ONCE MORE WITH FEELING: One Post Per Reader
Matt Duchene, Victor Hedman or John Tavares
Only one Comment per reader. Everyone gets their chance. If you have never posted before, this is the time. This is not about who you think the NYI will pick. It’s about you. 200 words or less: who do you want and why.
454 Responses to “ONCE MORE WITH FEELING: One Post Per Reader
Matt Duchene, Victor Hedman or John Tavares”
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John Tavares
Doesn’t need words.
John Tavares.
I only need 1 word
sparkplug
I want John Tavares because he is what this team needs. Period.
That being said, if for some reason the pick is Duchene or Hedman, I will be slightly disappointed. However, I will continue to fully support the team.
I’m an Islander fan. Forever. Tomorrow night will not change that.
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
John Tavares
Best player available. Scores goals and sells tickets.
John Tavares. He is the most prolific scorer in the draft, The attention he will garner is going to make guys like Okposo and Bailey more productive, the power play will improve greatly, and he’s going to put fannies in the seats.
John Tavares. He will score goals and will help push the lighthouse project over the goaline.
John Tavares. By all indication, he is bar-none the best player available
John Tavares
his jersey is already in ‘my cart’ only waiting on garth to confirm it before i hit “complete order”
John Tavares. We can address defense in the mid to late first
Who do I want? I want Tavares. We need THE guy. He may not be Crosby or Bossy for that matter. But then again maybe he is! I don’t think we can take the chance on a guy like Duchesne right now. They need a bonafide #1 and Tavares is THAT guy.
Tavares. Instance offensive upgrade, marketability, and he’s the best player available.
Mike Bossy, because he can score like nobody’s business and goals equal wins. ANd since Mike’s back won’t let him play, then JT.
victor hedman because he’s the best player in this draft. he will dominate both ends of the ice and play 25-30 minutes a night for the next 15 years or so. a d-man with his size, stamina, speed, and smarts is harder to find than a sniper. imo, hedman will bring a team closer to a championship than jt or duchene will. that being said i will not be disapointed with tavares in any way. it will be a lot of fun watching him and jt-mania get people excited about islander hockey again. if it’s duchene the isles have blown a golden opportunity.
Victor Hedman! 25 min a game/15 goals/40 assists/
Tavares. just an 18 goal scorer last year is not tolerable. you can not win without goal scoring, unless you shut everyone out. even then you need to score a goal or two.
John Tavares.
Goals, goals, goals, and more goals are what we need, and are what win games. Since we had Ziggy Palffy, there has been no player on the Isles that has given me a true rush when watching them with the puck (Okposo is close).
I also have a feeling that DP will contribute way more than people are expecting and giving him credit for, so defense shouldn’t be valued over taking Tavares.
Forget Hedman. Forger Duchene. It isn’t even up for discussion. There are no choices. Tavares is the only choice. The only option!
John Tavares- because this team doesnt have a 20 goal scorer. they need someone who can help put fans in the seats. I want more then anything for the isles to stay on long island and tavares is the only plyer that could help that process. The fans deserve something to get excited about and this kid is the real deal. So John Tavares
JT. Snipers don’t come easily.
John Tavares. He may not be Crosby or Ovechkin according to the experts, but the experts likely would’ve said Ovechkin wasn’t Bossy or Gretzky back in 2004. Take the best player of the OHL since he was 15 and watch him grow.
Tavares. Because I want to be relevant again
John Tavares
BUT i trust the islanders to make the right choice and select the best player for the team. If after all of this, that turns out to be Tavares, there should be no doubt in anyone’s mind that the right choice has been made, not just the sexy or economically prudent choice.
John Tavares, the reasons have ll been stated before. To give my thoughts, We need a face, an identity, someone to sell to the fans, somebody to make us matter, we are getting this attention not because we have the 1st oveall pick, i dont remember near this attention in 2000, its because its John Tavares. Not to mention he is the best player available and a dynamic scoring machine. Look at pitt, offense wins, TAKE TAVARES!
I’m very torn. I’m going to say TAVARES (over Duchene, then Hedman) for a couple of off-ice reasons primarily. One is that I feel he is the best guy to “sell” the team (to potential fans, not a new owner) and help them stay on Long Island (which some people may think is a strange reason coming from a guy in Central Ontario). I also don’t think the Islanders (again, in terms of potential fans, not the Islanders themselves) can stand a lot of backlash which I think will come (right or WRONG) if they pass on JT. On the ice I think he helps us a bit more immediately, while Duchene will take a few years to reach his full potential. I think it says a lot for how close these 3 guys are, that it is the little things like what I’ve said (and others) that are going to determine their order.
I’ve been going back and forth with this one for weeks. Personally I think Duchene is out of the equation and for me it comes down to Hedman vs Tavares. While I think both will become very good players and both will need time to develop into those players, Tavares seems to be more advanced at this point in his development. The Islanders team and organization need the instant gratification that he will bring, as opposed to awaiting the further improvement of Hedman. Too bad Victor isn’t a year younger. Tavares needs to be the pick.
johnie t - ive fallen a victim to the hype , he will live up to it and put us back on the map
JT rhymes with JC….he can this franchise’s saviour.
John Tavares
-Sniper
-Finisher
-Competitor
-Hunger
-Mature
-Team Leader
-Marketing
Tavares!!! We need goals, we need more fans at the games and we don’t need to give the other teams/fans another reason to laugh at us!! A No Brainer
Tavares. It’s a no-brainer!!!!!!!!
Tavares
John Tavares.
Puts the biscuit in the basket. No one else on this team has the goal scoring skills he has and that is our most glaring need.
John Tavares, we need goals, how many times did we lose 2-1, 4-2. Hell what was the power play percentage? Our defense is solid and will improve, with Sutton back, and hell think how much better it will be with a number one goaltender. JT has been the best against older players his whole life. The guy needs to be here. If the only knock on him is he may not be a generational player, but he will score 40 goals, HELLO in this generation I can count on one hand guys who can do that, and I may have a few fingers left over, So wouldn’t that make him a generational player. Hedman, nice player, Duchene, nice player, Tavares, THE PLAYER
John Tavares…Because we need him
After all is said and done, I want Tavares. The kids done everything. I know if the Rangers drafted him, I would be REAL jealous/upset!
I can really see the argument for Hedman.
Plug him in for 25 minutes a night in a year or two.
Couple that with another high pick next year, Okposo, Bailey,…
But the Isles do not have time on their side.
I don’t think they can survive a few more years of last place finishes.
We also will never be able to acquire a goal scorer.
Free agent goal scorers will not sign on with a last place team.
To trade for one would strip the limited resources the NYI have.
So it has to be John Tavares.
For those who say Tavares is to much of a one way player “Twelve teams (including the Rangers and Toronto twice each) passed on Bossy because he was regarded as just another sniper from the run-and-gun Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Isles coach Al Arbour told GM Bill Torrey he could teach Bossy to play defense; he was right, and the rest is history” I’m not saying Tavares is Mike Bossy by anymeans but even Denis Potvin says ya gotta go with this guy.
John Tavares- Not since Pierre Turgeon have we had a superstar and someone talented enough to score 50 goals and put butts in the seats. Drafting Tavares is the smart choice, you can’t win games if you can’t score. Pitt has Crosby, Wash has Ovechkin, we have Tavares. He may not ever be as good as those 2 but only time will tell.
Regardless of who it is, I will still be a fan, and we will likely be getting a star player. It is a “we can’t go wrong” scenario for the Islanders.
That said–I think the best of the three is Tavares, and with all due reverence to Butchie, I hope to see #91 on the ice in blue and orange this October!
Draft JT.
Duchene …. speed kills
John Tavares.
I can see the team have $91 jerseys tomorrow as part of a marketing event.
If that name isn’t called, by 7:15 tomorrow you can figuratively believe that Dr. Kevorkian will be booking a flight into Kennedy airport to capitalize on some business. (it’s a joke, a bad one, calm down folks)
I live 700 miles away from Nassau Coliseum in the heart of college football country. I wear Isles hats, jerseys, jackets, etc. a lot and people look at me like I am nuts. Most have never heard of them and the few that know a little about hockey know of the Penguins, Rangers, Washington and Detroit. Why? Because those teams have stars and they get press. Isles neeed to draft Tavares so that I no longer need to explain to everyone who asks me who the Islanders are. They will already know.
Paul
I want John Tavares. True Hedman or maybe Duchene maybe a better overall player in 5 years but the Isles don’t have time to wait. Tavares is the best scorer in this draft hands down nobody disputes this. The Isles need his scoring as well as a marquee name to give the people something to watch and who knows maybe they get some national TV time. TSN had 10 of 10 scouts all agree he is the concensus #1 in this draft. That’s good enough for me.
JT….And if Hedman turns into the best defenseman 3-4 years from now and JT turns out to be a 25-30 goal scorer, I can live with that, because right now we don’t know those things. Only thing we know is Tavares has a knack for putting the puck in the net and butts in seats. This team is looking for a new arena and a franchise player, drafting JT will put us 1/2 way there.
Isles say the Islanders should draft the player they feel will provide the most contribution to bringing a Stanley Cup championship calibre team back to Long Island.
Taveras - because we need goals more than any team needs anything.
John Tavares, of course. I’ll be decked out in the Fisherman jersey, wearing an Isles cap, but I won’t be at the Bell Centre. Better to watch it on TSN at my local watering hole.
Go Isles!!!
John Tavares. If healthy, the Isles defense is nothing to write home about, but passable. When offensive unit is healthy, the scoring is still abysmal. Two years ago the leading scorer didn’t crack 50 points. This year our leading O-man had 18 goals. Are you kidding? Our expansion year team had more scoring.
If the Isles miss out on Hedman (hopefully), there are still some big boys that can be had at #26. There is nothing close to Tavares even at the #3.
I think its pretty obvious that it needs to be John Tavares. And there are the obvious reasons. The Islanders need goal scoring, bad. They also need a face of this organization. One that will bring recognition and marketability to the organization.
But two other reasons the Isles need Tavares is one, they need someone who will be able to step in this season on contribute, which Im not sure Matt Duchesne can do. And two, after reading the 3 interviews CB did with the Big 3, it was obvious that while Duchesne and Viktor Hedman seemed like they would welcome being an Isle, it seemed Tavares was hungry to get into an Isle sweater and help turn this organization around. And thats a quality that cant be taught or developed. And a trait that this organization really needs in a potential franchise player.
John Tavares…
I haven’t been to an Islanders game since I stopped working there in 2003. Tavares could make me a fan again. Hedman or Duchene won’t.
Tavares. Hedman and Duchane might be better in the long run for the team, but Tavares is what’s going to help this team right now which is the most important. The Islanders need more fans and need to sell more tickets if we’re going to get a new building. Tavares will do that - 22,000 tickets and counting for tomorrow is proof to that.
I cant come out and say who I want. I think I may have jinxed who I wanted the Isles to draft last year, so I figure by NOT saying “I want ________” I am ultimately performing a service to the Islanders community.
LOL- CB, youre reminding me of Bruce Dickinson shouting “SCREAM for me Long Beach!” when everyone is already jumping up and down frickin hysterical. But thats a compliment, FYI- Dickinson (from Iron Maiden) really knows how to work a crowd!
John Taveras. Sometimes the conventional wisdom is right. 10,000 or so cheering fans on Friday would be a great boost for this franchise.
John Tavares, still the consensus pick amongst hockey draftniks. Snow doesn’t have 10 years of experience that would allow him to go out on a limn. He’d make for good PR, sell jerseys, sell tickets and most importantly put the puck in the net. Snow’s legacy won’t be drafting Tavares, it’s what he does to move up in the first round and who he selects with the Isles 2nd pick. Of course, if he passes on Tavares, he better get both Hedman and Duchene.
