NOTEBOOK: Jaffe says Tav (or Duch), Draft Party buzz, Lavi to NJ (?), send in your Qs today
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We haven’t done the Reader Q & A in a while. If you have questions you’d like to run by me, please place them in Comments over the next two days. So that I can follow along, please just file one question in each Comment and limit it to just three per reader so I can do my best to get to everyone.
I’ll start replying to your questions on the blog over the weekend, unless Islanders news breaks. Thanks for your participation.
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JAFFE’S FORWARD THINKING
A year ago at this time, Billy Jaffe was the only journalist in the Country to hint of a possible move back in the draft by Garth Snow. In a clip with Chris King and Steve Mears for ITV last June, The Jaff said he wouldn’t be surprised if the Islanders cashed in the 5 for more picks later in the draft. So I had to call him to find out what the Islanders are doing on June 26.
“I think the Islanders are going to draft one of the forwards first overall – John Tavares or Matt Duchene,” said The Jaff. The MSG Plus hockey analyst agreed with my prediction that Garth Snow will try to move up from pick 26 to get an additional player high on Ryan Jankowski’s draft board.
“This is how I see it playing out,” he said. “They get Tavares or Duchene at 1 and then one of the top defensemen on their board is still around. I’ll use your number, let’s say around pick 15. I feel the Islanders will make a strong push for a big-talent defenseman in the middle of the round after getting the forward they want at 1.”
Jaffe also feels strongly about something I’ve blogged about: the Islanders need to keep their 2010 first round pick off the table.
“Look up these teams: Pittsburgh, Washington, Chicago, St. Louis, Los Angeles,” he said. “I could be off by one, but I don’t believe any of them moved a first-rounder when they were rebuilding. If you want to do it the way Pitt and Wash and Chicago did, the way St. Louis and L.A. are and the way the Islanders say they are, you have to hold on to your potential high first round picks. Josh Bailey, Kyle Okposo and the first pick this year are a start, but it doesn’t finish the job.”
One last thing. Billy asked me what I thought the fan reaction would be in three years if Tavares becomes a very good but not spectacular scorer and Duchene hits his potential as a Mike Richards-like all-around player. If you’re in the Tavares camp, be afraid. Be very afraid.
LAVI IN DEVILS MIX?
Peter Laviolette may be a serious candidate for the Devils head coaching position, or maybe just doesn’t want to risk killing his chances to work for Lou Lamoriello. Of course, I have no source on this. Just one of my educated hunches I never hesitate to share in this accountability-free blogosphere.
A few New York-New Jersey hockey writers called me yesterday looking for a number to contact Peter. I called the ex-Islanders coach to see what was up and get his blessing to pass his number on. Pete’s one of those guys who usually calls you back within minutes. Since I haven’t heard back from him 18 hours later, this is the story I’m going with.
As for Brent Sutter, best wishes to him on his return home and to his junior club. In his first season with the Devils, he drove to the Island at the last second with Chico Resch to watch the Core of Four ceremony and catch up with his old Islanders teammates. It was very clear back then, just March of his first season, that something wasn’t right. Seems to me he was so charged up about working within the culture of Lamoriello – the two believe in the same hockey principles – that the distance from home was forgotten. I’m glad they worked it out.
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DRAFT PARTY MANIA
I’m a little surprised my old colleagues at the Islanders are making a huge deal of announcing that more than 10,000 tickets have already been distributed for the Draft Party. I get that this is a big, possibly historical night for the franchise, but it will be a monumental accomplishment by fans and team if a legitimate crowd of more than 10,000 shows up. Draft parties are nice events with some players around, a locker room tour and oh, BTW we just happen to have some season seats for sale. But in the end, it still comes down to watching VERSUS on the Coliseum scoreboard on a Friday night after school’s out for the summer.
At this rate, it would seem likely by draft week that the Islanders will announce that more than 15,000 fans have picked up tickets to the event. By playing up the distribution of more than 10,000 tickets (and counting), the Islanders are risking the actual attendance being perceived as a letdown if “only” 8,000 show up. The Islanders have never had a hyped-up star like John Tavares staring at them in the face, but they’ve never had more than 3,000 at any draft parties of the last decade. They have had plenty of games without crowds of 10,000. If at least 8,000 people drive to Uniondale to watch the draft on the scoreboard, that should be cause for celebration – not disappointment.
I’d love to be wrong on this one. Let’s see more than a real count of 10,000 fans show up at the Coliseum on June 26. As of today, I still don’t know if I’ll be in Montreal for the draft or Hempstead Turnpike for the Draft Party. I’ll say this: if I knew for sure the Islanders were taking Tavares, I’d confirm my plans for Montreal. If I knew for sure they were passing on Tavares, I’d blow off Montreal and wouldn’t miss the draft party for the world.
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THE POINT BLANK TOP 6 FOR 6/26
(not a mock draft)
1. John Tavares
2. Victor Hedman
3. Matt Duchene
4. Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson
5. Jordan Schroeder
6. Ryan Ellis
Yup, we’re saying size is overrated.
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LARRY EXPLAINS MY TAVARES VOTE
Almost two months after the Islanders lottery victory, I’ve yet to adequately articulate why I feel the choice for the Islanders has to be John Tavares. It’s not that I have a thing for him as a player, it’s that, well…Larry Brooks in his Sunday column on the Rangers needing a star scorer explained it perfectly…
If we’ve learned anything from this year’s playoffs, it’s that it is impossible to thrive in the NHL without elite offensive talent.
Larry lists some of the great offensive stars in the league, Malkin and Crosby, Ovechkin and Semin, Eric Stahl and then writes…
The Rangers have no one remotely comparable. Fact is, the Blueshirts do not have a forward who would be selected in the top, what, 100 in a league-wide dispersal draft.
And then he really chrystallizes why I was in favor of a complete tear-down and rebuild for the Islanders…
It has become nearly impossible to get a top-end, difference-making talent any way other than bottoming out and hitting the draft lottery jackpot, for it is rare indeed that an elite player gets to free agency in his prime.
The Islanders have to decide if John Tavares has the upside as a scorer vs. the two-way defense of Victor Hedman and all-around play of Matt Duchene. If they know Tavares is going to be at least a 40-goal scorer someday, I don’t know how they can pass him up.
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LIGHTHOUSE BASH ON THURSDAY
Okay, so it’s not a bash but it’s being pitched as another important step. The Lighthouse Development Group will present an update on the project to the Nassau County Planning Commission on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and will be held in the Nassau Legislative Building in Mineola.
Charles Wang and Tom “The Broker” Suozzi will be there. From the LDG’s advisory: “The Nassau County Planning Commission is an important part of the approvals process as it will need to approve a subdivision plan before construction can begin.”
On a side note, more than a dozen readers emailed me the story about the Brooklyn arena scaling down from the original Frank Gehry design and without room for a hockey team. I was supposed to accept this news as Brooklyn no longer being an option for the Islanders. Sorry, but I’m not buying. In these developments, as we continue to learn, everything is subject to change on a daily basis.
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THE SWEDE FROM NEW YORK
In the final installment in the PB series we like to call Conversations with Swedes, here’s my recent phone conversation with potential first round draft pick Tim Erixon. The 6-2, 195-pound defenseman is the son of former Rangers forward Jan Erixon and could be available if the Islanders use their selections at 26, 31 and 37.
I know you were born in New York when your dad was with the Rangers, but how long did you live here?
Just when I was a little kid. We moved back to Sweden when I was 2 and a half years old.
Did you meet with the Islanders at the Draft Combine?
Yes. I thought we had a really good meeting.
How many teams did you interview with at the combine?
29 out of 30. Every team except for San Jose. (Note to readers: the Sharks, who have drafted well, are known for having limited meetings at the combine).
Do you think the Islanders are considering drafting you?
Maybe, I guess. Their interview stood out. They knew a lot about me and asked a lot of questions about my play that would seem to show they have some interest. Still, I’m told you never know about this process. Maybe San Jose picks me.
Any other teams show what you would consider extra interest in you?
A few. New Jersey had me stay on Sunday after the combine for an extra session. (Note to readers: The Devils, who have also drafted well, are known for requesting additional time with certain prospects after the combine is over).
Do you still have a connection to the Rangers?
Not really at all. My dad played for them and I’m proud of that, but I don’t have any memories of it. Right now, I like all the teams in the NHL.
So if the Islanders draft you, this won’t be a problem?
(laughs) Not at all. I’d love to come back to New York.
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NYI SEASON SEATS AT $24 PER
As you probably heard, the Rangers announced via a letter from Glen Sather that season ticket prices have been raised. I’ll have more on Islanders ticket prices at another date, but one issue stood out when I was going over the Rangers’ increases.
The Rangers have seats in the top third of the Garden that are now at $62 per game as a season ticket. I checked with an old friend from the sales department and asked him to give me two of his best deals. When you consider the sightlines of the Coliseum, these are pretty good. (Of course, the team has to start winning a lot more).
My guy in Sales tells me the Islanders are offering a season seat in the endzone 300s at $24 a game. According to him, that’s down from $30 last year and it’s the lowest that seat has been since 2001-02.
When I asked what he has closer to center ice in the 300s, the pricepoint is $34 a game, $5 less than last year and also as low as it’s been since ’01-02.
