very complete player.. i would trade the #1 pick and take duchene!!!!!
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Dave Chyzowski says:
HEDBACK Hedman. draft JT please.
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The Isles are lucky that they are going to get a great player no matter what. But at the same time, it totally sucks that whoever they pick they will be leaving what looks to be a fantastic player behind. What to do, what to do.
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blitz says:
If NYI go with VH, then they must also be in love wth an offensive player in the mid-to late 1st round.
Kick’n crabbing Chris to OTT has really given Snow a lot more options than just having #1 overall.
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the1gwiz says:
Pete (#5), source for this “speaking openly about his desire to play” in Toronto by Tavares?
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Giaco says:
CB – You should redo the vote of JT or Vic. Even though it will be (and should be) Tavares, I think it will be a lot closer than your first vote. I’m pro JT but I’m softening my stance a little bit.
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MSA says:
Love him, or hate him, Wang showed a lot of class to personally meet VH. We all know he has a huge investment to protect, but does a guy looking to sell and dump the team (as some here seem to think he wants to do) take the time to personally meet potential draft picks?
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Pete says:
Of course Snow will screw us over. He always has to prove that he knows best. Lets never bring in some excitement with a high flying offense man to the team. If he screws this up, I done. 16 years of stupidity and failure is long enough.
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Islanders1984 says:
Yeah Pete, Tavares never openly said he wanted to play for the leafs
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Al L says:
No doubt Hedman is a great kid,but hopefully unlike some here,Garth will stay the course. Tavares has been and still is projected to be prolific goal scorer. This nonsense about him being a poor skater and not responsible in the other two zones is ridiculous. Scouts describe his skating as ordinary,so everyone and their uncle Charlie exaggerate and see him lacking in that area. His skating is good enough not to prevent him from executing his wonderful stickhandling and shooting skills. Our Isles finished with the worst record in the League,won the lottery and should now utilize the draft the way it was meant to be. Pick the damn best player available. That would be John Tavares!!!!!
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dan from va beach says:
we’re gonna get vh and md, i don’t know how…
but…
it’s either that or vh and another sniper later on, to simple to just take tavares,
NOT like the isles at all! -
Chris Botta, in your opinion do you think that they are leaning more towards one player than the others?
Thanks!
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rob76 says:
All Tavares has said is when he grew up he wanted to be a leaf. THat is expected look at where he lived. But he continued to say, that he will be happy to play anywhere and he will be happy to play in the NHL. I wish that Snow would just for once do the conventional thing but like some of you have said, he always thinks differently like he is smarter than the majority. I am saying prayers every nite til the 26th to pick JT, but my gut is telling me that im gunna be disappointed
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CB did u see what Don Cherry said on coaches corner about someone in isles org saying tavares is a terrible skater. He also end it by saying it was just Wang (wrong)to say somehting like that. How can they let him get a way with a racist comment like that against wang
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Jim says:
I wonder if the Lightning will try to one up the Islanders and give Hedman an autographed Len Barrie jersey.
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Zach says:
I too am curious to see if you redid the JT and VH poll how close the results would be. I am for JT and believe the isles are purposely sending out mixed signals to open up the idea of a trade but i hope in the end this is a charles wang decision and they pick mr tavares
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Blizzard says: I know CB had more info on Hedman so that is fueling the pro Hedman posts but something his agent siad I find interesting……
“The Islanders have a tough decision to make, but they are in a very fortunate position. The way I see it, the race is wide-open and anything – including a trade – could happen”
I sense a trade…..
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Matt says:
Victor seems like a great kid. I wish the Islanders had the opportunity to draft both of these kids.
Great job as always Chris!
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Is Don Cherry even relevant anymore? Was he ever? It sounds like more bs spewing from his mouth. Anyway, Hedman seems like a great kid and probably will turn out to be one hell of a pro. I’m glad I’m not making this decision.
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C.J. says:
Blizzard. I’m with you. I can see TB throwing something the Isles way to ensure they nab Hedman. That would be a win-win for the Isles and a potential PERFECT scenario.
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dave chyzowski says:
tavares was in Totornto talking to media. he expressed that he always wanted the leafs to show them some love. Once he comes here though, he will be a bona fide Islander. Islanders are being smart be showing a showcase of the nice parts of LI. think about it.. NHL interviws Hedman tommmorw in Pittsburgh, the whole nation sees him talking about the Island (maybe) and how nice his visit was.. or that tthey are just being classy and people will know that we are run with class.