Who: Tavares
Why: Must. Score. Goals.
I would prefer Tavares, however, i would not be terribly upset if we flipped the pick to Colorado for #3 overall & JM Liles. That would give us a nice compliment to Streit as well as the opportunity to select Duchene, who it is starting to look like we may wind up with anyway.
I also wouldn’t be opposed to sending the #37 & # 62 picks to a team with a pick in the 12-17 range to give us a chance at getting Kassian or possibly Ryan Ellis if he drops as far as expected.
Evander Kane
Just to piss people here off!
Otherwise, any of Duchene or Tavares - I think the Isles can draft a 1-2 dman with next year’s top 10 pick.
I want John Tavares because he is the best player available and he scores goals, something the ISles have not done much at all. He has created a buzz on Long Island that has not been seen in many, many years. If you want to win in the new NHL then you need to be able to score goals and you need to be able to score on the power play. Your best player last year Mark Streit said it himself; this team needs a sniper and can you imagine the power play we would posses with Streit as the QB, Weight on the other point and Okposo & Tavares down low, throw Nielson or Baily in the mix with their play making ability and that is just too much to pass up. Streit & Hedman sound tempting but you need a sniper who can score! When the time comes that you want to fill the holes you have via free agency it will be a much easier sell when you are selling out the building in the NY market. You want to produce a winner, then Tavares is your man; he already has two gold medals playing for the pressure cooker Canadian team. He is the guy, enough said. Just say his name already. My money is burning a hole in my pocket.
John Tavares: Lighthouse Project, Marketing, Excitment, Credibility, Faith and Trust, Goals, Wins, Duchene is no where close in talent, Defeseman take time to develop and htey leave via free agency when they do, respect in the hockey world, we can always find a good defenseman in free agency yet no sniper will sign here, people will shou up to the colessium, people will not go to lighhouse meetings if the choice isn’t tavares, oh and i forgot to mention that he is THE BEST PLAYER AVAIVLABLE, anything else is stupidity, when you’re given free money, you take the most you can JT OR BUST!
John Tavares
10 Words:
Future
Excitement
Buzz
Recognition
Rebuild
Offense
Goals
Wins
Playoffs
Cup
all year, everytime someone told me that the islanders suck, i always told them the same thing: “it’s all good cuz we’re getting john tavares with the #1 pick.” there are multiple reasons at stake here. obviously i cannot be made a fool.
but also, picking john tavares will excite me enough to update the NHL rosters in NHL 09, which i will then play all summer until the dynasty mode prevents me from going any further.
also my broke ass will be way more likely to come to a few games next season.
i’ll also be waiting for the first MC to say he’s a “sniper like tavares, right in the hed MAN” on second thought, i’ll have to say that
They all might turn into great players but unfortunately RIGHT NOW, John Tavares is the only player that may be able to save this franchise. The Islanders need nothing more than a player that can consistently score goals, put fans in seats and is marketable. They cannot wait a few years to start marketing guys like Hedman and Duchene. They need someone now, or else this franchise may be doomed. John Tavares brings all of those things plus to the franchise.
The Islanders need John Tavares.
Tavares - right now looks like the highest return with the lowest risk.
An earlier thread posted a comment something like this - “Just do what 90% of the league would do. Be normal”
Tavares is that choice. No more Rangers Ridicule ©
Tavares! Not only will he help win games he will help make hockey on LI relevant again to the rest of the league. Won’t it be nice to have some media coverage that’s not negative for a change? He’ll score goals. Yeah I know, defense and goaltending win games but last I checked you can’t win if you don’t score. In short he’s the best player available but to this franchise at this point he means much much more. JT = butts in the seats.
Tavares- no need to discuss every team needs someone like this and this is ours scores and puts fans in seats and makes everyone happy
Hedman- is good but will find his full potential then leave us like jay bouw
duchene-has potential come on not a first round pick this year and speed is only good for guys in nhl 09
I want John Tavares. The Islanders haven’t had excitement since that awesome 2002 season. And in the end, this is a business. The Islanders do not sell tickets. They may have to relocate the franchise. The best hope for having the Islanders increase their revenues and therefore increase the likelihood of them staying on LI is if the fans have something on the team to go watch. That something (someone, actually) is John Tavares. I’m sure Victor Hedman and Matt Duchene will be very good NHL players, but Tavares is special, and has been special since he’s 14 years old. He’s the only household name available, and that’s just what the Islanders need: a face of the franchise. Tavares is that face.
Tavares. Yes, scouts say hes not a “generational player” like Sid or AO, but also outside that generational player category are players like Datsyuk, Zetterberg, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Heatley, Iginla, Alfredsson, Getzlaf, Lecavalier and the list goes on. I’m not necessarily comparing JT’s game to any specific player there but come on, those players make up a huge chunk of top tier players in todays game, most of them have been to or won the Cup. I mean, yes, Hedman is going to be a good d-man, maybe even a blue chipper, and yes, he has played against men in the SEL. But Hedman has the physical upside of the easter bunny and he has proven that when he plays physical teams in important games (read: playoffs in the future?) he drifts into obscurity, as you saw in his WJC performance against teams like the Russians and the Canadians, he did approximately jack. Hell, the Canadians blew out the Swedes 5-1 in the final, some defense they got there. And Duchene? I just don’t see it. Again I don’t want to take anything away from the kid but he plays 2nd and sometimes 3rd line center behind Hodgson and Grachev. He was a cut from the WJC team (yes they took 1 less fwd and 1 more dman than other teams) I mean simple logic says Hodgson > Duchene, so if Hodgson went #10 in last years draft, which was not nearly as deep as this years, why in hell should Duchene go #1 this year??? Yes there are other outside circumstances that would prove my logic there to not be 100% correct, I understand that, this kid could be good, but he is not a #1 overall and he is not what the Islanders need as a hockey team or as a business.
Wow…first 50 replies…everyone for JT except 3 people. The fans clearly want the exciting, 40-50 goal scorer. He can provide a superstar status to this franchise…one that we haven’t seen since Turgeon was stripped away from us. The rebuild takes a strong step forward with any one of the three top picks…but JT is the game changer. Tavares it is.
John Tavares because we as a franchise can not afford to screw this one up and as a fan I am tired of hearing the fan base read off like a rap sheet the failed trades signings and draft picks from the last 25 years. For once we need to do the smart safe thing and if it doesn’t work out then all that can be said is wow that sucked!!! The GM the coach the owner should not be riddiculled any longer I am tired of it and we are tired of it!!!!!! Pick Tavares and end the riddicule!
CLARK GILLIES is the type of player we need once we get Tavares. Kyle is not that player and either is Bailey. I hope in the later rounds we get a big, scary, goon that can score like Clark and beat the crap out of anyone mess’n with the rest of the club.
I’m only about 300 miles from The Coli, and I wear my Isles Gear too, you’re not alone #39, I even have some Bridgeport stuff and see them when they take on the Admirals.
Go Isles!
John Tavares
JT all the way…..because he is what I believe to be the first and most important piece in FINALLY getting this team back to what it does best; Being a Dynasty.
Let’s Go Islanders!!!!
Let’s Go Islanders!!!!
Snow cannot become Snowbury and mess this up. TAVARES! And most importantly, if Tavares is picked and does NOT pan out while Hedman and Duchene become superstars, I will always throw thanks to Snow because he did what 90% of us fans would do for this franchise.
But I know Tavares will be OUR superstar.
Tavares.
Why? Because he is the best available player. That is who you draft. You draft the guy with the most talent, who is NHL ready. You don’t need to draft a defenseman, because you have enough depth there. You don’t draft a Duchene, as fine a player as he may be, because he is not the best player.
Don’t try to be cute. Those days ended when “Shoe” left.
Pick the best available player. And by all accounts, that is John Tavares.
My take….Isles need a goal scorer.
John Tavares is the man.
I also would not be against them taking Hedman. However, if they took Duchesne, that raises the eyebrows for me.
Im still sticking with the John Tavares pick.
Tavares.
Tavares.
All the scouts say “Tavares is a dynamic scorer, but Hedman is intriguing….”
Forget intrigue. Give me the guy who’s sure to pot 40.
John Tavares.
It would make me feel a lot better about the deposit i put down on a 14 game package a few months back.
but if it’s Hedman or Duchene’s name that is called Friday,i’ll have an initial pang of disappointment,but will be more than ready to support them and the team.
It has to be Taveres.. This team is severly lacking a scoring punch,,
Has to be Tavares
Tavares
Duchene
Hedman in order for me
John Tavares
While I would not be opposed to either Hedman or Duchene, because each have steller resume’s, I want Tavares because he brings something to this team that we haven’t had in years…excitement. The prospect of passing on a dynamic scorer is one that should not be passed up, and it’s for that reason that I want #91 on the Islanders this year, and many more to come.
John Tavares. He’s the best player in the draft.
Tavares-
-immediate impact
-goal scoring
-offensive aggressive system
-marketing
-ridiculous numbers
-unanimous pick from scouts
-*Most importantly…PROVEN WINNER! Led national team to gold and was best player…good enough for me.
2 WORDS:
JOHN TAVARES
John Tavares because…
He is the consensus #1 in the hockey world
He has an outstanding 4 year track record
He has been dealing with pressure all his career and excels regardless
He delivers results on the scoreboard
He has a tremendous following
He WILL be everything and more that is expected from a #1 overall
He is down to earth and team oriented
The fans want are excited about him
The fans need to cheer for and about
He will put butts in the seats
He will drive merchandise sales
He is what the ISLANDERS need right here and right now
Victor Hedman, because he is the most NHL ready, and will make the biggest impact on a team going towards a Cup win. If he were Canadian, he would be a lock for the number 1 spot because he would get more publicity
Tavares.
why; cause we HAVE TO
hi
post 47 why do u still have a Fisherman jersey i bet you have bossy on the back of it are you that cheap
Tavares - they need some sort goal scoring
John Tavares islanders really need this kid. Look at all the struggling the islanders have. John will score goals sell seats and so on. What will hedman do? nothing by the time he develops he will be gone
Drafting a defensemen is great, but if we take Hedman it just means we will lose games 2-0, or 4-1 as opposed to 9-0 and 8-1. We need TAVARES to put up a few tallies for us each week, which will go a longgggggg way in the Win/Loss column!
I can deal with being in 30th place during a rebuilding period. What I am not okay with is being last in scoring goals. If we lose games 5-4, at least we got to cheer and scream a few times. 2008-2009 was miserable… I got up out of my seat like 20 times all season. JT- come take me out of my seat!
John Tavares. I think he will be a great player and I don’t want to be thinking what could have been every time he visits NVMC and scores against us !!
My head tells me Hedman, but my heart tells me Tavares. In the end I guess I want them to pick Tavares. I have been in the Hedman camp since day one, and I will still be happy if they pick him. But this team needs some life injected into it. And Tavares provides a ton of life to this franchise. For once it would be nice to have a player that other team are envious for us having. Duchene cannot be picked at number one, just can’t be. And as I look back over all the events and quotes and meetings and everything since the lottery in April, I am about 90% sure they are picking Tavares. We will see. Never a dull moment when you are an Islanders fan, that’s for sure.
The thief.
John Tavares
face of the franchise, giving the fans some excitement and some hope for the future.
Between 3 candidates, Hedman is the MOST COMPLETE player - ready for NHL to play with men.