If you commit to two seasons, you get a price freeze and your first two rounds of any playoff games over those two years - settle down, Beavis – are free. There are also payment plans and you get all the perks, like the autograph event with the players. The number is 1.800.882.ISLES. Tell them Point Blank sent you, so they understand a few people read this blog.
I welcome a discussion on the Islanders’ prices in the Comments space.
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SNAPPERS
No, the Islanders are not trading for Dany Heatley. They don’t have anywhere near the pieces to get it done. Or if they think they do, they shouldn’t. Second round picks and second-tier players won’t get you Heatley. Next subject.
NBC’s coverage of Game 6 last night came out of commercial at 10:25 pm with 5 minutes left in the game. There were no commercial breaks until they went off the air at 10:58 pm. Pierre McGuire interviewed three Penguins while Doc and Edzo and Mike and Panger threw it back and forth. Good for the viewer, but makes you wonder about the lack of advertising…
On the subject of broadcasters, I asked recently-bounced Panthers analyst Denis Potvin about what’s next for him when I wrote the Tavares-Hedman story. Denis is actively pursuing commentator positions. I know there could be some openings with other teams and at the national level this summer (not with the three NY-NJ clubs). Here’s hoping Denis lands a good gig.
Word out of Islanders Country is that the team will once again have its radio broadcasts with the Long Island Radio Group and continue to try and fill in the holes in the metropolitan area where WMJC (94.3 FM) does not reach. And, of course, games will continue to be heard on XM Radio.
Remember the days when New York sports editors didn’t even have to think about sending at least one writer to the Stanley Cup Final? It really wasn’t that long ago. Now we have Crosby and Malkin against the incredible Red Wings and most major U. S. newspapers are not covering it. Sad. Glad to see the Washington Post is giving the Final he play it deserves.
New York Sports PR 101: if you have to announce something – say, a head coach quitting – but don’t want a lot of press, here’s how you do it. Have a conference call on the day the Yankees play in Boston, the Mets host Philadelphia and the Penguins and Red Wings meet in Game 6.
One of the many things I’ve learned doing this blog is that if you really need to make your point in a hockey argument, you can always find something to cite. Who needs Hedman? Oh yeah, look at what Lidstrom has meant to Detroit. The need for a scorer like Tavares is overrated? Oh yeah, look at what it’s meant to Pittsburgh and Washington. Hedman? Bill Torrey built around defense! Duchene? The dynasty’s nothin’ without Trots! You get the point…
For the record, if we’re talking about Duchene or Hedman, let me be clear: yes, I would definitely hypothetically trade the first overall pick for Evgeni Malkin.
Comments.
205 Responses to NOTEBOOK: Jaffe says Tav (or Duch), Draft Party buzz, Lavi to NJ (?), send in your Qs today
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David Volek says:
I was struck by your comparison of trading a top 2 pick and future Norris trophy candidate for a back to back 40 goal Yashin to any contemplated trade of No. 1 for a Malkin-like player today. Watching Malkin, trading a top pick for him seems like an easy deal. But the flip side to that thought is how good must Yashin have looked before the 2001 trade. So put Malkin in an Isles uniform next year – does he suddenly look like a dud also? Flip side (same question) – what do you think happened to Yashin on the Island?
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beatlebailey says:
Great Job CB! there is like a week’s worth of stuff to chew on here. I would pass out on the coliesum floor with Duchene at the one spot. The three spot with some goodies i could at least understand but at 1?…wow
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Matt Brosseau says:
Chris, great column!!! I’m gonna have to read it again to make sure I got everything.
I have a really good feeling about this team going forward, that I haven’t really felt in years…we are going places and it starts when they draft Tavares.
Chris, can you provide any insight as to why the Isles continue this draft kabuki? Not drafting Tavares would be a real shock, and there doesn’t seem to be much downside in announcing the selection pre-draft. Could Snow be playing them close because it helps him in trying to move up later in the first round?
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Pete says:
If they take Duchene Snow failed.
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Muller9 says:
Its going to be DUCHENE….prepare yourselves….
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Moose says:
You’re going to get bombarded after this fairly comprehensive piece, CB, so let me fire first. Awesome read! This is my offseason checklist, how realistic do you think it is?
John Tavares
Craig Anderson
Rob Scuderi
Chad LaRose -
Nor says:
Without hesitation, I’ll take a “very good” Tavares over a “Mike Richards-like” Duchene.
Take Tavares and don’t look back.
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Andy Badger says:
Can you look into possible trade partners when moving up?
I’ve heard some talk about other teams that lack 2nd and 3rd round picks which would make them an ideal partner as they would prefer depth over high-end quality in this draft. Personally I see Snow doing two trades. First he uses the Boston pick to move up closer to 20th overall. Then he dangles the 20 (possibly) and the Toronto pick (37th) to get close to 15. I don’t think it’s possible to move higher up than that. -
UIF says:
For the question segment: There’s been a lot of speculation (I guess generally in news outlets north of the border), mostly citing anonymous sources, that the Islanders are taking Hedman. Where do you think this speculation started, and as it continues to gain momentum, do you believe there is any validity to it (the rumor itself, not whether the Isles will actually draft Hedman)?
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Austin H says:
If they take MD, they must trade back to #2 or 3 and get some additional picks. MD is not #1 above JT and VH. MD at #1 is crazy…JT has proven he is elite at every level…MD was second tier until this spring.
Take JT, period. Or trade for Malkin in a heartbeat.
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Where do you think Taylor Hall would be slotted if he were available in this draft?
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Melvin says:
Building on #9′s question: Which teams are the best candidates to be parners with the Isles when(if) the Isles look to move up. Will any team above, say, #15, be realistically looking to trade?
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Mike L says:
Great job CB. I haven’t seen you write much about Chicken Parm Jr. Do you believe it is not very likely the Isles will draft him? Landon was ranked as a mid-1st, but his stock has seemed to drop. Could he drop out of the first?
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MikeF says:
CB – with so much cap room and 3 very solid D men as UFA, what are the chances of the isles throwing big money at Jay Bo, Komisarek, or Scuderi? & using gaining 2 top 25 forwards. These are def long shots, but is it one of garth’s sleeper moves?
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THANK YOU CB.
Damn, you covered alot here. I asked you a few days ago if you could get Jaffe’s opinion on the draft and some updates on the radio crew and you delivered. While you referenced an older interview…guess what? Jaffe echoed those sentiments yesterday on NHL LIVE. LIVEWIRE was hosted by him and Deb Placey. They do a great job. Billy also modestly bragged about beating Garth Snow in a round of golf, securing himself a steak dinner amongst other things. But the best part of the 2 hour segment were his thoughts on the draft and our Islanders. The passion he has for the sport and his job along with his knowledge of the game and articulate delivery are (in my opinion) unparalleled. -
isles72 says:
Chris
what are the chances the isles use one of the 3 muskateers (26/31/37) as an offer to a team that cant sign one of their rfa’s due to cap issuesi.e — R.J Umberger went to the jackets last year for a bluejacket pick that was later in the dft .
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Andre Legault says:
Mr Botta, I sure hope you’ll be at the draft in Montreal. I will. Already have my tix in hand. On the other hand I sure understand that it will definitely be a very entertaining friday at the old barn.
Any other Isles fan expected to be at the Bell Centre on june 26 ?
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Excellent recap, CB.
Rob Scuderi has really helped himself this playoff run. After my game last night a bunch of us watched Game 6, from just before Detroit’s goal through the end. Scuderi was a complete stud through all the penalty kills. He must have had a six-minute shift. I didn’t see the three stars, but I’d be disappointed if he wasn’t picked, he was that good in that last period.
I really think the Isles are a sleeper for the playoffs next season, as long as they can get the goals. This is a sound defensive team, they’ll have a hopefully healthy RDP. To that end, they’ve got to grab up Tavares. (Yes, I’ve completely switched bandwagons…) They didn’t have a single 20-goal guy last season, so they badly need a guy who can finish. And if they can draft one and then somehow sign another in FA, they’ll be in business. I can’t believe they’d draft Duchesne first, since they already have a similar player in Josh Bailey. They have got to fill out that first line with a finisher. (Still convinced that JT will be playing some wing this season alongside guys like Weight and Bailey.)
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#9 – I crunched those numbers yesterday and there are 3 teams without 2nd rounders that could be legit trade partners:
Columbus (16th overall)
Flames (20th)
Flyers (21st)I have a feeling it would take the 26th, 37th, and one of the 3rds to move up all the way to 16, but if a top target (Kassian? Ashton? Despres?) falls to that spot, that’s the price you pay.
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BC says:
Again I will voice why I think the Islanders should take Tavares. Much like Larry Brooks’ article states, it is far easier to sign a two-way forward (Duchene) in free agency down the road than it is to sign a sniper like Tavares, especially for the Islanders. Besides, I feel that Bailey fits that two-way mold. While Bailey may not have as much offensive skill as Duchene, having Tavares and Bailey as your first two centermen give you a great option whether you are down by one in the last minute or up by one in the last minute
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bergie20 says:
wow that was a long post! great job chris. jaffe is usually right on the money which in this case isn’t good. the pick has to be tavares or hedman. i’d like to pick up erixon in the late first or early second round. i think that lavy would work out well in nj. glad to hear that some ticket prices are coming down.
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tond24 says:
“J.T. will get 40 goals someday” sounds like a E.Z. choice snowey
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mt275 says:
CB…. I know all focus is on the draft. Snow also needs to address our RFA, and UFA. What are your thoughts on:
Hilbert, Thompson, Comeau, McAmmond, and a few others? -
@AustinH #11:
I don’t want Evgeni Malkin. I don’t like his attitude.