Don’t sweat it though. Tavares is th most hyped player since Sidney Crosby and he’s gonna be a New York Islander. W’ actuialy gonna have an islander Jersey that sells everywhere!! i dont think even during our glory ars our ssy,trttc. jreys tuntr Tavares wi. real exciting -
Dennis says:
It’s nice to get some insight into these visits. VH sounds like a good guy and the isles sound like they’re being great hosts. In a way, I’m glad they didn’t show their hand, otherwise guys like VH would have no interest in coming in for a visit. That said, JT all the way.
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* our bossy and Trottier etc. jerseys didn’t sell like Tavares’ jersey will!
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i was watching a video on tsn and he said of course my dream is to play in toronto, i find that way too open for my liking, and i feel like hes bolting right when his contract is up
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Dan says:
Hedman does seem like a good kid and since his people seem to be more open on their info we are getting some nice insight about him. Traveras does make more sense because he is a goal scorer and something we desperately need. We actually could use everything so if we get an offer that we cannot refuse (meaning a second high 1st round pick and dropping no further then pick 2) then I think we have to go for it.
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Railbait says:
Tavares, please. I still believe a poll of all fans would show 90% want him. The team needs scoring and excitement. Tavares and Okposo would generate a great deal of excitement next season. I feel they will draft Tavares and Charles will sell the team to people who want to keep them on the Island.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
LOL!! Thanks for that little note at the end CB … I was going to ask why more detail about Victor’s vist over John and Matt’s…
That was a good read … I hope the Isles draft Tavares … Hedman will have a great future … maybe some day as a UFA he can join Tavares and the new Islander Dynasty for some more cups in addition to the cups they start winning in 3-5 years…
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John G. says:
hedman got the 3 hour tour. hopefully our boat wont sink
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hathead68 says:
pete #30 – all Tavares said was that he grew up a Leafs fan. He grew up in the area. What would you expect? No different than if Komisarek said he grew up an Islanders fan. He has stated numerous times he’d be thrilled to go to first overall to the Islanders and is fully aware of their history. Tavares has to be our pick. I would be open to trading next years 1st rounder as well as our 2nd 1st rounder this year and more to Tampa in order grab Hedman also. But JT first!
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isles316 says:
The Islanders are extrememly lucky. By all accounts Tavares and Hedman are class acts that WANT to be drafted #1 and don’t care about buildings and all that other BS that surrounds this team. They focus on the positive and want to be part of something beyond money. No matter what the Isles do, they will have someone we can root for for a long time. Okposo,Bailey also fit that mold.
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Willis says:
I just don’t get why the coach wouldn’t take a look at these guys when they were visiting. Is it normal for a coach to not have anything to do with that? I guess “the system” can be taught to anybody?
Also, I think that would be a good idea (whoever mentioned it before) to have another poll on who should be picked. Just as an experiment. I wonder if it would change a bit and yet I doubt it. Either way though, I’d be interested in seeing the results.
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StevieL says:
I think it is all a smokescreen!! Make TB think we are taking Hedman and see what we can get to flip the pick!!I am starting to think there is something up the Isles sleeve!! What would you give TB for that #2? Would you trade Streit, our San Jose #1 and next years first pick for the chance to get both Tavares and Hedman? And still have all of our other picks? I would’nt be surprised if Wang told Snow to get them both, “Whatever it Takes”! No way the Isles pass on Tavares. Just a question of how bad they want Hedman also!!
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Tony the Oracle says:
My first post here.
The Islanders will take Hedman with the first pick. I guarentee it. The Oracle has spoken. -
hextall72 says:
RE: 38 StevieL.. i totally agree with the scenario.. as for the trade for the #2, i’d even throw either bergy, comeau, or frans to get both 1 and 2 picks…
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Martin the french Canadian says:
Pete. Before be drafted, Sydney Crosby said his dream is to play for MTL…Who cares what he said now ? What matter does it meant ?
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Billy says:
I dont see how the isles can possibly pull off getting the 2nd and 3rd draft pick. No way Colorado gives that up. Draft Tavares and see how high we can get with the next 3 draft picks
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gary9-19-22 says:
All well and good.. Hedman is great, Wallen got to meet his idol, the beaches are great and LI is amazing.
All I know is I want the burning hockey stick picture to be retaken with a whiyte haired Bossy and JT.
As much as I love Hedman and everything I have read about him the player to take is the marquis guy.
I want to see #91 Isle jersey’s in the stands when we do our Canada road trips.
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#7 – Let’s say your the GM and as you write Duchene is the best in the draft.
Then why would you take Duchene #1???
Wouldn’t a smart GM take Tavares #1 then trade him to Col for the #3 and extra value, or see if you can trade up to #3 or #2?
The problem with whomever Garth thinks is the best he has no choice but to take the sexy pick.