Don’t forget that JT and MD are not close to Crosby, Malkin or Ovechkin level.
Worst thing in the world is to be boring and lose. With Tavares, we may still lose but we won’t be boring. Gotta take JT!
Tavares. Goals win the cup too.
John Tavares he is the best player in this draft and you dont always find someone who can score 50 golas and be a leader on the ice he will finally gife us a image on long island AND YES I BELIEVE HE IS OUR SAVIOR he may not be crosby or ovechkin but he will be a darn speacil player PLEASE GARTH JUST TAKE TAVARES
TAVARES OR BUST!!!1
Tavares!!!!!!!!!
It has to be Tavares. Duchane has just come on to the scene and has never been THE guy on the team (he didn’t even go to the world juniors). Hedman would be nice if we had 6 years, but usually it takes forever for D-men to mature and by then they are typically on to their second team.
For ONCE can we just play it simple and pick the consensus #1 player??
Tavares
all the goal scoring and i think Mckenzie or a scout called him “fearless” i like that in a hockey player!!
Tavares. To preserve my last shred of sanity. 31 hours to go.
JT is who i want. Still feel it wont be him though. Call it a gut(painful) feeling.
Taveres! He is a pure goal scorer. The Isles do not have a pure goal scorer. Duchene might be more well rounded but we a kid that can put the puck in the net.
Tavares
I used to think Tarvares, but i think im leaning toward Duchane. He is the fastest skater and best play maker in the draft. He will get us goals and will be a guy we can put out on the powerplay and the penalty kill. Im confused why everyone wants Tarvares, he seems potentially to be another Yashin a one dimensional player who only produces on the power-play. Yes we need goals but i think Duchane will get 30-35 goals with plenty of assists.
Tavares for all the obvious reasons. Anyone else would be a Mike Milbury style pick and an insult to the fans. Tavares and FINALLY a reason to be excited about the future.
Tavares, because 7g 14a by a non-physical d-man can hardly be called “dominant in both ends” and Duchene’d #’s are also underwhelming more Peca than Yzerman
JOHN TAVARES!
Hope Snow feels the same way too.
Lets go Islanders!!
Tavares
Has dealt with pressure his whole life to this point and has been Best.
NHL is new challenge and i dont see him approaching it any differently. This kid wants to be THE STAR, not just a kid that scores goals.
Bailey is our wellrounded guy, You can find Dman prospects later in draft.
Tavares will sniper and new face of the franchise and another big name in NHL.
John Tavares.
(1) Immediate bump in ticket sales for THIS YEAR. (2) No second guessing from media. (3) Possibility of our team scoring 6 goals in a game once in a while. (4) Better national TV exposure.
I’m 40 years old and, unfortunately, became a fan during the summer of ‘83, which means I missed the Cups. I want one, dangit! Young fans don’t know what it’s like to have Bossy, Trots, Denny, et al, and I’d love for them to experience that sort of pride and awe in an Islander: John Tavares
Islanders need scoring.Islanders need pizazz.Islanders need respect.Islanders need media coverage.Islanders NEED Tavares!!!!!!!!!!
Tavares. We passed on the defenceman in the draft last year to pick a playmaking center in bailey. it doesnt make sense to take duchene when we already have bailey. And its easier to get a great defenceman (Mark Streit) through free agency than it is to get a great goal scorer which we so badly need.
this is simple. JT is a winner, proven by the wjc. he scores bundles of goals at every level and has great hands down low. We had a dman lead us in scoring, we dont have any hands down low, or a scoring threat that scares anyone. dougie weight was signed for this very purpose, teach the new face of the franchise. this can also take some spotlight off dp and maybe bring him down to earth to focus on the business. JT all the way. And then garth can flip off brian burke on worldwide tv.
John Tavares. It didn’t hit me until last night how mad and upset I will be if we don’t draft him and how it’s another big you know what to the fans of this team if we go another way. We need scoring. We need an exciting player. Give us fans something to be excited about. Plain and simple..TAKE TAVARES.
Tavares!
Go back to the Worlds in December. Tavares dominated against the best in the world.
Tavvares is the real deal.
But Tavares or no Tavares, this team will not win with Gordon. We need a new coach also.
JTrain…
Just take the consensus #1 overall pick in the land. If he busts, so be it. If he shines, more the better. However, knowing NYI took the best prospect for this draft with the #1 overall selection is what each team historically does.
NYI, usually unconventional, needs to get with the ‘boring crowd’ and just take the guy everyone else would take in their position.
Re: Duchene. It took 14 years for ‘Steve Yzerman’ to become the legend he is most known for. Before that, he was ridiculed in DET/CAN and labeled as a player that could not take it to the next level. He was a one-way scoring machine (JT), but Bowman turned him into a two-way leader (MD) at the same time DET was stacked with talent.
Tavares. He can be taught how to skate better and be responsible in his own zone. You can’t teach goal scoring. He seems like a real respectful and likeable kid as well. Looks like a dream for the marketing dept. We finally have some hope for the Lighthouse project and with JT in the fold we can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Hedman and Duchene might end up as better players, but Tavares can basically provide enough new interest in the team, enough jersey sales, enough hype to make politicians freak out and get an arena deal done. Especially with the Pens winning the Cup, people can look at that and say “That can be us in five years. Let’s just put a shovel in the ground so we don’t lose the team.”
I want Tavares because..
You don’t take the kid who didn’t make the world juniors…You take the kid who led his team in world juniors.
You don’t take the kid who, all of the sudden, is on the top of the draft board…You take the kid who has been better than everyone his age since he was 14.
And you don’t take the kid who didn’t sniff Gretzky’s records…You take the kid who BROKE Gretzky’s records.
You take John Taveres. Period.
JT OR BUST! I just want to go to a game and be excited with a few minutes left if we are losing, knowing that there is a chance we can tie up the game. Clearly, I lost that hope for many years now.
either of the 3. j.t, duchene and hedman would all improve the team.
It’s JT and, you know who also is fast? Andy Hilbert. This is not speed skating, it’s hockey.
Tavares!
TAVARES….or look for a half full colesium next season.
JT because of what I saw at WJC….
just sayin…
duchene. offensive stars are useless without defensive skills.
I’ll be in Saskatoon for part of training camp and the 2 exhibition games. Really, REALLY looking forward to it and with John Tavares in attendance, it’ll be over the top.
I’m happy with any of the Big 3 as the Isles will give them every opportunity to showcase their talents.
We can’t go wrong with either one of them.
For once, I want the Islanders to do what everyone else wants them to do. Everyone (the fans, the draft experts) thinks the Isles should draft Taveras. Do it! Ignore the crazy, irrational thoughts and preferences you’ve had over the years on draft day. Make the safe pick.
And should the team not pick Tavares, expect whoever they pick to be booed unmercifully.
If the braintrust wants Duchene so badly, they had better trade down and get a major player in return.
Quite frankly, I don’t care what happens after the Isles first pick.
Tavares…reasons:
Every team needs a go-to scorer
Defensemen take longer to develop
Buzz-e.g., Winter Classic
Tavares. Defenseman can be found/signed, (Streit), goal scorers cannot. Instant RESPECT for the Team, the management and the fans
I’ve been an Isles fan since the late 70’s while growing up on LI. I moved to NC in 95, but I’m still a huge fan, even here in the middle of Canes country. I can’t remember the last time it really felt good to be an Isles fan, because it’s been too long. I’m tired of being the laughing stock of the league. We need a star. JT is the star we need, right now.
john tavares. because i want to still have an NHL team on long island in 5 years.
I want Victor Hedman because a 6′6 Dman who can skate only comes around once in a lifetime.
JT, thats all…..
JT should be Snowy’s pick. Intangibles aside.. best player for what our needs are on and off the ice. Duchene would not be a bad pick whatsoever, we need goals.. Hedman would not be a bad pick either but, WE NEED GOALS. As a Isles fan I’ll watch no matter who they pic, BUT, WE NEED GOALS (and fannys in the seats) Who is going to get you sitting on the edge of your seat the most? I think we know who it is. JT ladies and gents. All the players available that the Isles could take, will be great for this team, lets face it. It sucks being 30th in the leauge and thats exactly where we are now. “Take the best player available” that addresses the biggest hole we need filled. Nuff said Lets go ISLES !!
JT…because it goes along with every other 2 syllable Islanders Chants
K-O
D-P
Du-bie
Da-nis
Jo-ey
Zig-gy
It just fits.
Tavares. Will cause us to win and will sell tickets. What else could you want.
We need Tavares! We were last in Goals Scored in 2008 and next to last this year in goals scored. JT has proven himself at every level and plays well in big pressure games. People will want to see this kid play and he’ll help fill the seats.
JT for the excitement
Love the comment #21. Isn’t that the truth! Fact is we need both Tavares and Hedman. We need goals and we need to upgrade our defense. Both are sorely lacking. I would pick Tavares though. Pick apart his games as much as you want, but one simple fact remains…John is a winner.
Tavares of course. If for some reason he does not become a star we would’t be critized for picking him. On the other hand if we take anyone else and they don’t make it we will be humiliated for our choice. In horse racing if you pick the favorite the payoff is small if he wins. But in the NHL draft the top pik is potentially and historicaly a big payoff.
07-08 most points - Comrie - 49
08-09 most goals - Okposo - 18
nuff said - grab JT & dont look back!!!
John Tavares… this organization and it’s fanbase need their superstar, their poster boy. Goals are exciting, excitement gets fans in the building.. getting fans in the building shows Nassau County that we care and want our team to stay.
This franchise needs John Tavares
Tavares. ‘Cause snipers are easier to project, no one can explain why the others are clearly better, and thus there’s no reason to piss off a huge swath of this fanbase (Again.).
Tavares.
You need to score goals to win a game and since we didn’t have anyone who even broke the 20 goal mark, that is the area where we are definetly lacking.
We have more than enough two-way centers. If VH had more of a mean streak, then maybe, but the last thing we need is a soft Euro. We had more than enough of them in the past.
tavares because i enjoy winning games
John Tavares.
I watched the World Jrs and he was very good.
He’s been good for a long time.
He was good even with a busted up shoulder.
but the biggest reason was something that had been said about him during the WJC’s telecast.
They talked about how the coaches / scouts / experts the previous year had mentioned an area of his game that needed improvement. Over the summer, he took that criticism and worked his butt off to come back with the problem corrected.
He’s motivated, coachable and has a work ethic. Add that to the skill he so obviously has shown (batting pucks into the net out of mid air in the middle of a scrum) and this is a NO BRAINER.
To win the game you have to put the puck in the net. This years draft class, the best is John Tavares hands down. Pick the best player available in the draft at any position. Again John Tavares. Pick the player that broke Wayne retzky’s junior scoring record. John Tavares. Pick the MVP of the world Juniors, John Tavares.
John Tavares!
We have the concensus #1 player in our lap,who maintained his projection for the past four years! This is no time to perceive you are a genius,go against the grain and abandon conventional wisdom. What impresses me most about John’s body of work is his knowledge of the Game,natural instincts and anticipation skills. If I hear the excuse for not drafting him is he doesn’t FIT the Gordon overspeed system,I will go ballistic. Should that be Snow’s thinking then we need a new coach. The better coaches are flexible and are able to adapt to their personnel. Those who cannot are ironically the same one trick ponies that John Tavares is inaccurately being labeled as! This is a most crucial point in the history of this franchise. There is a fork in the road and one has a dead end. If I may speak for the obvious majority here,showing the kind of arrogance and distance from the fan by turning your back on them now can only sap any emotion we have left,build a snowballing (pardon the pun)deadly apathy and cast a pall over the future of this Organization. Kate Murray,Joe Mondella and rest of their TOH cronies will begin to smell our blood and pounce on the opportunity given them. How can we fight for something that we may no longer have enough energy left to give?