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Dan C says:
I think Duchene will be a real nice player in this league, but if the Islanders take him with the #1 pick. I am done with this team. FINISHED.
Question: How many more times can this organization afford to make the wrong move and disappoint their fans?
Answer: Zero
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bob l says:
SUMO, hall would be right with the top 3, he’s a stud just as JT VH and MD are, so there’d be 4 cant miss guys instead of 3
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Dr. Generosity says:
Where we like it or not, bidding for the #1 pick is going to intensify in the days leading up to the draft.
Perhaps there’s still time to check in with the architect, Bill Torrey, on draft day deals.
I’ve always wondered: Who did the Habs offer for Denis Potvin?
Might be a good cautionary tale for anyone who might move the #1 pick!
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JPinVA says:
My opinion on why Yashin failed is simple. They just paid too much for him, and then gave him more responsibility than he wanted or deserved. That alienated him from the fans after year 2 and management after year 5.
Tavares v Duchene… The Isles need a dynamic goal scorer. I think I’ve swayed to the Hedman (long term) camp, but if they want to draft a lifeboat… then Tavares is the guy.
My question:
How is DP taking the fact that he NO LONGER will be the FACE OF THE FRANCHISE?
As good as he has been at times, there’s no doubt that he never realized what Milbury sawin him to make the deal he did. Now he is a fading star with a 15 year deal and career threatening injuries. -
CB,
Great Post. I missed these many topics in one posts.
Question: What is the future of Islanderspointblank.com?
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CB, my question is as follows…
why no blogs about the ice girls? jk, but in all seriousness, my real question is:
With today’s win now mentality, and the expectations through the roof for JT (or VH/MD) what kind of learning curve can we expect? ie, how much of a pass will they get if the results aren’t there and the progression to the nhl is slower than expected? (from a fan’s POV i mean)
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Voteherout says:
there was probably no commercial b/c if detroit were to win the game and the cup that night, they wouldnot have had any commercials planned during the ceremonies, so rather than change course that pitt won, they just went through with analysis non stop
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Gloobenberg says:
I refuse to believe that that SnoJanks would take Duch at #1! Especially since you can trade down and get more assets for him if that’s who they really wanted. Still…That’s just insane! That’s why I just don’t believe it!
John Tavares HAS to be the pick. Anything else is a MAJOR cluster-you-know-what!
Again…even after all this franchise has done to screw with the fans, i still can’t believe they would blindside a possiblle 10,000 people at the Draft party. It’s suicide.
On a diff note:
CB…What’s your honest opinion about Rick DiPietro and if he’ll be back or his career is over? -
dave chyzowski says:
CB,
did you tell our boy Johnny T that he should read this blog as the draft approaches so that JT can see the opinions of us Islander fans? i mean c’mon, your blogs get more passionate comments than any other blogs i have seen (the jets blog gets what—30 comments a post) Johnny, if you are reading this.. we want you as the face of our franchise, we look forward to having a great ride with you!! Chris, did you tell him to read this?? if so, he probably reads our posts.Duchene is a total 2nd line (even now in Juniors he;s a second liner) didnt make world junior team. player. i would even take Schenn over him easily, its all somekscreen hype caused by Canada. it works to Garth’sfavor
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Dan L says:
First of all #17, I am not trying to call you out here at all. But you suggested using the 26/31/37 picks to make an offer to an RFA. You can only make a contract offer to an RFA, and their team is able to match/raise it.
Now my question to Mr. Botta,
Do you think the Islanders would take into account, when considering Tavares, the fact that he is an extremely marketable player, as well as an amazing hockey player? I would think that a team that has lost a significant amount of money like the Isles would have to think of the business side of a player like Tavares as well. Aside from improving the team, I feel a marquee player like Tavares could improve profitability as well as potentially help the Isles towards the Lighthouse dream. Just wanted to hear your opinion on that.
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dp says:
Great Blog entry, gives one alot to think about. . .
as for a question: Any whispers as to who the Isles are thinking of going after for our back up goalie?? Who would you make a run for?- — I’m thinking more and more that Rick’s career is over -
Staten Islander says:
Hey CB, great post, my question is,josh bailly bulking up during the off season?
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Spartiarti - RVC says:
Are they trying to give us all a heart attack.
I swear if i hear CHARACTER AND GRIT one more time im going to scream.
Just like Denis Potvin, I HATE when people try to call people the NEXT FORMER NHL GREAT.
Gretzky is Gretz, he as not he next Gordie Howe, Lemiex was lemiuex, Crosby is CROSBY not the next lemieux.
Taken Duchene b/c he next BRAD richards? are you serious. Brad Richards was taken later in draft by the way.
TAVARES has been consensus #1 for last 2 yrs. He has blow away any expectation of him his whole life. He will not accept being average.
You are right If we Take DUCHENE with #1 pick, we have failed.
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Pete M says:
There is absolutely NO reason to take Duchene at #1 when he can be had at #3.
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Healy says:
Question that was sparked by Dave C above: I don’t need to know the specific names, but do you know of any players (Islanders or not) that are reading point blank? I know others in the organization do.
PS…Tavares, Ta-va-res, T a v a r e s
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We know your feeling on J.T. but given the fact that Garth raves about Hedman more than the other 2 & that McKeens Hockey, RedLine Report, Darren Pang, Craig Button & Bob McKenzie all say Hedman will go #1 to the Isles, would you now concede that the Possibility of us Drafting Hedman has greatly increased in the last few weeks?
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CT Isles Fan says:
Q: How do Kyle Okposo and Josh Bailey spend their off season? What do they think about the draft? Things they are working on in the off season?
NOTE: I bought 2 tickets to the draft party, but I do not realistically plan on going. But they were free and I wanted to see what they looked like, too bad they were just print out e-tickets.
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Rob says:
Do you have any news regarding the Isles plans to introduce a vintage WHITE jersey?
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JC Frank says:
It sounds like NBC was worried about getting off by 11 and not making the locals angry when it comes to starting the news on time.
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Bryan says:
Chris would you compare the Islanders decision in this years draft to Tampa Bay’s decision in 1992 between Yashin and Hamrlik?
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Mike says:
Q&A……Hey Chris. Of course, talk of trading up is all speculation until it happens and nobody knows which player the team is targeting anyway. So, how high up from #26 could the team get if they traded #31, #37, #56, and #61? I know it depends on the trading partner and the Isles are unlikely to trade all of those picks anyway. But, what relative draft slot do you think that collection would bring back? Thanks.
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Dave says:
@22:
If that’s all Garth is going to base his pick on he’s an idiot. Don’t even get me started on you.
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Here is some trivia. Who was last top 3 ranked DMAN to make it to the stanley cup finals.
Last Dman to win it was Pronger. and he didnt win with the team he was drafted by.
THAT THROW OUT THE HEDMAN ARGUMENT.
That Duchene chatter i got to believe is all NOISE. SMOKE AND MIRRORS> well done Snowy.
No just draft Tavares.
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Joey303 says:
Best Blog ever – just finished reading the whole thing….lots to absorb, and only an Isles fan can understand the feeling of every point. KUDOS!!
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@ # 20: Remember the Coyotes could opt for the Flames pick at 20 this year instead of waiting until the next draft (conditional pick as part of Jokinen trade). I’d also put the Wild in the mix at 12 as they don’t pick until 100 after the first pick I think. That would probably take the Isles pick at 31 in addition though. Not sure if it’s worth it.
Proposal:
Isles to Flyers – 26th and 56th for 21st (+ 4th?)
Isles to Blue Jackets – 21st and 37th for 16th (+ Guerin 3rd?)
I’ve seen a lot of two-three spot trades in the first round the last couple of years paid for by 2nd rounders. Not sure what a 5 spot move will take. -
valentino says:
My question is….What is really going on with DP???
The silence around DP is deafening…
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#50
Andy….the Coyotes don’t have the option to choose what pick they get….the Flames choose.
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CB – If the ISlanders actually have Duch as their man, how in the world could they pick him 1st overall? What could they extract from Col, to switch spots? They would be making a mistake IMO, but what do you think gets it done?
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G. HOWITT says:
O’boy! to much drama take JT
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Mikey says:
Long post Chris, so here’s a long response:
1- I lost all respect for Brent Sutter when he whined about Dougie Weight hitting his son and then sent out his thugs to take out Nielsen. He should have taught Brandon Sutter to skate with his head up!
2- The Isles should not even contemplate trading next year’s number one. Remember Jimmy Devellano’s philosophy: Never trade a draft pick. If only Milbury followed that simple advice…
3- Speaking of Devellano, can you get him on the phone Chris? The guy is a genius, and I would love to hear his thoughts on the draft. Something tells me that he would have a more sophisticated analysis than most people around here.
4- I emphatically disagree with your point re passing up on a 40 goal scorer. You need to look at the alternatives. If they think Hedman can be a stud two-way guy or Duchene can be a Toews type guy (leader, two-way center, great offense) then it COULD make sense passing on Tavares depending on the scouts projection of his game. If they think Tavares will turn into a a Dany Heatly clone as many predict (40 goals, one-dimensional winger, mediocre skater), then it could make sense to go in a different direction. What GM would rather go to war with Heatly over Toews? Drafting is more complicated than simply picking the guy with the best potential to pot 50 goals. -
Jamerson says:
Valentino (51), I doubt there will be any news about DP until he starts skating. I suspect they have no way of knowing what shape he’ll be in hockey-wise until he gets on the ice. Plan for the worst, hope for the best.