His hands are tied because of the combination of:
1- NYI blew their last 2 #1 picks
2- The team is on the brink of disaster, (LH, possible move to KC or Queens or Bklyn)
3- An owner who is ready to give up
4- Fan base that watches less and less hockey, and keeps the arena quite and empty
5- A league who has always hated the Isles for dominating the league and not being based in Canada or an original 6 and can’t wait for Garth to blow it.
6- Let’s not for our neighbors and their fans. I don’t want to hear them chant “JOHN TAV-AR-ES” over and over again if we don’t take himWe need someone as an organization to point to. I LOVE KO, but he will never be THE guy.
The best plan would be to take JT then get optimum value from the next three picks. Us them, trade up, whatever. Those three picks, plus our existing base plus JT is the key to success from now to 2020.
Btw… I say don’t trade next years number 1 unless its a steal. The potential reward is just too great.
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bossy22 says:
If we select Hedman, Snow better have moved up in the draft to take another forward in the top 7 (Kane,Schenn..etc). If not, you simply take Tavares. What season ticket holders should do is flood the Isles email with their thoughts. “If you want my money, you take Tavares”.
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redbull says:
perception is reality. the fact that cherry said that on national (canada) television, during the stanley cup finals means someone believes it to be true. tavares may believe it to be true as well (as far as we know).
i hope the islanders dealt with the perception appropriately, through tavares and/or his agent at minimum.
moreover, i hope it’s not true – as it would be in nobody’s best interest nor the snow’s “style” (yes, he does have one, even though his tenure as GM is relatively short) -
EAF says:
Hedman has better personality than Tavares
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Dave says:
@14
You can’t blame Snow for what Millbury did, and trading down last year appears to have been a very smart move so I don’t see how you can say Snow will screw us over.
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And how can you say Okposo won’t be THAT guy for this organization? I see that written all over his face. The most important players on teams aren’t the guys who put up the most points but are the guys who put up the MOST important points and make the MOST important plays.
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
I cant take anymore of this. we have the #1 pick. not the #2, or the #3. The #1 pick if you look at draft history. the most successful players have all be FOWARDS.
Kane, Crosby, Ovechkin, Nash, Kovalchuk, etc.
When watching the blackhawks in the playoff, do you get more excited watching Kane or Toews or are you more blown away watchign CAM BARKER or Duncan Keith.
I can understand talking Duchene or Hedman if we lost the lottery but seriously give me a break.
WE HAVE THE #1 pick. Last time we had #1 we blew it drafted DP (ranked #9 by the redline report) instead of taken Heatley or Gaborik.
STOP TRYING TO BE SMARTER THAN THE SCOUTS. TAVARES HAS been #1 ranked pick for 2 years for this draft and that has not changed.
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BTBoss says:
Why does any team need GMs and Scouts. They should just ask the fans who they want.
So I ask….
Who would the fans rather have Brett Hull(pure offense goal scorer), Nicklas Lidstrom (franchise defenseman) Joe Sakic(Sniper and quick skater with no holes in his game)These are what true scouts are saying about the top 3
Tavares, Duchene, and Hedman. Any Pick at any spot in top 3 is a win-win
If you all love this team the way I do and I hope most do. You will support it in every moves(even to Queens or Brooklyn) they make. It’s our team. We still see them as the once proud NY Islanders and they will always be. So if they do draft Hedman or Duchene we have giving up on them and root for the NYRags? Never!!!This is our NY ISLANDERS
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gary#44, i never said take duchene with the #1 pick!!!! i said duchene will be by far the best player in this draft. i said taveres and hedman will be good players, but duchene is the whole package. please get your facts straight before you call someone out!!!!
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i dont care how they do it i would take Duchene. i would much rather have a guy who does everything at a high level, than the sexy pick that is a one dimentional player. trade down to #3 and get back into the top ten and pick another more complete player like e kane!!!
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Joey303 says:
Mikko – By trading down to #3, how do you suppose the Islanders can then get a pick in the top 10? Essplain
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Joe says:
I think Hedman is getting all this publicity from Chris because I think Hedman is the pick. And with all the Tavares-talk, it’s like Hedman’s gotten a bad rap. For example, when the Islanders pick Hedman, people are going to boo, storm out, riot, etc. And for what? How good will that make Hedman feel? So I think we’re learning a lot more in depth about Hedman so when his name is called, the fans don’t riot and Hedman gets a real chance to play and succeed here when he’s picked first overall by the Islanders.
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Apparently mikko here knows better than ALL the NHL scouts.
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joey, by trading down to 3 you get a pick or two, and you propose a package of picks to get back into the top 10. pete come on its a chat board, nobody is saying they are smarter than anybody else!!!
Do we still think, at this point, that the Isles are leaning Tavares?