John Tavares
This team has been allergic to drafting scoring forwards (the Parise vs Nilsson being one mf my favs)
Enough with the building from the defense out nonsense, draft the scorer. End of story.
With the first pick the 2009 NHL Entry Draft the New York Islanders are proud to select John Tavares!
“Lets put a smile on that face of yours!”
I want him to be drafted for obvious reasons. Face of the franchise, put long island on the map again..etc…
I would also like the islanders to move up in the draft w/ their second pick and select one of the following:
Scott Glennie
Louis LeBlanc
Chris Kreider
Carter Ashton
Jordon Caron (maybe he will fall to the 2nd round)
Lets get 2 good fowards in the 1st round..
get some Dmen in the 2nd round - and maybe a goalie as well - (Lehner maybe- although i see him going in the 1st round in many mock drafts)
That being said - Lets go Islanders!!
I would select John Tavares and move him to wing to play opposite Kyle Okposo and have Josh Bailey center them both. I would stay at 26 and select the best player available.
I am not a scout, so I am really not qualified to make a decision. If I were forced to pick, however, I would choose Hedman. The NHL has never seen a defenseman with his combination of size, speed, and puck skills. He is a rare breed with limitless potential. If he can reach that potential, he will make an impact for 25-30 minutes a game at BOTH ends of the ice. It helps to have a horse like that in a 2 month playoff war against Crosby, Ovechkin, etc. (Anybody wonder why the Devils suddenly stopped winning cups when Stevens and Niedermayer left?) That being said, I am not opposed to JT if management believes he has the drive to become a complete player.
My 2 year old knows only two Islanders..Billy Smith (signed photo in his room) and Tavares (he has been saying “get Tavares in June” for three months now). Don’t let down my boy Garth!
Tavares is the pick with Hedman coming in at a close second. Duchene could be a great player, but he cannot be considered at #1.
John Tavares, end of story. Hedman is not going to suddenly step on NHL ice and accumulate the ice time and points he has, to date, in his hockey career. It’s going to take time, as he’ll be up against the best players in the world night in and night out.
As for Tavares, he can step on the ice in October looking to contribute. He won’t be THE GUY, but he’ll be a main starting point for an organization “building from scratch”.
What kind of philosophy is stopping another team? So, pretty much, you build to counter other teams? What kind of back assward logic is that? Stupidest thing I’ve read to date.
Tavares gives a team an image, he helps with the Lighthouse projects, he sells merchandise, and he puts fans in the seats. He may never turn into the superstar we think, or even a legitimate star for that matter, but he makes hockey on Long Island matter in October for the first time in a long while.
I didn’t look at the responses above - again, great job Isles fans - but I am sure I have alot of the same feelings. For strickly a hockey choice, Hedman is the most unique (at that size and skill) and, maybe, best choice. BUT for me it’s Tavares because of his hockey, but also for everything else he brings. Just look at the hysteria on this board and over 20,000 tix for a draft party - all because of the thought of him. A player that most/all of us have never seen much of. His buzz is what this organization means. This is the last gasp. This team will have a new arena and a future soon - or not. I know it’s about the hockey, but the ‘extra’ Tavares brings is needed here - and he is a pretty damn good player too.
#77, I have 4 Isles jerseys, most recent being the pre-lockout dark blue version, which is a beaut. I wear the fisherman because it’s a conversation starter up here in Montreal, and I’m a fan of cheese. It’s one of those “so ugly it’s cool” things. Obviously I prefer the original logo, especially for the team to wear on the jersey, but there’s no disputing that the fisheman turns heads and gets people talking…then I can explain why I’m a fan and always will be, even though it’s considered sacriligious up here to root for anyone other than the Habs.
leading scorer was a defensemen, No Hedman , Duchene got cut from a team , Tavares captained and led.
TAVARES- NOT EVEN CLOSE
John Tavares. The goal scorer the Islanders have so desperately lacked. He’s not great on defense yet, but hes 18 years old! Tavares will develop into one of the games elite.
John Tavares,
I believe that if the Islanders draft Tavares tickets sales will boom. If the Isles start playing to a somewhat full arena it will make this place a more attractive destination for other picks and potential signings. And if they start selling tickets maybe they will be able to fix the seats in that place. My seat was broken for 7 out of 13 games i went to last season. I know that Hedman is a cant-miss defenseman, but the fans don’t want to see a great first pass, they want to see a goal scorer. Lets fill the seats and get this old barn loud again!!
John Taveres….because I love the islanders and the need that star player again who could put a puck in a net anyway you could possible imagine and it will give me a reason to buy a partial ticket plan
It’s been all about Tavares since December. . nothing has changed.
Pick Tavares and let’s have a great night tomorrow. . and a brighter future for the Isles!
Has to be Tavares. It makes sense on so many levels from on ice product to marketability.
John Tavares. If Matt and Victor become better players 5 years down the line so be it. This is our time. Its time to give islanders fans what they want. Its time to make up for years of suffering. Its time to draft John Tavares.
i have been hearing the name john tavares for 4 years now. I rememember thinking how great it would be to get such a player after he broke the 16 year old goal record in the OHL. A lot had to go wrong at first to get us in position to get him. Then a lot had to go right to keep us in that position. But here we are, in perfect position to draft the best 18 year old hockey player in the entire world. Please Garth do the easy thing (which is also the smart thing) and call out John Tavares at 7:15 tomorrow….
bottom line!!!!
Its 1 week after the draft and team A (who owns the rights to Duchene) calls team B (who owns the rights for Tavares) and says “Lets Make a Deal”.
JT for Duchene straight up.
If your Team B do you make the deal?
I dont as I think the trade is unfair for team B. If you agree then Tavares is the guy!!!!
Here’s whats going to happen Friday night. Snow calls Burke and say “Get me to #3 and get me Luke Schenn + 2rd rd draft pick) and I will give up the #1. If Burke pulls it off then we get Duchene, Schenn and an extra pick. If not…. we take Tavares.
Then, we trade up as high as possible in round 1 without giving up #26. Trade #31, 36, 37, plus Comeau or Tambalini and go as high as possible.
We finish day 1 with either A) Tavares plus 2 more 1st rounders or…. B) Duchene, Schenn, plus two more first rounders.
I would take eith scenario right now!!!
John Tavares.
His dominance at the WJC convinced me that he is the best player available in the draft. If he’s not a perennial 40+ goalscorer, I’ll be surprised. Players like him don’t come along very often. When you get a chance to draft this sort of franchise player, you cannot pass up on the opportunity.
once more………….TAVARES!
We’ve already taken the top prize with the No. 1 pick, and there’s no reason to look behind doors two and three. Anything other than John Tavares would be a gamble that the consensus was wrong. I don’t think we can afford to gamble.
John Tavares… I’m not a scout, and I haven’t seen nearly enough of Hedman, Duchene, or Tavares to make a first hand argument for any of them. But I have read virtually everything that has been written by scouts about these three players. While I feel that Duchene and Hedman both have the potential to be outstanding players, we need to seize the opportunity that we have now and go out and draft the guy who is the player that scouts feel has the most potential to score 40 goals per year in the NHL.
Every team that goes deep in the playoffs has that kind of player and this is our chance to acquire that guy. I would rather take the player who has actually consistently scored at every level as opposed to the player who scouts feel has the potential to do it.
John Tavares! “The best of the best!”. A Star, a reason to watch. He makes the Isles relevant again. Mature beyond his year’s and battle tested on some of the Hockey Worlds biggest stages! He is not even an Islander yet and has built some of the biggest excitement this team has seen in 15 years! The only one of the three top guy’s interviewed by PB that said he wants to win the cup as an Islander!! Hedman is big, but smaller ice and lack of physical play make him the clear #2. ( I also can’t get around that remark he made to the guy at Laguadia asking about “Long Island girls”!) Duschenne has a 2 month resume. Tavares by a landslide! I have no doubt he is the Islander pick!
JOHN “THE WHOLE %’N SHOW” TAVARES
(I like the sound of that)
Why?
Because he will be the best player we have had since Pierre Turgeon.
Electrifying.
To you naysayers who state that, “he won’t be as good as Crysby and Ovechkin”….
Sooooo, he might only be as good as Sakic or Yzerman??? Gee, yeah I can see how that would really suck.
Why would the Isles or their fans want ONLY a Sakic or Stevie Y. on their team??? SUCH a letdown!
Do us all a favor. Shut up.
And if Tavares turns out to be BETTER than Crysby or Ovechkin? (You never know) What then, geniuses?!?!?
Oh, and lastly…..Garth. Draft Tavares
or I’m using that Jumbotron for a fan throwing target!!!!
Tavares! sniper,ticket sells,merchandising,attention for the isles.
John Tavares is the man for this team.
I just believe that he is a high level acheiver - who if he is not the “generational talent” of Gretzky or Orr - will be the Captain and Leader of many an Isles Cup team. They way they call the games in the playoffs (anything goes vs. calling every stick infraction) - Speed won’t be as relevant. His “half court” game (supposed) will become a full court game under Gordon.
For once - the Isles GM does not try to outsmart the world and goes with the consensus pick - JT
Tavares = more goals, more fans in the seats, more media coverage, more respect, and hopefully eventually the stanley cup.
Its a no brainer. Please dont over think this one garth.
JOHN TAVARES!!!!!
JOHN “!@@$%&*” TAVARES!
John Tavares!!!!!!!!!!
JT I would be really disappointed if it isn’t. KO can cover for defensively.
I want the following as an Islanders Fan…
RESPECT!!!!
The only way WE as Islanders fans are going to get respect is to skate a winning team with a SUPERSTAR who is marketable, and ESPN highlight material. As much as many people will deny that they don’t care about these things, they are important for a franchise these days.
John Tavares is this type of player, moreso than the other two candidates. I want EXCITEMENT, POWER, VOLUME and PASSION as well as RESPECT!!! Someone like JT is the way to go to get going in the right direction and he WILL (I guarantee) save this franchise if he lives up to be all he is capable of. Time will tell on that, but I believe it’s time to roll the dice on soemone like this to catapult the team forward.
the UPside to drafting JT is endless, but the Downside to missing on JT will haunt this team for the next 15 years if he lives up to the hype.
one more day.
one pick to make, john tavares.
one post.
80% Tavares
20% Hedman
From my position as an armchair GM, I say Tavares.
That said, I trust Snow to make the right call and will be happy with whoever he chooses. No matter what, we are getting a great addition to our team tomorrow night.
John Tavares! The Isles need a goal scorer and something to ignite this franchise and its fan base. They can go after a D-man in free agency. Make it happen Snow. JT all the way!
Tavares (I hope)
Hedman (I bet)
Hey CB,
I would select John Tavares. I have already told you why i want him over hedman. I beleive the islanders can still get a better version of hedman when Free Agency opens. The Islanders should try to sign the 26 year old defenseman Jay Bouwmeester even though it’s unlikely he’ll sign here because he wants to play for a contender. Signing him would make everyone say “Hedman who?” We need scoring, we haven’t scored many goals the last 2 years…we need a pure goal scorer. JT all the way.
John Tavares, but I won’t complain if it’s Hedman.
Tavares!
The smart choice.
Tavares. The fact is that nobody, and I mean nobody, knows who the best player of the three will be in five years. There are simply too many variables. But I’m particularly encouraged about the relationship Tavares already has with Doug Weight. That relationship, I think, can be crucial for maximizing the development of a player that already has a lot of potential.