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Mike from Bohemia says:
CB – Glad to see a q & a spot. I’ll use up my three over the next two days.
1. If DP’s career gets cut short due to injury (God, I hope not), what is the draw against the cap for the duration of his contract?
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mike, i think the only way out of the financial obligations for the team is if DP up and RETIRES, there’s no injury clause (though i dont know if that changes the CAP any)
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isles99 says:
couple of points/questions:
1) isles are dumb and the coliseum will burn if duchene is selected over tavares, you guys know the reasons, i dont want to repeat them
2) about the tickets, with prices that low, my argument for me buying season tiks is ever further enhanced if we draft tavares
3)holdy crap, larry brooks wrote something intelligent and worthwhile of reading, the world must be coming to an end
4)CB, when/if are you doing a mock draft? nearly every other site has one already.
5) Again, the colessium will burn and the few fans that are left will be annoyed/ leave the isles if tavares is not selected. -
Danbury Islander Fan says:
My question:
How much is Wang and the rest of the lighthouse group willing to scale down the project if needed? If the town tells them to scale the project down by 50% will they stay or will they go? -
Blizzard says: I have a question:
Why in the world would anyone choose Duschene and leave Tavares on the board? Just askin.
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Ed J says:
I would for the Isles to draft JT then try to get at least another top 10-15 pick in rd 1….
THAT WOULD BE UNREAL
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Question time….
Is Billy Jaffe locked up with the Isles broadcast for a bit???
I would hate to see him get sent to the blueshirts
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Strummer's Army says:
WOW, good stuff CB.
Everyone make sure to click the ad links so we can continue to enjoy the best site on the web.
I don’t know who this big physical skilled d-man would be in the middle of the first round that Jaffe is saying the Isles will trade up for. I’ve researched them. The two big physical guys Hedman and Cowen will be gone before 15. The next group even those with decent size aren’t reported to be that physical and most aren’t very big. Later around 26 you see some physical D. Erixson would be nice (Button had him going 10th overall but everyone else after 26) and Olsen would be fantastic. The two of them would be nice.
Based on that I think if the Isles move up it is for another forward. Kassian I hope, Schroder could be there, Kane could be there and several others. Krieder is a kid who sticks out to me but Gordon has said several times since the Campolli trade (THANK YOU GOD!) that he hopes the 2nd first rounder can also make the team this year. So keep that in your mind when the Isles are drafting. I see first two picks offense (unless they can get Cowen) next 2-3 D.
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Chris, great article as always, it has been a LLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGGGG! time since the NY Islander’s have had Great News, to be admired for. This, is their time. John Tavares, John Tavares, John Tavares. Thats all we need to here. The NY Islander’s select with the First overall pick, in this years draft, John Tavares Thanks Chris, Mark N/J
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
Q: When the organization will start to work on the remaining contracts to make the roster? Would love to see your rough esimate of how the team may look like in the upcoming season. Wondering what is going to happen with Dean McAmmond, Andy Hilbert, Nate Thompson, Fredy Meyer, Radek Martinek ect.
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IslanderNation says:
Q: CB, let’s say Tavares is out of the mix, who do you think we should draft? Hedman or Duchene?
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Matti Weinhandl says:
Hey,
Why couldn’t I score?
thanks.
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I posted this yesterday on the comment board of the Potvin story.
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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Q: Almost everyone subscribes to the necessity of the tear-down/rebuild cycle in the cap-era NHL. Yet just one team can get the Cup each year. So what will be the most important factor for sustaining success though a run of years without a lottery pick? (e.g. A franchise keeper/D/forward? Shrewd late-round picks/development like Detroit? Knowing when to say “no” like Pit with Malone?)
Just curious to hear your thoughts on how strategy will evolve when we have multiple cap-era teams built around top-3 picks of varying quality, and signed to long-term “franchise player” deals.
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Vukota says:
Guys if 5,000 people show up for a draft party for the worst team in hockey that would be sick!!! Anything more is gravy..
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Matt Scordato says:
Supposedly there are now more than 11,000 people attending the draft party, according to NYI.com. I think I’d rather sit in my living room in peace, why sit up in the 300s, fight crowds, traffic, overpriced and lousy food. Nuff said.
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geduffer says:
Spartiarti – RVC (#38)-You’ve got your Richards’ mixed up. He’s referring to Mike Richards of the Flyers and saying that Duchene is more like him. If Tavares turns out to be a 30-35 goal scorer (a very good player) and Duchene turns out like Trots, or Yzerman or Mike Richards or even more impressive Pavel Datsyuk the whole JT camp is going to look pretty dumb. Let Garth take the guy he thinks will help bring the Cup here the fastest. That’s the idea.
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Islanders1984 says:
if Tavares becomes a very good but not spectacular scorer and Duchene hits his potential as a Mike Richards-like all-around player. If you’re in the Tavares camp, be afraid. Be very afraid.
Even if he was in the draft today, I still wouldn’t draft Mike Richards at one. Matt Duchene, if drafted by the islanders, better be taken at # 3
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Mike says:
no way in hell am i going to the this thing…if we don’t take tavares, there will be a riot.
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I am one of the ones thinking about Heatley and although I read that they don’t have what it takes there is always a chance. Here’s why. The Isles have been keeping cap down and stockpiling picks and youngsters ever since the Smyth trade. They are setting themselves up for a big name free agent or two in a year or two. However they never expected a guy like Heatley to come up. They have an extra #1. So if they draft Hedman and make a move for Heatley, they get someone who is as good as we hope Tavares will be someday, plus the stud d-man in the draft. Ottawa would like to get a hguy like Jack Johnson or Frolov from LA and the Isles can’t match that. But if Ottawa wants the late 1st rounder, a guy like Martinek or Gervais, and maybe Comeau and a 2nd rounder next year they pick up some young players and also some picks to build for the future. Just a thought. Imagine the Isles with a healthy DP and Okposo and Heatley up front with Hedman (if he is as good as heyped on D with Streit) for the next 4 years or so. If Ottawa doesn’t get better offers, you never know. Afterall the caps are huge and not many teams are in the Isles position to give up picks and take on his salary. I’m dreaming, I know. If not they better draft Tavares!!
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Since72 says:
CB – Just trying to get some perspective with a fantasy/time warp draft; but if this years draft included some of the top (not quite mega-star) forwards chosen in the last few years (Stamkos, Kane, Nash & Spezza), would Tavares still be your pick? Try not to consider how the earlier picks have done so far in the NHL.
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No matter what people say the NHL is still a business. Tavares has the most upside on ALL fronts. He can sell more tickets with his name then Duchene and Hedman put together. He can get us a few more Versus games a year and then hopefully down the road he can get us into the Winter Classic. Hedman and Duchene can not hold a candle to Tavares from a marketing perspective. This kid has been groomed to be a star since he was 14 years old. I’m not buy Duchene just because he had a breakout year last year. Tavares is the best player right now. I don’t care how they will be in years. If Duchene turns out to be better in the long run, then fine, we all want Tavares and we will all live with it.
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Botta….do you think that there is any shot that they will draft Duchene with the #1 pick?
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I don’t know, we criticize each other for comparing Tavares to Crosby, but now we’re talking about “what if” Duchene is the next Trottier? Heck, what if Evander Kane is the next Iginla? What if Pajaarvi-Svensson is the next Pavel Bure (pre-Rangers)? We can play that game all day. I don’t think anyone from the “Tavares camp” will hammer Garth if Tavares turns into a very good player but Duchene turns out better. All we’ve ever done is build up on the “two-way players” and the “leaders with character”. This thinking has almost made us too gun shy when it comes to drafting a pure goal scorer. Gotta have some indians to go with the chiefs, and who’s to say Tavares doesn’t develop into an all-around player and leader?
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Tom says:
Here’s a different comparison – Mike Bossy vs Bryan Trottier – who would you like to have?
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bp says:
Please…any REAL news on Rick? He is walking, he is limping,he will be ready,he won’t be ready. Do you have anything concrete?
YOU are our only source of real info. -
robert says:
If the Isles want Duchene… I would be a bit disappointed as I want Tavares… But I would support the scouting staff and hope they made the right choice… The only thing is I would hope they trade down to the third spot to take Duchene and get at least a second rounder…
As far as trading up with second pick, I love what I read about Chris Kreider… thats my guy, unless Jordan Schroeder happens to fall…. the heck with a defenseman, unless Dmitri Kulinik somehow falls below 15th pick. -
John G. says:
Q1: What goalie/goalies will the isles sign to start/backup? If not 1, name a top 3
Q2: Do you think the player drafted at 31, whomever it is, would be an immediate starter?
Q3: What the deal with the goal song? We had like 3 different ones this season. Personally, I like the one they had made. Do you think they’ll go back to that one, or another song? I say use “children of the grave” by sabbath. \m/
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brian says:
they neeed a goal song that we can sing to or wave the towels too. the one they have now its more of we score and stand there.
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84 – Nice.
“Revolution in their minds – the children start to march”
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Brian G says:
CHRIS THANKS AGAIN FOR MAKING THIS BLOG HAPPEN – I HOPE IT CONTINUES NEXT SEASON.
*As far as the 10,000 tickets for draft party – they will be lucky to get 4,000 – the Mets are playing the Yankees that night, many people will change their mind that day about going b/c they are going to the game or will just watch it on TV.
*Tavares should be taken 1st…unless they get a good package to move down a spot or two….again the islanders should keep all of their picks, they need so much
*Dean McAmmond, Andy Hilbert, & Pock should NOT be resigned
*ALL ISLANDERS FANS -THEY ARE NOT GETTING HEATLEY, SO STOP WITH THE HORRIBLE TRADE OFFERS
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if they trade down from 1 to 3 it has to be at least for the avs number 1 next year the avs 2nd this year and a top 4 defensemen…that is a huge move from 3 to 1 and we should expect a ransom for it.
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Mark P says:
It seems that an overwhelming # of the Top 60 prospescts that are fowards played Center this past year-Especially the 6-1/6-2 Power Foward types.
1) is this simply because the best fowards are always put at center in youth hockey…much like the best little leaguers playing shortstop and pitcher?
2)Assuming Tavares is our guy, we really need Wingers that drive to the net. Do you take Big Centers in the early rounds with the intention of moving them to Wing or are you better off sticking with Wings that grew up playing wing. I see alot of top 40 rated prospects that have the tools we need….but we will not have room at Center. Already seems like Corey Trevino will need to move…as he is an offenisive guy (not 3rd line type)- -
Bob, I know Hall would be among the top 4, but I’m curious where scouts would put him. Would he be the consensus #1 or would some or most scouts slot him behind Tavares or any of the others? That is the question I’m proposing to Chris.
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TuxTax says:
Whats going on with the Strength and Conditioning Staff this summer? What kind of workout regimen are the guys following this summer to deter those pesky groin injuries?
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hale says:
cb..i heard the bruins might be forced to move kessel because he wants too much (5 mil a year) what are your toughts on him and what would it take to get him??
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Hockey1919 says:
Are there any teams without a first round or very few picks in this draft that have prospects that the Islanders would want to swap a first round pick and/or multiple second rounders for? For example, making a deal with San Jose for a David Petrecki (D) or Logan Couture (C)?
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West Coast Fan says:
I have not been in the JT camp since this thing started. But if they pick JT, I will be behind him 110% and hoping he turns into a 60-goal scorer.
For all of you saying if the Isles don’t draft him you’re done, well… don’t let the Coliseum door hit you in the a** on the way out.
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YellowHat says:
beatle the avs would never give up that much to get #1. Do you think the Isles would do that if they were picking #3? Or better yet would the fans be happy if they were #3 and did that to get #1. The Isles are picking #1. Tavares has been the projected #1 all along for the last 3 years until suddenly when it was looking like the isles would win the lottery things changed in the canadian press. If the Isles dont take tavares if cause Wang wants the Coliseum torn down by angry fans.
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Jerky says:
To build on the question in posts #24 and #67 … Since we’ll be picking up two top-flight propsects who I suspect will play with the team in 09-10, can you give us some additional insight as to how the Isles handle the surplus of players from the current roster (e.g., who they could trade and what they could get for them)? Would it make sense to trade several 3rd/4th liners for 2010 draft picks to get something in return since we likely won’t get any real talent back via trade? I expect this to be a fairly young team next season where they make decisions on a number of AHL players we saw glimpses of this season due to all the injuries. They need to make room for new talent if the current stock isn’t cutting it and the only way to do that is to trade or release a number of vets (how Jon Sim could even be considered for the 09-10 team as you suggested on a previous blog baffles me and I don’t see the future value of keeping Hilbert – who had a very nice year for us – versus opening that spot for one of the dozen players fighting to make it to the NHL). Garth and co. need to think about 10-11 and beyond as well before and after the draft.
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Michael says:
Chris, do you think it’s fair to assume the Islanders are ready to make the fanbase happy by drafting Tavares? My reasoning: Marketing the draft party as much as they are, and advertising that over 10,000 people have already purchased(free) tickets. Would they really pack in 10,000 people to go off the board?
I think the draft pick is in the pudding here folks.
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Richard says:
Do you think Tambellini will have a bigger role this year? We seem to be pretty weak at lw and he still has a year left on his contract. Its seems he could thrive if you put him on a line with tavares/dushane and okposo.
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I’m sure Duchene could possibly end up better than Tavares or Hedman but considering no one in the NHL would pick Duchene #1, Garth Snow would have to be Completely Arrogant to not Draft either Hedman or Tavares when Almost every Hockey Analyst in the world is caling the 2 of them the Best Forward/D-Man 1-2 Punch in over a Generation..For a Back up Goalie, 2 yrs removed, to pull a stunt like that it could only be compared to the Mad Mike Days of 2000 when he dumped Luongo, Jokinen & Heatley because he had a ‘Hunch’ after a good interview..This would be Garth Snow putting himself before the team because he wants to prove to the Hockey World just how smart he is & knows that pick would turn the Draft into a Circus w/ him playing the Lead Clown..If he truly believes both Tavares & Hedman are OverRated than trade down to #3 or even further w/in the Top 10..
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Savetheisles.webs.com says:
Great job CB
Duchene will not be an islander , tavares snow tavares
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Jay says:
If the Isles really want Duchene, I’m fine with that, as long as they trade down to number 3. No matter what the Isles will get a big piece to the puzzle out of the top pick. I hope that they use their other chips wisely and get some additional pieces.
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Word says:
CB, I agree, Heatley is completely out of our reach. However, what are your thoughts on Phil Kessel? He’s less proven, coming off surgery, and is signed for only one more season(I think). Does he qualify as second-tier guy that is actually obtainable? A young guy that the front office is interested in trading for/signing LT?
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CB- Any chance the islanders sign a legitimate ufa like Streit this summer. I did not expect us to make a splash last summer and I think we got the best UFA last summer. If you had to guess who will be our assistant coach. Have you applied?
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NickyL says:
Chris,
Do you think the Isles understand what the Fans want and understand the backlash they would receive from them if JT is not taken?
Nick
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David Schwartz says:
Can you comment on the Isles TV coverage OUT OF MARKET? As you may be aware, the Isles HD rights are held by MSG. MSG, in turn, has not reached agreements with any of the major national TV providers (Dish, DirecTV, etc). As a result, those of us who live outside the METRO area are unable to watch the Islander games in HD even if we subscribe to Center Ice. Low Def signals are painful on my glorious Samsung LCD, so I basically gave up watching games by the end of the season.
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Chris, says:
Chris,
Where would Stamkos and Doughty be slotted if they were coming out this year?
How do they rank as an Islander fit against Tavares/Hedman?
Great job.
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Section 320 rocks!!!!!! says:
#99
I read on rotoworld that the bruins may try to trade Kessel because of cap space or lack there of.
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kevin says:
ok so heres my question is this: will the wrecker be our “enforcer” this year or will it be jackman or will we sign someone? i like the wrecker and think he did a great job but id like him to stay in the ahl one year to hone his actual playing skills but id be more comfortable if he made it out of camp. jackman improved a lot but to me he isnt the “guy”. so what will it be?
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Chris,
Where would Stamkos and Doughty be slotted if they were coming out this year?
How would they fit Islanders against Tavares/Hedman?
Great job.
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Coral Springs Isle Fan says:
# 102 – I live in Florida and have the same problem. Although for the first half of the season I was able to get the games in HD and then the last half I had to watch the games in standard def. You always have the option of watching the out of town broadcast in HD but I always enjoy the home town call by Jaffe & Rose (more Jaffe though).
CB: Garth Snow has stated in the past that he is from the school of building from the goal on out. He also was reported stating to Logan that his goal with the first pick is to add a piece that will help bring the cup back to Long Island. Do you feel that points more towards Hedman or do you feel he is happy with Streit and will go with offense with the pick? And one last thing; does adding Hedman kill two birds with one stone in terms of adding size to the team? Hedman and Joensuu in the same lineup sure does seem like it adds size and skill in one shot. Just a thought on the Swedish connection.
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Joe Reekie says:
coral springs. hedman size is not what he’s referring to. hedman’s size only affects his reach, he’s not a big hitter at all. Garth is referrring to “hitting” size.
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lovin lethbridge says:
CB – knowing that “top-flight” UFAs (Gaborik, JaBo, etc) will probably look else where for employment, who do you see as potential free agents that may be coming this way, or at least be given an offer? And will the team in your opinion tender any offers to RFAs?
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If Garth Snow wanted to build from the goal out he should have taken Schenn instead of Bailey last year.
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CB,
I just wanted to add this question,
Where does Nate Thompson fit into the future of this team? Will he or Hilbert be resigned? -
1) what is harder to get these days, a second pair defender or second line winger for a realistic/fair price.
2)i read the cap is down $2.5 million next year, and 2011 is draft very weak? true or false
3)your opinion on IF, the mother of all if’s, the lighthouse goes through in an acceptable fashion to Mr Wang, how long until that translates into increased Islander payroll?“settle down beavis” was priceless, and i am suddenly realizing how much i enjoy your blog. continued success here, and in whatever the future holds for you.
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# 35: If they are not sure about how one player can change the face of a franchise then all they need to do is call Ted Leonis the owner of the Caps and ask him how ticket sales and interest in his team has been since drafting Ovechkin. He is on record stating that ticket sales rose 40% in one year and he now has to pre-scan ticket buyers to make sure out of town teams fans don’t buy tickets to his home games. The Islanders can go from giving away tickets to making sure there are tickets available for “Town of Hempstead” night. Caps have not won the cup yet but they sure are fun to watch and I would like to say the same for the Isles.