Tavares. i think everyone else who wants him have covered everything that needs to be said.
Tavares and Duchene - make a huge trade and take both. I want both!
JT.
Aside from all of the obvious reasons, at this time and to this very passionate and surprisingly significant fanbase the name John Tavares means the birth of a WINNING CULTURE.
We’ve gotta have him.
Isles need Tavheduche!!!!!!
all three!!!!!!!!!
But JT has to be wearing Orange and Blue, JT, Bailey, Okposo=Future success!!!
I am a season ticket holder.
Last year the old barn had no excitement.
John Tavares brings some buzz to the place. You can’t teach natural goal scoring abilty. Draft JT Snowman.
Sounds like dominating #1 line right?
Center - Tavares
LW - Bergenheim
RW - Okposo
Victor Hedman.
The combination of his size, speed and skill at the D position is almost unmatched in the NHL. We have solid young forwards (Bailey, KO, Comeau etc…) taking the cornerstone D-man would make us better in the short and long term.
On that note, I think we should package picks to trade up to take Duchene or Evander Kane. But def Hedman at 1
Although I think the other two picks would be a good fit for the future of this organization, they just lack the ’star’ issue, that JT would bring. Right now - this organization needs not just the player, but the positives vibes that the pick also provides.
To me - it is a NO BRAINER - Tavares must be the pick. I will not commit hari-kari if it is not, but disappointment will be prevalent.
Tavares -Consensus #1 pick, marketability, maturity, leadership and GOALS.
JOHN TAVARES!!!!…Not very often a pure goal scorer is available. There is absolutely no excuse not to pick him.
John Tavares
Gives us hope for the future!
Al Arbour said it best “I can teach someone to play defense, but I can’t teach them to score”. That being said none of the draft picks are “complete players at 18 years old. Pick the goal scorer (JT) and let Gordon do his job and teach him the rest. I’m more concerned with the 26th pick. Either make a big splash and move all the way up in the draft for another forward or stay put and pick the best defensemen available.
John Tavares-
Off the ice- Poise, marketability, dedication to communities and local charities (Islanders Inspire, anyone?), THE brand new face of the Islanders franchise.
On the ice- A scorer the likes of which hasn’t worn an Islanders jersey in years, maybe even decades. And considering John’s dedication to self improvment, I expect his all-around game to improve year after year.
At the end of the night it is the team that scores the most that wins,
So, Garth Snow, put the biscuit in the basket & pick #1:
John Taveras!!
One more with feeling eh?
OK … you asked for it CB!! LOL!
JOHN TAVARES!!!
*For 10 years John Tavares has dominated not only his own age group but even players up to three & four years older than him.
*The OHL (one of the most prestigious junior leagues in the world) made a special exception for him so that he could be drafted as a 14 year old. He then went on to win rookie of the year.
*He dominated players (young men in men’s bodies) even as a 15 year old player.
*He BROKE WAYNE GRETZKY’S single season goal scoring record for a 16 y/o
*He’s now the ALLTIME leading Goal scorer in the OHL!
*He has been the concensus #1 overall pick since he was drafted into the OHL @ 14 y/o.
*He has LED the Canadian U20 World Junior Championship team to TWO consecutive Gold medals.
*In the process he scored a freakish goal that not only displayed his unique skills and abilities with the puck … but showcased his determination and competitive spirt.
*He almost single handedly powered Canada to a comeback against a strong USA team with 3 goals.
*He helped Canada come back in the final seconds in the Semis against another strong Russian Team.
*He turned it up a notch against Victor Hedman’s Swedish team in the Gold Medal game also showing Victor a seat in the players bench with a huge hit. Then leading Canada to victory and earning the tourney MVP.
*He led the OHL in goals and points this past season sealing his rank as the #1 best overall player.
*He’s already a poised and professionally mature player as he’s been under the pressure of the media for 4 years.
*He’s a team player that likes to include his teammates in his own success.
*He’s already been giving back to the community by supporting the special olympics in not just one area … but I’ve heard 3 cities.
*He’ll help the Islanders sell tickets and at the same time … lead the Isles back to respectability.
*Most of ALL … He’ll be one of the corner stones to help the Islanders bring the STANLEY CUP back HOME!!!
I have more … but I think I’m already over 200 words …. Sorry CB.
The fact I can’t squeeze all the reasons why in 200 words is another testament to JT’s value.
Tavares will score goals isles really need in games, he will cause excitement on LI again, he will sell tix/merchandise and put fans in the seats so that other sales made–A win-win all around which the others dont bring to the table
Tavares.
One can find #1/#2 d-men through free agency and trades. #1 “star” centers don’t get traded, generally.
John Tavares
There is too much riding on this pick to go any other way.
John Tavares - We need goals!
Tavares!!! This whole blog knows we need him, no question.
Tavares.
I’ve been chanting Tavares’ name at games since February. And I made a t-shirt with his name on it. Please don’t make me look silly, Garth.
JT
Duchene because you need skaters to win in the NHL. Look at Pitt and Detroit. I will be happy with Taveras but he is not a Malkin, Crosby, or Eric Staal. Need to tamper down expectations for him. Let’s go Islanders!!!!
John Tavares has shown time and again that he is an elite player who can rise to the occasion. What’s more, his work with the Special Olympics and generally-grounded temperament prove that it won’t go to his head.
Has to be Tavares - though more than anything else the Isles can’t afford to be wrong here. Their top pick MUST be the best player in this draft - and I have every reason to believe Tavares is that player.
john tavares because he is the consensus#1
hockey player
and because the mike milbury BS days are over
John Tavares. Not just for the goals he’ll be scoring in bunches, but for the attention he’ll be drawing from opposing defenses, opening up space for the rest of the forwards to create. Tavares can go a long way towards helping the whole roster come into their games. I’m already salivating about the possibility of seeing Tavares, Bailey, Okposo, and Streit on the same PP.
John Tavares….I think the rest of you guys got the reasons why down.
In another draft no doubt Hedman. In this one, JT.
And after watching Daigle getting called to the podium. The scouting report they give on him is very similar to Duchene’s.
I didn’t think JT would be wanted by over 90%, but wow what a majority
Victor Hedman.
I like the idea of Tavares as well. We can’t lose with either pick. I think Hedman has an energy and will build a strong foundation on the ice (and off).
Since I haven’t had our Baby yet (any day now) I can say Baby P feels the same way.
Wonder if my husband will read this… Hi Raf!
John Tavares.
The Islanders need a pure goal scorer and Tavares brings that to the team. He can be the #1 center to base the rebuild off of. He is too much talent to pass up on.
Tavares, no other choice
Tavares because I want to watch this star player grow with this team and hopefully win a few championships.
John Tavares!!!!!!
Im a first time poster, but a huge fan, read multiple times a day, and of course a die hard islanders fan, I honestly will not be upset with any of the three, and want JT most, but the thing that scares me the most is what the guru himself billy jaffe said, when we will be biting ourselves in the ass when duchene is the better player 3-5 years down the road, so im on the fence but jt would be the most fun to watch this season.
Tavares. It’s our time.
John Tavares….we need the buzz, we need the goals, and he’s a great kid to boot…how do you go wrong w/ the consensus best player in the draft?
#1 Best player in the draft, bar-none. An incredible talent that the NY Islander’s so desperately need. They absolutely positively need a face for the franchise. Yes that would be #91 John Tavares. He is “ELECTRIC”, and will not only electrify the fan’s, but will more importantly, electrify the team. He will also bring quality recognition to the team, when they are playing on the road. He will absolutely help in keeping the NY Islander’s where they are, but will also play a positive role, in moving forward on the all important, “Lighthouse Project”. Can’t wait to see him wearing the “Classic White Jersey”, with #91 on it, lighting up the net. I also think he will help make the outside winter game between the Islander’s and Ranger’s happen. Merchandice sales will go through the roof, and the Nassau Colisium will begin to look like it did, years ago, “Filled”, with very supportive NY Islander’s fan’s. Please Mr.Wang and Garth, select John Tavares with your #1 Pick. Thanks Chris, Mark N/J
Tavares. Top overall player, consensus #1…that should be enough.
Pure-goal scorer…the kind of offensive talent we NEED. Already poised after dealing with hype and scrutiny for years. Perfect experience for a big market.
Need a player to win a cup? Well, I’m not sure it can get better than JT. The kid has won 2 World Junior championships and was not one of the best, he was THE best player in the tourney.
Not only can he lift this team, he can lift our fanbase. I don’t think we could get a better choice for #1.
John Tavares…i have had a John Tavares t shirt made up since november. i have been excited since we lost the lottery for stamkos to get tavares…Its a tremendously better business decision for a team thats losing 20million a year…ooh yeah..and hes an incredible goal scorer..anyone who breaks any record of wayne gretzky should go first haha
John Tavares !
Victor Hedman. This is undoubtedly Tampa’s guy. By blocking them from getting him, we could make a post draft trade (given their poor management they should be easy to get to do so) for Tavares. By choosing Hedman first we could wind up with Tavares+, or, worse case scenario, we wind up with a franchise, NHL ready defenseman.
If you want Tavares then you draft Tavares first. If you want to make a trade with Tampa… you still draft Tavares 1st and receive compensation for not drafting Hedmen, IF Tampa believes that you would otherwise draft Hedmen.
The Islanders call the shots. you don’t leave it up to “luck”.
Tavares. We neeeeeeed goals.
Tavares
Exciting and scores goals, two qualities that the Islanders haven’t had in a long time. Excitement sells tickets, tickets make money, money keeps the team in NY. Goals give you a chance to win, winning = good.
Who do I want? I want the forward. This team needs help at forward and I would be happy with, either, Duchene or Tavares. I feel that you can not lose either way. The only way I end up disappointed is if I hear Hedman’s name announced as our first pick. I amsure he is a fine young man and will be a great player, but this teamhas been without an offense for too long and either Duchene and tavares goes a way towards fixing that glaring problem.
Tavares. I just want to be able to yell “SCORE!!!!!!” more next year…
John Tavares. I will speak strictly from a hockey standpoint regarding my decision and base nothing on the lighthouse project. Besides pointing out the obvious, the kid has desire and the eagerness to learn and get better each day. He wants to win, not break individual records. Everyone who has ever coached him speaks the world of him in all facets of the game and even outside of it. There is a big misconception from a marketing standpoint where people are beginning to believe that he is just hype and that a player like Hedman or Duchene are “winners”. Those are the biggest misleading judgements out there. I believe Tavares is head & shoulders above Hedman and Duchene primarily because neither come close to touching his natural talent and despite what some critics say, neither have more desire to win that John Tavares. Saying that hes not Crosby or Ovechkin should not mean anything b/c either is Duchene or Hedman. At this point, for the Isles to pick anybody else it would be inconceivable.
John Tavares. Winner at every level. WJC MVP. Record breaker. Legitimacy. Hype. New beginning.
John Tavares is the player isles need. we have one of the worst offences in the league (like second worst). Tavares is a franchise player and can bring us out of the basement I like our blue line the way it is add some goals!
Tavares!!!!!!!!!
John Tavares. Sell tickets. Keep the excitement going to help the Lighthouse project. And get a quality player at the same time.
John “Goooooaaaal” Traveras
Like I said before… JT or KC!!!!
John Tavares because he’s the best available player period.
Last time I post on this issue before the pick is made (because I can’t stand it anymore): I want John Tavares. Reasons? Many. First, he’s been the consensus #1 player in this draft for three years. He won two gold medals with the Canadian Junior National Team the past two years, a team on which Matt Duchene was nowhere to be found this past winter. He’s a scoring machine and the Isles haven’t had that since Palffy. John Tavares is also a marketable name and presence that can help the organization tremendously on the ice as well as off. He’s the total package, brings more to the table than VH or MD now and has the track record and accomplishments to prove it. Its gotta be Tavares.
John Tavares. Because he is exactly what this team needs. He can put the puck in the net with the best of em and we havent had a player with that much offensive skill in a long time. And not to mention how much we could advertise him.
JT..
Let’s hope our prayers are answered tomorrow night.
But why do I have that feeling in my stomach though!
John Tavares cuz hes polish, but seriously u can find quality defenseman later in the draft or sign one in the FA
Tavares…need i say more
JT baby
John Tavares.
#1) Consensus overall best player
#2) pure goal scorer
#3) Ticket Sales and Marketing
Having only seen clips on YouTube, I really have no basis to make a confident declaration. I trust Snojanks will make the right decision for this franchise. That being said, I predict the Isles will take John Tavares at number one simply because they feel he is the best player in the draft.
Tavares. If we draft him he will be a bust, if we pass him up he will be a hall of famer.
There is only 1 pick: JT! JT! JT!
Duchene is just now putting up numbers that JT did as a 14 years, despite Duchene playing with the best offensive talent in the OHL.
Duchene has never made the World Canada Junior team. Tavares has been on two gold medal winning World Canada Junior teams. In the first tournament, JT tied for the team lead in goals (as the youngest player on the team). In the second tournament, JT lead the tournament in goals on his way to being named tournament MVP.
Cameron, who has had unique access to both players, asserts JT is the “best of the best” while he cut Duchene from the team. Nuff said…
JT has the talent, desire, integrity and star power to retore credibility to the franchies while exciting fans throughout North America about the Islanders.
Bring home our boy Garth…we will become his family.
Duchene is just now putting up numbers that JT did as a 14 year old, despite Duchene playing with the best offensive talent in the OHL. JT’s scoring has blown away that of Duchene over the past two years.
John Tavares because what the Islanders need is someone who can change this team NOW. If Duchene and Hedman are better 2 way players and have better careers in the end, so be it. Tavares as an underachiever can give us 30 goals and the sky’s the limit when it comes to his potential.
John Taveras even if Hedman ends up better its very difficult to be find a top scorer getting quality D-men is not easy either but manageable. WE also have Ness, Katic, and Harmonic already can draft another d man in the first round and can sign a Komisarek or a Scuedri on the FA market.
Johnny motha effin T he is what the islanders need no question. Duchenes nickname is duch enough said Hedman will be great but no thanks
John Tavares-he will help the New York Islanders in the follwing: 1) Fan interest & buzz-there has been a multi-national buzz about JT that I only recall hearing more about Crosby. I mean 20,000 for a draft party? That’s buzz-which of course leads to 2) Ticket and merchandise sales-I will buy a Tavares jersey and probably make 2 or 3 more treks to the island from Central Jersey and I guarantee sales of both will be through the roof 3) Goal scoring-something this team desperately needs 4)National interest-let’s be honest,no one outside of NY/NJ gives 2 sh**s about this franchise. We may get a national TV game or 2 out of this-maybe even a few more on Vs too! 5)Marketing-a coverboy of hockey and sporting mags already & he hasn’t even skated his first pro shift. There’s probably alot more in his future maybe even ads,commericals, etc. 6)Lighthouse project-he could be the key to getting this deal done. Like how Crosby saved the Pens. All the fan interest will seal the dealfor us. Draft Hedman or Duchene and none of these things will happen
TAVARES.
Tavares.
Two more words: Star power.
A few more: I am sick and tired of being an irrelevant hockey fan because of the team I root for.
I am sick and tired of being only half into the playoffs, with eye on April baseball.
I want to feel good about myself and the fellow fans during hockey season for the first time since Bates’ penalty shot goal.
As great as watching the Nystrom game replay over and over again on IslandersTV is, I really want a few more positive memories to put in my personal collection.
If for no other reason, drafting Tavares gives me ammo to keep my 6-year-old away from the Rangers.
I agree with number 42 - but I am 200 miles away.
1 more day - have faith that we will do well i this draft no matter what!
John Tavares - ALSO WE WANT THIS BLOG TO CONTINUE INDEFINITELY!!!
John Tavares
1. Scoring - We don’t have any 20 goal scorers and he will be one.
2. He is pretty much the sports/scouts concensus pick(except for the Isles scouts).
3. Picking him will make up for some of the past 15 years of futility.
4. I will be very interested in buying 2 partial season tickets if they pick John Tavares and if they don’t I won’t.
5. He has actually said he wants to be an Islander !
6. He will help us land Free Agents !
WE WANT TAVARES!!!
John Tavares not even a debate about this the accomplishments he has made in the OHL are amazing and he will only get better with the development of scott gordon. You have to think that gordon doesn’t take any nonsense from anybody I pray that the right pick is made and the rebuild steps up a notch with also the sedins
Two Words-John Tavares!!
John Tavares
and if the management does not draft him, it will prove the huge disconnect between the fans and the management/ownership of this team. Not that we as fans should choose who they draft, but to hype a draft party when 90% of the fan base is looking for JT to be drafted, and draft anyone else would be a fiasco of Mike Milbury proportions
John Tavares!
After 16 years of mismanagment, garbage hockey players, and long summers, the Islanders finally have a chance to change all of that. With players like Okposo, Tavares, Bailey, Comeau, Gervais, we are finally going to start seeing a nice young team come together. Throw in a few more solid draft picks and some free agents and this team can become very good in 2-3 years.
John Tavares,C London Knights OHL
I want John Tavares - Its about time we do what the hockey world thinks is the right thing. We havent had a big goal scorer in years, havent won a playoff series since 1993…you all know the stats no reason for me to go any further. I know Duchene and Hedman have a big upside but i still havent seen an arguement that makes either of them(especially Duchene) better than JT. Hedman is tall - but this isnt basketball - so the size issue is mute - especially since hedman isnt known for toughness. Draft JT and make all your customers…i mean fans happy
John Tavares
He broke a 33 year old goal scoring record and the Great One’s single season record. He seems to come up clutch when you need it. That is what you build around.
People have been positioning this draft like it was the second coming of Daigle vs. Pronger. The truth is that Tavares for all his numbers is just a superior player. Hedman may be a dominant D-man in a few years, but a player like Tavares doesn’t come along in every draft. Duchene will be special, but head to head , Tavares draws more attention, sets up his teammates better, and can take over a game like a certain “kid” in Pitt can. There is no real issue here, the pick should be John Tavares.
I want Tavares…. thus the Isles will draft Duchene. I guarantee it.
John Tavares. Because the last time somebody tried to outsmart everyone they ended up with Brian Lawton. Instead of Pat LaFontaine. Or Stevie Y. NUF said. Jimmie D.
The best indicator of future behavior is past behavior, that said Tavares seems like the best player and a winner and I have to go with Tavares. I won’t be heart broken if Duchene or Hedman are picked but Tavares seems like the best of the best.
John Tavares.I will make this brief: He is the best player available, he will give the Islanders the credibility they haven’t had in some time. He will bring excitement and energy and fans back to the Coliseum. He will put an Islanders jersey back onto the highlight reels.
You can’t compare these players to past greats or busts because they aren’t them. I like all three players, especially Tavares and Hedman but I always feel you should take the best player available and that unanimously is John Tavares. So please take him Garth and don’t look back!
I’ve been saying Tavares all along but the more I think about it, the more I think you win with defense (which means DP has to get healthy). So I will switch and say Hedman.
Tavares. He may be one-dimensional at worst, but its a great dimension to add if you could only pick one.
Until Tavares earns it, the only “JT” of the Isles is … John Tonelli. When Tavares exceeds what Tonelli has done for our team, then he can be “JT”, but not a day before then…and we should be so lucky.
Kromm & Konroyd, Attorneys at Law
john tavares
(only if he promises to score like bossy and lead like trottier)
otherwise, viktor hedman
(only if he can play defense like lidstrom, rush like niedermayer, stick-handle like leetch and pass like coffey)
otherwise, matt duchene (go-go-go)
TARAVES
2 words: John Tavares
Put the ISLES back on the map in more ways then 1..Nuff’ Said..
Go Isles!!
Gotstah be JT !!!!
(Airplane Speak Jive reference)
Also, because Charles Wang said so.
John Taveres…he seems to be the best available, he’ll be the new face to the franchise and he’ll sell tickets, jerseys, etc. Hedman isn’t the next Bobby Orr and Duchene didn’t make Team Canada. This is a no brainer but I’m not sure Snowie has a brain. Maybe he’s waiting for Pitt to offer him Malkin or Crosby…
John Tavares. The Islanders — and, equally important, their fans — need a positive jolt. JT is the only player that can give it to them.
best player .john tavares.
If you are unable to sign a pure goal scorer as a free agent, how will one ever ever ever ever (one for each CUP) play for your team if you always pass on the best goal scoring talent in the draft (see NYI 2000-2005)? Have not heard anyone against picking JT address that question in the last six months. TAVARES ALL THE WAY!
John Tavares. The consensus #1 prospect in the world. Although I wouldnt mind seeing Hedman be the pick either. Duchene is too much of a reach at #1
Tavares - concensous #1, best player avaliable, projected to be a star, what more could an Islanders fan want in a player.
I’ve wanted hedman since day one…a 6′6 two-way defenseman is hard to find. in the long run. I believe he will help more than tavares or duchene. the isles are not going to be good next year so we will get a stud in the next draft
But I will be happy with whoever Garth drafts. I trust him and Ryan jankowski to make the best pick for the team. there’s. no way I’m going to sleep tomorrow night dissapointed with whoever is picked
Tavares #1
Cant wait to hear the old barn chanting “We want Tavares” at 700pm fri night!!!!!
Hedman.
How many ways can I say John Tavares?
Evander Kane. Hands down the best player in the draft.
Tavares - because we’ll get crucified if we don’t take him. I don’t care if Hedman turns out to be the next Potvin or Duchene is the next Trottier and Tavares ends up being a bust.
Very Simple! What don’t we have? Goal Scorer! Not one player with 20 goals this year! Do we have a puck moving defenseman? Yes! (Mark Streit) Do we have 2 way forwards? Yes!(Bailey, Okposo, Nielsen) What don’t we have again? A forward that can put the puck in the DAMN NET! It should be and always should have been a 1 Horse Race! As the 1 horse for Tampa should be Hedman our horse is JTizzle!
Tavares
Tavares we have no offense and need an exciting game breaker who is a true leader. BPA.
The biggest problem we’ve had ever since ziggy has been the need for that go-to guy who will bury the puck. JT is that guy. We need him plain and simple.
JOHN TAVARES Clap Clap CLap-Clap-Clap!!!
Tavares is the way to go! i hope they dont screw this up!!!
John Tavares.
We already have a two way forward in Bailey even if Duchene is better than him. we need a goal scorer havent had one since Ziggy Palffy
Tavares
I want excitment. I want to look at the league scoring leaders and see a player for my team. I want to see highlight type goals by a player on my team while watching games on the tube. I want a franchise player, a go to guy, someone who will be fun to watch. I want Tavares.
Dreger is saying Hedman.
LOL… He said he has talked to alot of people in the last 24 hours.
This is nuts.
Pick Tavares because tomorrow is my birthday
Dreger just wrote this:
Right now, it’s a coin flip, however I’ve talked to a number of NHL execs over the past 24 hours and the majority believe the Isles will take Hedman. If they do, you will see a feeding frenzy as teams try to trade up to No. 2. That list will include Toronto and Vancouver, for sure.