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Ben says:
#29 brings up an interesting point in that DP being the face of the team. However, the Islanders have made that position slip away from him as well.
Actually, there seemed to have been smaller pushes for faces on the team: Guerin and Okposo come to mind.
I wonder how DP is healing?
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KO21 says:
Will Garth spit in thousands of Isles fans faces by choosing someone other than JT???
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Willis says:
Would love an update (when appropriate) on all of our players who were out with injuries at the end of the season. All of them.
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CB – I understand your arguement about the next years #1 pick. However, suppose the Islanders get the #8 pick and yet this year they can trade next years and another pick/player and get that high pick THIS year then why not do it.
LA, Pittsburgh, St. Louis must have been VERY confident that they would be picking in the top five the following year AND the depth of that years draft not deep enough to warrant such a move.
EX: If I were to say to you that we got that with our number #1 pick JT and we traded next years number 1 pick, another high pick this year and a prospect for a top 7 pick would we complain?
The Islanders need blue-chippers. Any strong team has 3-4 blue-chippers. We need a couple more. We have a very good supporting cast but if we keep our 2010 #1 pick next year we may not get that next blue-chipper.
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And next, would like to hear any vacation stories (adventure or cool summer project/trip/experience) that someone within the Islanders (player/staff/dragon/whatever) had/expects to have/has fond memories of.
Like either a best summer memory thing or a what I did on my summer vacation thing sort of.
That would of course have to be during August after the draft and FA frenzy and before camp starts………the real boring days.
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Captain Crunch says:
CB … I’ve for years tried to figure out why so many of our guy flourish for other teams after they’ve been traded or become UFAs. You can nitpick each and every one, but as a group we seem to get hosed a lot when it comes to trades or free agent losses. The flip side is that we hang one to some guys waaaaaaaaay to long, hoping they’ll achieve their potential.
On the surface, it seems like as an organization we can’t develop talent where other teams can. Any thoughts?
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Captain crunch I don’t see that as totally true, Isles have had a few players that have only played well for them and not flourished when they left. Aucion and Blake are two that come to mind
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Matt says:
agree with #116 with holding onto guys for way to long. no chance that jeff tambellini would be given this amount of time to “come around” on most other nhl teams.
great job chris. i hope you are right about selecting tavares but all three kids seem great.
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Look at the Pens with Guerin, Fedotenko, Satan & #1 overall drafted goalie on the verge of hoisting the cup. Who would have known all we needed was Crosby & Malkin on the Isles and we could have been in the same boat
Draft Tavares please!!!!! -
Helene says:
Once more and with feeling – draft JT!!!!Is there any hope for having a radio feed that doesn’t fade to oblivion as we wend our way from the rink west to Elmont? It is so frustrating. We love hearing post game with Kinger and Billy and it sucks bigtime. As for season tickets, I bought into the initial pay for two seasons and get perks. And I did. Very doable since you can pay your tickets out w/o putting on a charge card and at no interest. But felt it was a bit too “pushy” to get a letter from Chris when the season wasn’t even over, knowing we were last, and hadn’t even paid for first two years. Asking for another two years at that point, poor taste. We’re just working slobs who sit in the lower 300′s next to the team entrance. Can’t even move to the last rows of the 200′s to save some walking for aging bones as price is beyond reach. So there – I’ve had my say. Hope to see you at draft party nonetheless. Do you remember the “Mike must go” chants. If Snowy lets us down, next year will be all “Snow must go”.
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BR says:
CB – What’s the latest on Ridderwall and Weslosky (and how does the team feel about their development thus far)?
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Botta Bing, will the Isles have at least two new big, mean, skilled, hitting, can drop the mits d-men this year? It is just critical (please no one say Witt can fight because he can’t).
With Gordon repeatedly stating he is hopeful the 2nd first rounder can also play for the Isles this year don’t you think (unless they draft Cowen) the pick will be a forward if the Isles move up?
Thanks for doing this you have the best sports site on the web!
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4195mary says:
I believe Snow is gearing up for 2010-11 or 2011-12. Expect little in the way of ufa’s or rfa’s this off-season, and only very young returns if there are any trades. With the likes of JT and KO (and Taylor Hall, maybe),in their third or fourth seasons, a healthy DP, and a better economy, the wheels should start to turn, and fast. Would you agree CB, or might Komisarek or Camillari or some other free agents be headed our way?
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David Schwartz – Great question about the HD. I have a glorious Samsung LCD myself, and was also disappointed with the nearly complete lack of Isles HD games on Centre Ice. I complained to my provider (Rogers), but as a result of your post I now know what was really going on.
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CB, legit news outlets are saying Phaneuf could be available because of a down year, the inner conflict that developed with the organization during that year, and Cal’s desire to get Bouwmeester (I’d rather have Phaneuf). What kind of package would the Ises need to give for him. I’d be willing to do pick 26, Hunter, & Witt. Those two seem like Cal players.
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John says:
Chris: Considering if the Isles draft Tavares, and have signed Weight, there aren’t a lot of roster spots left at forward. Snow has stated the roster will be very similar to last years. How do you see Sim, Hibert, Tambellini, Thompson and Park fitting in or out? Will Jounsuu, T. Smith or Figen be given a chance to make the opening day roster or will they just be injury replacements assigned to Bridgeport?
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Brian B says:
“One last thing. Billy asked me what I thought the fan reaction would be in three years if Tavares becomes a very good but not spectacular scorer and Duchene hits his potential as a Mike Richards-like all-around player. If you’re in the Tavares camp, be afraid. Be very afraid.”
What if the Isles take Duchene and in 3 years and he becomes a very good but not spectacular all around player and Tavares hits his potential and becomes a Danny Heatly-like player scoring 40-50 goals on a regular basis. If you’re an Islander fan, or Garth Snow…well you’re gonna get beat up worse than the 2000 draft.
P.S. Hey question for CB…when will Tavares (or Hedman or Duchene) learn the Isles are taking him. Do they wait till they get up to the podium? Do they let him know a few hours before? A few days in advance? And any chance Snow announces the pick before the draft?
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mapisles2025 says:
Although the Islanders Prospect Watch went in alphabetical order, I find it ironic that John Tavares was last.
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Defensewins says:
Any idea on who’s game used sticks will be on sale there? And do you know the price range the game used sticks go for?
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I still can’t believe there are still posters talking about giving up next years 1….Only teams in Cup contention….who are certain to be picking in the 20′s can consider such a move.
Does anyone remember Colorado trading their #1 pick to the Islanders? (Was it straight up for Lorimer? Islanders wound up picking @ #3…Pat Lafontaine.
Even with Tavares and a second stud early in round 1…Isles are still a top 10 pick next year…..and possible alot higher. Tampa is not trading the #2 pick for an unknown selection….we can’t trade that pick for anything less.
We are getting close to having the proper foundation…..09-10 will be another tough one…..10-11 we will have the Lighthouse Project secure and then we can start spending on FA’s to play with our many young (finally)
stars. -
Second question: If we take Tavares, where do you see him lining up next year…at left wing or center?
(1) XX-Tavares-Okposo
XX-Bailey-XX
or
(2) Tavares-Bailey-Okposo -
matt says:
Ill take duchene only if we trade down to 3rd and get an established star
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the real JD says:
Which front office people were part of the MM braintrust that picked Nilsson in 2003?????
I don’t want anyone near the decision of who to draft #1 this year that was part of that bad choice back in 2003, UNLESS they wanted Parise and MM went off the reservation and made the pick all on his own.
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TM says:
“Word out of Islanders Country is that the team will once again have its radio broadcasts with the Long Island Radio Group and continue to try and fill in the holes in the metropolitan area where WMJC (94.3 FM) does not reach.”
Very disappointing and frustrating that the games can’t be heard on radio in the metro area. It proves NYI marketing and PR just don’t get it as they didn’t correct the mistake of this past season.
Guess nobody will be hearing Tavares on the radio.
If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
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Isles fan in CA says:
As far as the Q+A goes I would love to hear about some of the crazier times ya had when you were employed by the Isles. Thanks!
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big dally mac says:
My question is: Let’s say the Lighthouse project is a go. Come 20015 won’t the lease owners of the NVMC have Wang over the barrel because he has so much invested in the project that he would have to pay whatever lease they offer him? No matter how unreasonable.
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CB – My 2nd installment for the q & a:
2. Where can I obtain a rule book for the NHL? Not the rules of the game itself (which I can get on NHL.com), but the GM stuff, such as guidelines for fa’s, ufa’s, waiver requirements – sort of a manual for general managers. Is there a definitive document?
I promise that after I read it cover to cover, I’ll start looking for a life.
Thanks CB
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Follow up to post 145 – No, I’m not Mike Milbury!
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gary9-19-22 says:
CB- we have had our fill of draft talk. What we need from you is a DP interview. PERIOD!!!
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richie66 says:
I’ll be at the draft, can’t wait to hear tavares name called and then hit the strip clubs to party
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Robbie says:
Would you trade the Isles 2010 1st round pick for Hedman or Duchane?
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If Hedman is not a bigger hitter at all, I don’t want him at all.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Q: I may be a bit ahead of myself here … but obviously with the huge fan desire to see Tavares wearing the crest of Long Island on his chest as attributed by the demand for draft party tix. What do you think the rookie camp will look like? Iceworks obviously can’t handle that kind of demand. Do you think the Isles will close rookie camp? Or just have it open for season tix holders? Or have a first come first serve basis?
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Jordan says:
Stamkos would be behind Tavares, but Hedman would be ahead of Doughty by a long shot. Dont be surprised if Snow takes Hedman, hes a smart guy and Hedman and his MVP type play will win you a championship, Tavares can score 40 goals a year but if you actually look at his stats, his +/- is close to even. Hes nothing near top talent when it comes to winning. His all around game sucks. Snow’s best bet would be to trade the pick for the 2nd AS MUCH AS HE CAN GET, and draft Hedman. I seriously cant believe all you guys jumped on the Tavares bangwagon so fast. In his 4 years in the OHL his team has no won a thing, nothing at all. Hes not a winner. Hopfully Brian Burke can get the Tampa pick and then we can rip him for the 1/2 swap, and start out road the the cup. Imagine:
to Islanders – 2nd pick, Stephvanovic, Dale Mitchell, or Tlusty and another 2nd round pick
to toronto – 1st, salary dump
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@ Robbie
Thats the dumbest trade I ever heard of. Any GM that WOULDNT pick Duchene or Hedman over our 2010 1st round pick is just plain stupid. Who knows what number it could be. Even if it was number 1, Duchene will probably be better then whoever is first next year, and like I said a million times, Hedman is prolly the best player to be drafted in years -
3 reasons why Isles will pass up on Taveras!
1. Over analyze the 1st pick and play it safe w/Duchene.
2. Afraid to take a chance because of one possible weakness, skating (see Parise) draft.
3. Afraid he will leave after turning 25 to toronto as a UFA. Possible he would not resign on the Island/KC. -
orrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
1. They realize that Hedman is the far better prospect
2. They remember that Defence and goaltending wins the Stanley Cup
3. look into the fact that the MVP for the playoffs has been either a goalie or a defence 6 or the last 8 years, proving the number 2 statement correct….
exactly. Im waiting for someone to prove me wrong here -
The PolishPrince says:
Let me start by saying I don’t think Snow has done a half bad job as GM especially considering he had no experience whatsoever. I’ll also go on record as saying I won’t be devestated if the Isles take Duchene who seems like he’ll be a very good NHL’er. However, If Garth takes Duchene at #1 I’ll lose every ounce of repsect I have for him. It would be way to Miburyesque to take a player at #1 that (probably) no other GM or scouting staff has listed as the #1 prospect in the draft. Don’t get cute here Garth. There’s way too much at stake.
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Blizzard says:
#151 Jordan. I totally disagree. Considering alot of Tavares’s points come on the PP, him being close to even is basically a moot point. Tavares has been scrutinized every year since entering juniors and had delivered, every year. He broke Gretzky’s scoring record in Juniors. He was the MVP at the World Juniors and you say he is not a winner? What did Hedman do at the World Juniors?
Tavares has been described as good as any player in the NHL from the hash marks down. A sublime hockey IQ. Knows where to be and thinks the game ahead of others. Did I say He broke Gratrzky’s scoring records? You do not leave a player like that on the board and draft anyone else. Not Hedman, not Duschene, not anyone in this draft. Stamkos was drafted ahead of Doughty, Hedman isnt as good as him by some scouts accounts. Its really a no brainer IMO. -
Big Dally Mac – If the LH is a go, then the only lease Wang has to worry about will be with the County, and it will be in sweetheart deal territory. SMG will be out of the picture, as per the deal the Lighthouse Development Group has with the County.
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Tavares Broke the the record, yes. But he did so in his second year in the league. Gretzky did it in his rookie year, because he then went to the WHA. Also, Tavares played 3 more games that year too, while he did score 2 more goals, Gretzky finished with a FAR MORE 48 more points. Whats more impressive?
The World Juniors is not a good way to observe players. Tavares won on a team Canada that was 10 times better then any other team.
Im not knocking Tavares, but he is going to be a Danny Heatley type player. Score 40 goals, power offence, sell tickets and win games. But Hedman is going to be a Nick Lidstrom who leads the league in point for defence, leads +/-, and most importantly, wins Cups!
Detroit wins because of Lidstrom, Anahiem won because of Pronger/Niedermayer, and most Cup winning teams win starting from defence. -
If you start compairing numbers, Hedman has better numbers then most Superstar forwards who came out of the SEL at his age. Hes a beast and a future captain and MVP no doubt.
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Jmont6 says:
Here is my question CB (if ask already please forgive me) You and Jaf both have said leave 2010 1st Rounder off the table my question is anyone in that draft going to be as highly reagrded as the top 2 (maybe 3 if you include Duchesne). Would it not maybe make sense to offer Tampa Bay our 26th pick this year and our 1st rounder next year and maybe another pick or player for the chance to get Tavares and Hedman this year?
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MickeyBoy7 says:
Whatever became of Ralph Stewart and Brian Lavender? Two of my early faves.
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Brooks Simpson says:
82: in the 1970s, Trottier before Bossy.
Now, Tavares over Duchene.
Different game.
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jordan, sounds like you are a Leaf fan. Tavares is ours baby.
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Makela24 says:
Is the top of the 2010 draft supposedly defense or offense heavy. Could that play a factor into how we go at top of 2009. If we stick with “build through draft” strategy, odds are we will have top 5 pick next year also. If there are 4 good defensemen projected to go high, could that impact not selecting Hedmen. Vice Versa, if there are 4 or 5 stud offensive guys, would you maybe take Hedmen now….
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Joe says:
CB, I read something about Chris Neil wanting to hit FA, any chance of the Isles going after him?
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Steve says:
Great post Chris! We need to take Tavares and not look back. Not want, NEED.
My question is this: Why did Chris Botta leave his position with the organization last year, and what is his planned future in relation to the NHL? (hopefully this blog is a big part of it)
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big dog says:
Hey CB
most of my questions i had have been asked so im going to go something non hockey
whats your drink of choice?
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JAS says:
How about an interview with Tavares’ coaches from London and Oshawa to put to rest these notions that he’s just interested in being a one-dimensional player.
Can you also try and get more on what kind of standout athlete Tavares really is. I believe he was a standout Lacrosse and Soccer player. I read he was running over kids at 5 years old and getting thrown out of leagues. He clearly is a gifted “natural” athlete and THRIVES on the contact. I had read when he was 9 he would go play hockey with 16 year olds and they were like “who the hell is this kid”. He said his mother used to lie and say he was 10 when he was really 6 or 7 to get him into hockey schools. This kid has been special since day one, he’s about as can’t miss as you can get. He’s born with an athletic gift that has set him apart since early on. I think there’s a nice story about him growing up.
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Hey #149 – I would take out #1 pick in 2010 for Hedman or Duchane in a heart beat! However, it will take much more to get that pick. Focus on the #2 pick: I would give Witt and Sutton along with the #1 pick for TB’s #2 pick this year. Hedman will give fill in for Sutton (and play more games) and we can find someone to fill in for Witt (Komisarek – Islander captain).
Now think of that defense:Hedman, Streit, Komisarek and your choice for the last spot. And to think of all the games they would play together!!!!
In return, TB gets a top D paring – which they need – and a strong 1st round pick to add to their own in 2010.
Now take it one step farther: Do we pick up a top five pick next year with that defense? And how are we if we have Taveras up front and perhaps 1 other gifted player from a RFA or UFA situation.
That is why we make a move like this “if we can” with the 2010 top pick now!
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Just a thought to add to the previous one: which group is better:
Streit – Witt – Hutton – Martinek
or
Streit – Komisarek – Hedman – Martinek
When Komisarek retires in 5 years, Hedman takes over as the leader.
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Frank says:
CB, When do you think Schroeder is getting drafted and do you think the Isles can pull off a move to nab him?
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Irish Isle says:
“One last thing. Billy asked me what I thought the fan reaction would be in three years if Tavares becomes a very good but not spectacular scorer and Duchene hits his potential as a Mike Richards-like all-around player.”
I think that reaction would be no where near as bad than if we pass on Tavares and he is everything plus they think he is.
Hope Lav and Nolan both get jobs that they want, and dont have to settle for this off season.
I hope the Isles use the 31st Pick for a D-Man, hopefully Olsen will still be there. And I hope we use our assets to get a wing w/ size, hopefully Kassain.
Also how much of Tavares +/- is effected by being on a poor team? How will the experience of being on a poor team in the Juniors translate to being on a poor team in the NHL?
As far as my question: How many prospects do we have w/ a legit shot at being a top 2/3 forward or 1/2 d-man?
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Brad says:
Why do the Islanders have Howie and Billy doing the games when former islanders players who are far superior work all over the league? Billy has gotten better over the past year but he was a clown when he started. He is still sub par. Howie is a baseball guy. Look at the Mets, Keith and Ron are great thats why their broadcast is the best in baseball. Billy Jaffe is the male version of Susan Waldman.