Umm. No. John Tavares.
We really could use all three of them, so we need a hypnotist who will get all the other GMs to pass on the other two guys until we can get them with 26 and 31.
Seriously, I’d say Tavares because I’d like to have company in the seats next season (and because we could use a goal or 40.)
One quick beef with all of the comments: If it’s OK to give JT a pass for his “lack of defense” because he’s 18, why is is not OK to give Hedman a pass for not being physical when he’s only 18 and plays in a league with grown men. Just observing.
A player will bring fans back for awhile… Winning will keep them comming back… I hope that they will make the pick that does the best for the Team… Lindros may have sold tickets in Philly BUT how many Cuos did he bring them… Hell on that point Gretzky sold tickets in L.A. how many Cups did he bring them…
From a talent & potential perspective, I feel that Tavares & Hedman are equal. However, Tavares has the excitment factor that the Isles desperately need.
For a franchise with one foot in the grave & the other on a banana peel, I feel that going for the guy who will invigorate the fanbase is so crucial for this club at this time.
Tavares all the way (but i won’t complain if they go with Hedman)
garth, pick the player(s) highest rated on your board. just don’t pull a dingleberry and trade okposko and bailey or the pick for a bunch of stiffs.
“I want Tavares…. thus the Isles will draft Duchene. I guarantee it.”
sad but true… I believe this as well.
Tavares because we need someone who can put the puck in the net.
I like so many others believe in Tavares. Look at the Cup Champions. The Islanders need scoring to keep up with their scoring. It is really imposable to shut down Crosby & Malkin. Hedman would be a great assest to have but after watching him at the World Juniors, I dont believe that he is the corner stone that the scouts make him out to be. I believe that if someone is great that they accell at every level that they play out no matter what.
Darren Dreger said that the majority of NHL execs he spoke with think Hedman will be the pick.
I don’t know who will be the pick: but I hope it is Tavares.
Hedman and Duchense may very well turn into better plays, but I think Tavares is the best bet for instant gratification and Isles fans need it.
John Freakin Tavares!
period.
As long as they pick one of the 3, the Isles will get a good player, and that’s good.
But I want JT. He scores goals.
Tavares - Because we need someone who will energize the fanbase
Tavares, very narrowly beating Hedman. Obviously, our team has trouble on both ends of the ice. I have more faith in our current offensive prospects (Okposo, Joensuu, Bailey, Bergenheim, Comeau etc), than our defensive ones (is Hillen the only one near NHL?). But the penguins-caps playoff series, Crosby vs Ovechkin, convinced me. Our team needs both JT and VH. We need Tavares more.
the more and more i read about the rumors and what toronto may do to get JT. we can not and I mean can not let him slip through the fingers.
John Tavares, ’cause we can buy the next Hedman as an FA (or wait until Headman’s contract is up, and just as he begins developing, sign him as the FA) and Duchene is too much a mystery for the first pick in the draft.
The lower picks are where we will see Snow’s quality.
JOHN TAVARES
goals, a selling point for the Islander tix staff so I no longer have to sit in an empty Coliseum on a tues night against Atlanta, a person who WILL make people talk about the Islanders and not because he hit Ryan Hollweg in his face with a stick or because he tested positive for steriods during the playoffs or because the arena is outdated and old. He will be a long overdue positive attraction for this team….like kyle okposo,blake comeau , frans neilsen and josh bailey.
It will be John Tavares but no matter who it is I will support the decision!!!
JOHN TAVARES
goals, a selling point for the Islander tix staff so I no longer have to sit in an empty Coliseum on a tues night against Atlanta, a person who WILL make people talk about the Islanders and not because he hit Ryan Hollweg in his face with a stick or because he tested positive for steriods during the playoffs or because the arena is outdated and old. He will be a long overdue positive attraction for this team….like kyle okposo,blake comeau , frans neilsen and josh bailey.
It will be John Tavares but no matter who it is I will support the decision!!!
LETS GO ISLANDERS…LETS GO ISLANDERS
I love JT and I’d be fine if it was him but just to be consistent with what I said before and think the biggest needs of the team are…
Hedman
Tavares. He is the consensus pick and I do not trust Garth Snow’s ability to go against the consensus.
John Tavares. It’s time we just take the best player in the draft, and he’s it. It obvious that the talent is there, and he’ll be a great addition to a great group of young players. No doubt Hedman and Duchene will be solid players as well, but we need the person that can be the 40 goal scorer and put on a show offensively. He’ll draw a crowd.
Let people think we are trading the pick to a team that is interested in drafting Hedmen….or make it seem like we are picking Hedmen…BLUFF Tampa. Make them ante up to lock up Hedmen…and then PICK JOHN TAVARES
John Tavares. I think everyone here has basically made the case.
KO and JT in 2010!
John “No Reverse” Tavares - “At worst he will be like a Jason Spezza, at best he will be Jason Spezza PLUS”.
Hedman..
I think a game plan for success that involves us trying to outscore Crosby and Malkin 6 times a year (And Ovechkin 4 times a year) and to then again attempt to do so in the playoffs is one that’s destined for complete and utter failure.
Get the franchise D and be a consistent competitor cause of it (and no.. J-Bo is not a franchise D, so stop beating that tired example to a pulp). You can acquire multiple 20 goal scorers and that’s just as good as one guy potting you 40. No combination of defenseman can replace the impact of a top flight d-man 30 minutes a night.
Get the franchise D. Consistently compete. Shut down the opposing offense. Win the cup.
John Tavares….we all know the reasons…
I will be the guy with the huge T-A-V-A-R-E-S sign tomorrow night!
my brother and his buddy went to the mall to make tavares t-shirts yesterday…i will be getting mine today.
JT
He’s generally considered the best player available in the draft (even if the talent difference among the top 3 is considered small) and this team desperately needs someone who can score (no 20-goal scorers last season). Combining that with his performance in the world junior champsionship and the added bonus of his marketability gives you a players that’s very hard to pass on.
SS 312…Dreger says he believes the ISLES are taking Tavares 1st overall…i dont know where you saw the majority of execs…they will say what they want to believe…..the pick is TAVARES and he says it too look at his face…
So far on this poll:
John Tavares: ~310
Victor Hedman: 10
Matt Duchene: 5
Others were undecided. We can’t all be wrong!
JT or bust!
Tavares - Anything else is the biggest middle finger ever from the Islanders front office to the fan base. Tease us by luring us to the Coliseum on a nice summer night for a coronation ceremony, then when we get there, you spit in our collective faces. I am skipping a party with hot girls in the Hamptons Friday night to celebrate this occasion with my fellow Islanders die-hards. If the Islanders screw me this time, and skunk the party, I may be done forever. It certainly will be a long time before I am back in the Coliseum. I know caps are not allowed on the comments, but this is one time where exception has to be made PICK TAVARES, DAMMIT!!!
John Tavares. A true SNIPER. I’ve been craving for a player that is a real threat to score for years. Not since Ziggy and Turgeon have I seen anything close. Okposo is showing signs. PLUS he will do so much more for this franchise in attendance, season ticket sales, merchandise, and NATIONALLY TELEVISED GAMES. Maybe even an outdoor game with the Rangers a few years down the road. I want someone EXCITING to watch. Hedman and Duchene do not excite me.
No brainer. It’s Tavares all the way.
Even my dog said so
(Or maybe that was me having heard and read about Tavares so much that her bark sounded like “Tavares!”
All kidding aside, just take the consensus pick. I mean, with all due respect to the other two, it’s not like you’re passing on an Alex Ovechkin or Gino Malkin. I can live with passing on Hedman and Duschene. I sure as hell wouldn’t want to be the GM that let Tavares get away from him.
Tavares …. after every loss last season I would tell my boys, one loss closer to Tavares. Now it’s time to win.
John Tavares, hands down. Said to be a straight up scorer - we can work on his defense later! Tavares will be the shot in the arm the season ticket base has craved. The Blackhawks box score posted on Point Blank said it best. Young scorers are the way to go up top. This young man is NECESSARY!
They have to pick Tavares for two reasons #1 He is the best player in the draft & #2 He is Portuguese!!!!
TAVARES
Canadian, great goal scorer, promotional, leader, game-changer.
What he did at world junior was the best performance by any one human being/team in my life. Tavares is most resoponsible and Canandians will always remember him for that.
I heard Deb say in on NHL Live. You can draft a big time defencmen in later rounds with good scouting. You can’t draft a 50 goal scorer anywhere other than the first round. Grab him while we can.
It’ll help bring a buzz back to long island. A positive one.
Tavares– Scoring wins games and he is a great goal scorer. You need offense to win the best defense without goals is useless and boring. Lets go tavares baby
It’s quite simple: After watching too many young players that we traded or passed on become stars elsewhere, it will be too much to see it happen again with Tavares. I don’t want Tavares to be added to the list of Bertuzzi, McCabe, Luongo, Jokinen, Heatley, Spezza, Chara, Gaborik, and Parise.
After all this, I can’t imagine watching Tavares be a perennial all-star with Colorado, while our draft pick becomes just a decent two way player.
J (mother flecthen) T…LETS DO THIS
The pick should be John Tavares becasue there was not a single 20 goal scorer on last years squad.
Eric #336 - he is also Polish on his mom’s side.
I want John Tavares because he’s simply the “best player” in this years draft, bar none…Those who say its not cut & dry, between Duchene, Hedman, and Tavares haven’t looked at the stats…The isles site compares the “Big 3″ and when you read JT’s stats, they literally “BLOW” Duchene out of the water…Hedman would be better pick than Duch but what this team needs is a shot in the arm like no other and Taveres is what the Dr ordered…
Here are some good reasons to draft Tavares…
1) He has skated in 247 career OHL games, compiling 215 goals and 218 assists for 433 points in four seasons
2) He has also played in 38 career playoff games, recording 20 goals and 36 assists for 56 points. Tavares’ 215 career goals are an OHL record
3)at age 16 he was named 2007 CHL Player of the Year after scoring 72 goals to break Wayne Gretzky’s record for OHL goals in a season by a year-old
These are just a few tidbits, Duchene doesnt hold a candle to Taveres…
Draft Taveres or Garth is a dinosaur…
Absolut Tavares!!!
drafting 18 year olds is a crap shoot even at the top end of the draft. look over the lsat 10 years, not one of them would the same guys go 1-2-3. Some years the best player was taken in the back half of the first round, what do I want? take the best bet for a sure thing. Jaaaaa Teeeee!! Snipers are always a premium. Over the last 20 years several teams have won a stanly cup without a star ‘D’ or goalie. only N.J. won without a star forward!
JT91- For a thousand reasons… one of them pure sniper, yet pure team player. Where are we gonna find one of them? HUH?
JT and VH a close 2nd. You gotta get additional assets for MD. So in a nutshell it’s JT!!!!!!!
John Tavares
The Isles need a sniper and a more complete offense.
JT, together with Okposo, Bailey, Nielsen and Bergenheim, will help the Isles build from rockbottom back to the top.
John Tavares. He is exactly what this team has needed for over a decade.
Since I have no idea - what is truthful and what is not - if our leader Garth Snow is truthful - he indicated the pick was made on April 15th - would that not eliminate MD, he was a distant third at that point? I will be surprised if the pick is not JT!!!
BPA…John Tavares.
John Tavares.
Thats it.
John Tavares, that’s it for me.