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why do some people assume that a guy who has the ability to score 40 goals does not want to play defense?
why do some people assume that a guy who is not as offensively gifted is a an “all around player”?
why do some people assume that a guy who is 6 foot6 hits like he is 6 foot 6?
a player’s assets should not be used against him. if you overanalyze and point out his flaws, you forget what he does best. it just bothers me that some people assume that a guy who is capable of scoring 40 goals can’t play defense, doesn’t have any character, is selfish, can’t skate, etc. if you need character players on your team, get a 3rd liner with a ton of character. if you need a physical defenseman, get a shutdown d-man. both of these types of players are fairly simple to aquire through free agency. if you want a guy who can score 40 goals, you have to give him 6-8 mill/year. on top of that, he many not even want to come to a team like the islanders. instead of being scared and playing it “safe”, just do the convential thing for once. i mean, if you don’t, you have another zach parisy on your hand. how has that turned out? -
@Isles99…because some fans are already trying to justify if Snow does not pick him.
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Dan says:
CB Do you know what players are going to be at the draft party? It would be interesting if DP was there. We do not need him to be making any saves in goal but to see him walking around since all we seem to hear is that he is on crutches could be another positive for the team for that night and the future.
When does free agency start? -
Chris, where does Fritz fit in next year, how about Rech.?
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Moose says:
Obviously not any time soon with all the draft day excitement but I would like some where are they nows with interviews possibly. Some suggestions: Shawn Bates, Oleg Kvasha, Dave Scatchard, Benoit Hogue, Rich Pilon, or Claude Lapointe to name a few.
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I think Fitz will be bouncing at a bar down the road from me.
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Neil says:
Question: Will the Isles be able to keep their pick a secret (it seems they’re going to try) until they make it at the podium or will it leak the the days prior?
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John Tavares,
If you are reading this, say hello, we all love you baby!!! -
Only 4 players in the entire league scored 41 or more goals last year. Tavares will be in that category and fast. We drafted our two-way playmaking center iceman in Josh Baily. Now we draft the finisher.
Boumeester is young all-star defense here and now.
Get Boumeester via free agency and lock him up to 8 years, $56 million. I don’t think anyone out there will match it. DP, Streit, Tavares, Okoposo, Baily and company will make Boumeester think hard about L.I. Snow still has plenty of money to bring Komisarek to L.I. to replace Sutton.
Okoposo Bailey Tavares
Bergenheim Weight Hunter
Joensuu Neilsen Comeau
Park JackmanStreit Boumeester
Komisarek Witt
Martinek GervaisDiPietro
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Jeff says:
An answer to your question CB. How would I feel if we drafted Tavares who turned out to be a very good but not spectacular scorer snd Duchene hit his full potential? I would not criticize Snow but I am sure others would jump quickly off Tavares bandwagon and say should have chosen Duchene. I will not criticize since Tavares is ranked number one and will not go into all obvious reasons.
Another point: Stamkos ahead of DOughtery last year, they say Tavares is better than Stamkos ,and some scouts say Doughty to be equal or better than Hedman. It seems that Hedman has been scaled down like Tavares after Islanders won the lotto. All this says draft Tavares, do not look back. Nobody laughs, and it is a win win for all situations. It is easier to get d men later in draft and to add them. Islanders cannot add anybody like Tavares any ohter way besdies the draft. Garth Snow did say it will be a special night, I really hope he chooses Tavares. Otherwise people rush and strom out of Coliseum quicker than when they lose a game. I would try to stay to watch the next few important NHL picks unfold.
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doc says:
I thought I read somewhere… even on this blog… that Botta had asked around the league scouts… and most agreed that Doughty will be a much better pro than Hedman.
Am I remembering this correctly?
DOC
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QUESTION: What do you think Garth’s timeline will be for making the leap from rebuilding to contending team via trade(s)?
For example, we were stock piling young talent, but didn’t wait for Luongo/Chara/Spezza pick/Connelly/Pyatt to develop and traded for Peca/Yashin (high priced top line players) to make a playoff bid.
Will we “build slower” this time around? Do we use our excess picks to go after that big name this year? Wait til next year? Or 2011?
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DavidNYC says:
This is more a request for a prediction that might be fun to look back on after the draft. The Isles website has had a “Meet the Prospects” feature with several editions over the past few weeks. How many players featured do you think will end up on in the Isles prospect pool when the draft is over and who wold they be? If you could interview TSN’s Maggie the Monkey, who do you think she would pick
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Chris M says:
Hey CB- here’s my question.
Let’s assume the Lighthouse Project does not get done. How realistic are Queens and Brooklyn as alternatives- would it be more likely for the Isles to move out of NY than to NYC? Would Wang stay as owner in Queens or Brooklyn? Sorry, that’s more than one question.
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Bob says:
Hey Chris. I love the site. You commented on some of the bigger forwards the Isles could get late in round 1 or early in round 2 (Kassian, Carter etc…) I was reading in the Hockey News about a prospect named Budish (I think he was rated somewhere in the 40′s). He’s listed at 6’3″ 230lbs. Any thoughts?
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Not another question CB, but I noticed someone asked about Stamkos in regard to this draft, so to adjust my earlier question about Hall, where do you think scouts would slot both of them in this draft considering they were/are both hyped prospects as well??? Thanks.
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Jordan, defense and goaltending does not win the Stanley Cup. Balance, depth, and chemistry win the Stanley Cup.
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Trivia – who was last top 3 rank Dman to win stanley cup? If its so important to take defense?
Answer- it was Chris Pronger and it was not with team that drafted him.
Look who is in the stanley cup. Crosby, Malkin, Staal. No Bouwmeester.
Florida tried to build franchise around him and Now never even made playoffs. Now he going elsewhere.
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Not strictly hockey, but I’ve looked at the Lighthouse plans and tried to figure this out, where do they expect to put the cars for the 17,500 people who come to a hecokey game or the 20,000 for a concert.
They talk about shared parking, are there just underground garages? What a nightmare that could be.
Of the whole plan, this is what bothers me the most. It sound like it will be very inconvenient to get to a game.
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thanks pete or 176. i just dont understand why some people always justify what the team does….i mean think about ti yourself for a moment
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Gary says:
i believe there is underground parking, but with IN ADDITION all the residences and other sports buildings, there would have to be a massive underground parking lot that takes up underground, much of the space that is parking at the arena now–Im not sure what the plans specifically show
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JT says:
Hi Chris. Any insight as to scheduled player and alumni appearances as the draft party? Thanks.
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Jeff (184): You state that ‘they say’ Tavares is better than Stamkos, but I am not sure that is true. I guess it depends on who ‘they’ are.
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Q #2 :
CB ~ I’m not sure if you can even answer this … but possibly you can ask a few current Islanders this from a players’ perspective.
How do current players and prospects feel about this current draft? Basically the Isles are drafting players that might and in a lot of cases will take their jobs eventually. You really have to battle your instinct for self preservation in order to accept this I guess … At the same time you want the team that you play for to get stronger through the draft and make it more competitive so that you yourself have a shot at the cup. It almost seems like a catch 22 situation.
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Q #3
CB ~ Have you ever pondered taking this site to the next level with video aids?
I know you’ve linked You Tube highlights to your page before … but I’m talking about having your own video data base … with permission from clubs of course to show specific plays and of course your own video commentary. Pictures speak a 1,000 words … video X that by 30.
I think a cool HiDef video portal would be great for your site. Maybe even have some fans contribute some stuff to help ya out.
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Here is my second Question:
In the NFL Draft, there is the famed point system created by Jimmy Johnson that is used for the value of a pick, and what the approiate value to trade picks is.Now If I have this Correct the Isle have the following ppicks:
1st Round:
#1 – Not Tradeable
#262nd Round
#31 – Highly unlikely to be traded as the Isles have all night to analyze who to choose with the pick
#37
#56Round Three
#62
#90/91 – Pittsburgh Pick, depending on who wins Game 7Rounds Four – Seven
The First Pick in each roundNow if we wanted to trade up in the middle of the first round, what would we have to give up?
Would Washington have any desire to trade for Martinek or Witt? What value would the have?
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CB: You questioned the notion of promoting the tickets for the draft party because it might make a smaller yet impressive number of draft party attendees seem like some kind of failure instead of something to celebrate. I completely agree with you on that. My question: Besides this, and your opinion that they should have announced the draft choice months ago, what are the things that you think would be most important for the Islanders to do marketing-wise? In other words, what should they be pumping up the most that you think is not getting enough attention, or vice versa?
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Tom in Charlotte says:
Chris,
Fabulous website, no one could ask for more Islander information then you provide.
My question: What was the full story behind the dealing of Roberto Luongo to Florida and the selection of Rick D. The Isles had hyped Luongo for years and dumped him just as he seemed to be coming into his own. Was unhappiness over the way the bonus situation was handled? It made absolutely no sense to me then and makes even less sense now.
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JonnyBoston says:
Hi Chris,
Any chance we could get an interview with Chris King and his thoughts on the draft, the upcoming season, et cetera? He’s one of the hardest working guys in the business and I would like to hear what he has to say. Outstanding job this year Chris – we may have had the worst record but thanks to your efforts the fans got an unexpected bonus with this blog. Hope to be reading this next season.
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CB: It seems the Isles have gone young up front but the Defense is still unchanged, other than Streit. Do you see the Isles looking to trade, Sutton, Witt, Martinek before their contracts run out? And since it is unlikely the Isles are contending for the Cup in the next few years (while Streit is under contract) what’s the chance they trade Streit? He could yield a high draft pick.
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RK says:
In your opinion, and if all players are healthy cough DP cough, what do you think the starting lineup will look like next year?
Can you give us some background on Ryan Jankowski?