Between the monetary reward for the organization and the media coverage which they have not received, having a star on the team could really rejuvenate LI hockey.
here is JT’s quote from the draft…
“Tavares: If it is Long Island, that would be pretty special, to see the reaction from a great fan base and a great city. If I am selected by the New York Islanders, there wouldn’t be a greater honor than to play there and to be part of that community.”
When is the last time ANYONE special wanted to play for us???
yeah go ahead Garth, pick someone else and see how happy you’ll make the fans.
JT!!!!!!
John Tavares
JOHN TAVARES
John Tavares
Tomorrow is the day we pick him!
John Tavares. Need goals to hopefully put the isles on the other side of all those 1 goal games.
So lets see. My count is Tavares 334; Hedman 10; Duchene 1: Are you reading these opinions Garth Snow? Can the World always be wrong and Garth always right? This isn’t rocket science. You finished last! The draft was designed to strengthen the weakest with the best,not second or third best. Adhere to conventional wisdom and continue to rebuild Islanders pride,not tear it down.
John Tavares is the Lighthouse Project.
Hedman.
BEcause we play in the Eastern Confrence, and the Atlantic Division. I love the idea of fighting fire with fire, but fighting fire with water works also. JT is no Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin, Lecavilar…hes probably not even an Alfredsson, Heatly, Spezza, St.Louis…maybe he can match up to guys like Carter, Parise, Staal, and Vanek…nbut there is someone that could stop all of those players listed above. His name is Victor Hedman.
I’ll be perfectly happy with the Isles picking JT, but I think long term Hedman is the better choice.
The francise and lighthouse project needs a face, therefore it has to be John Tavares.
With the #1 pick the Islanders…uh, I’d like to announce a trade.
Just kidding…Tavares!
John Tavares. Drafting this player will provide instant adrenaline and excitement since the 2002 playoffs. Drafting JT will bring instant credability to a team that has lacked it for years. Tavares, Bailey and Okposo are three young fowards that the team can build around for years and rejuvanate a fanbase and local township to get their rear moving on a new building.
Tavares = Seat-Filler. I gratiously donate the rest of my allotted words to charity.
tavares.
-a 20+ goal scorer which was lacked last year.
-market
- face
John Tavares.
You want a good reason? Look at the 360 plus posts above me.
The last time we picked first, we went for a player who was suppose to revolutionize the game. The Islanders gambled. Hockey is a simple game; the team that scores the most goals wins. Let’s keep it simple and take the consensus #1. Gambling is reckless.
TAVARES. Shouldn’t even be a question. Garth and company; please do not make your fans suffer anymore. We dont need another draft day massacre. DO THE RIGHT THING FOR YOUR LOYAL FANBASE AND TAKE THE MAN!!! JT!!!!!!
Duchene and Hedman might turn out to be the better pick down the road but after all this franchise has been through(most of it there own fault)JT is the ONLY pick they can make PERIOD!
News flash to Mr. Snow but the fans do matter because without our $$$ this team is DONE and so is the backup goalies job.Mr. Snow should be alittle smarter when it comes to the hand that feeds his family.
Being in Montreal, it is nice to see the Islanders talked about in a positive tone for a change. It is very simple to take the consensus number one choice in Tavares, but in my humble opinion, I believe that Hedman would be a wiser choice. You cannot underestimate the importance of having a shutdown defenseman to build around, like they did with Potvin. Offense can be developed much easier than defense and they could find a gem later in the draft, as they did with Mike Bossy. They are in good position in this draft with later picks at 26, 31 and 37 and have decent cap room to work with in terms of free agent signings. A lack of patience doomed this club years ago and I would hope the pressure of the public doesn’t influence their decision. On the other hand, I would not be surprised if that was the case, as offense sells tickets and Tavares is billed as a scoring machine. The best fact of the draft is they will leave Montreal with a much better team than they arrived with and that can only be a positive step forward towards respectability. Kudos to the organization for keeping tight lipped about their plan, which is difficult to do in this day and age. I wonder who Kate Murray would like? and can she get stimulus money for free agent signings? I believe two letters will sum up what’s in store for the immediate future…DP.
JT for 3 main reasons: 1)Look at the excitement this draft has created even without the signing, it would give the franchise instant credibilty, and more importantly increased attendance, immediately.
2) With the Lighthouse hovering overhead and the basic future of the Islanders on the Island in the hands of the LHP, this would be our version of Sidney Crosby and what the Pens have accomplished, not just a cup, but a new building and remaining in Pittsburgh.
3)Scoring, scoring, scoring, or the lack of it over the last few years. It’s a crap shoot and a gamble on any draft, BUT scouts and “experts” have had a good run lately on predicting can’t miss #1’s, and I would take JT’s 20-30 goals in a heartbeat. And the kid is very poised, good, strong, verbal communication.
I hope all 18k show up tommorow, and give the NHL a taste that this fan base is still very much alive and just waiting…I will be comming up from Florida, as this is a huge day for our team, my team, that I have been a die hard since 1975, thank you JP Parise! Remember what the ol’ barn sounded like in ‘02 against the Leafs??? LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!
AND, just in case the pick is someone other than JT, I will be the one wearing a #22 Bossy, (orange 3d jersey from a few years ago,should mask the bloodshed somewhat) trying to get out of handcuffs to assist the other 18k or so in the early demolition of the NVMC…LOL
TAVARES…its a no-brainer the way i see it,U take the best player and JT is the best rated prospect.The Isles need to fill the net and bring some excitement back .Hedman may be very good but nobody’s gonna wanna go watch a 6′6 Dman over a sniper score some goals and god knows they need that!
Go with the #1 pick JT.
Make sure to draft the best players available with the next picks.
One player can not get us the Cup.
John Tavares because:
a) he has been the top rated player projected for this years draft for three straight years, which was uncontested until very recently;
b) we need offense
c) if Milbury were still GM, he would find a way not to pick JT … and I would think Snojanks want to distance themselves as much as possible from being attached to a similar stigma that will be MM’s legacy long after he retires.
I initially wanted to see Hedman, noting that a defense wins almost every time. Having said that I want what’s best for the long term health of the franchise. The obvious pick then becomes John Tavares. He will score goals and be a high profile marketable player. Heck, he already has endorsement deals signed…
If it is Long Island, that would be pretty special, to see the reaction from a great fan base and a great city. If I am selected by the New York Islanders, there wouldn’t be a greater honor than to play there and to be part of that community.
Oh please its destiny!!!!!!! Garth just do it!!!!!
Scott Scissions….I mean John Tavares!!!!
T A V A R E S FTW!!!!!
Excellent post, MIllertime.
Given how much time and effort Snow and the Isles’ scouting department has put into personally observing and getting to really know the kids available, I’d like to see them select the players who they believe will best position this team to become a legitimate Cup contender once again. And if that means John Tavares or Victor Hedman at #1, I certainly won’t be heard to complain…
John Tavares because Doug Weight wouldn’t eat lunch with me.
I want Tavares because I want something to be proud of, I want to be able to trust management, I want to hear the air horn and goal song, and I want to see a packed coliseum.
I like the way this team is going. There seems to be plan for the first time in years. What this team need now is a lynch pin, a cornerstone. John Tavares is that. Now that being said…..so is Victor Hedman. Both are pieces you build around. Hence, I’ll take either one. Nothing against Matt Duschene but we don’t need another “solid all-around guy” and a “solid teammate”…we need a stud…so my vote: Tavares….or Hedman…:)
Taveres… If they don’t draft him, I unfortunately think there will be a riot at the coliseum on Friday. Wang won’t have to pay for demo, the fan’s will do it for him.
John Tavares. Hedman or Duchene isn’t necessarily the wrong move, but there is just no way you can pass up on a guy like Tavares. No way.
JT, too much backlash to pass considering how much Garth has already jerked everyone around.
John Taveres. I’m going to the draft party from West Haven, CT. I better not travel to NVMCC to hear Duchene or Hedman. JT scores goals and will become a future leader on this team. My Rags friends are hoping we dont pick JT because they dont want him scoring on them.
GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
John Tavares will put asses in the seats.
Then, he’ll make them jump out.
John Tavares.
He would do so many things for this team, such as giving us credibility, a cornerstone player, an elite scorer… The list goes on.
How can you pass on a guy like him?
The answer is that you can’t.
If its JT or VH, does it matter??? Why would VH be so wrong? What did Denis Potvin do when the Isles drafted him?? I think Isles fans ALWAYS set themselves up for failure. I’d be just fine with either one of Tavares or Hedman and to a lesser extent Duchesne. I think Isles fans look for a reason to bail because the franchise is so “up in the air”. Just STFU and be a fan!
Big Market players don’t want to come here - it’s simply not within their interest to come to a declining franchise and a deteriorating building. So, we have to build from the inside-out. That means that if the opportunity to acquire a superstar is present - DO IT. This guy is a face, he’s a name, and he’s a chance to put Long Island back on the map for free agents and the hockey world in general. He’ll attract North American fans and Islander fans alike, and will spark a crowd that hasn’t had a true superstar presence since Mike Bossy retired.
We need Christopher Walken at the podium tomorrow announcing this..I got a fever..and the only cure is Johnny Tavares!!
I hope he picks JT just to stick it to Toronto.One of the Canadian writers said snow should take Blake, Kabrele,Kubina and 2 other pieces of CRAP for the First pick.” F” the maple LAUGHS
TAVARES!!! Cause I want to keep being the huge Isles fan I have been for 30+ years. Plus I don’t want to have to burn all my current isles gear.
Victor Hedman. I could sum this up in the full 200 words or just 3…..and since I’m just not in the mood, I’m going to go with the 3. Defense. Wins. Championships.
End of story.
All I have to say is: JOHN TAVARES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tavares, because?
he s the best player available
RIP Michael Jackson
Lets go Islanders!
Tavares=new building
anyone else= K.C. Islanders
Simple…two word…John Tavares
It’s gonna be Hedman isn’t it? Please tell me I’m wrong. I can’t get it out of my head that Snow will say “Victor” instead of “John”. Just another crushing blow. I’m trying to prepare for it, but I’m finding it difficult.
Tavares. If a Canadien team held the #1 pick, it would be a no-brainer to pick JT. But remember this the Isles we’re talking about. You can’t win if you don’t score!! Tavares or no Lighthouse.
I want Matt Duchene. He makes all players around him better plus in the OHL he was rated the best stickhandler and playmaker. Also he is the best two-way player in the draft hands down. But I would take any of the three and still be very happy.
John “The Thief” Tavares, PLEASE!
This makes me not want the Isles to have a top 5 pick again. Between Losing regularly last year and this year, 2008 draft and now this, I been losing all my hair!
We need Tavares but I dont see it coming. Hedman or Duchene and if I had to pick, Duchene. Maybe he can get 1st line minutes next year and boost his offensive output.
Tavares!!!!!
Reason: we’ll have a league wide recognized superstar. Any of the big three picks we cant go wrong with, but i want to see an islander filling out the weekly hi-light reels.
In Logie’s newsday breakdown today, Tavares said it all: i dont want to win one cup i want a few of them. the kid is ready for the big-time, duchene is not and because this franchise desperately needs some respect!
John Tavares because this franchise hasn’t had that player with poise to score goals since Ziggy
Tavares.
* His play in WJC- leader
* The fact he has been under a microscope for 4 yrs already.
* Puts puck in net = fans in seats = $
* I trust what i read from here and other places, scouts, etc - since i have never seen any play live.
this blog has come a long way in visits and comments over the last year or so. Great work CB.
Tavares…he’ll give us islander fans something we havent had in what seems like forever…HOPE!!
Tavares. He MUST be drafted to save the Islanders. By drafting Tavares you get the marketing, you get the follow through and you finally get the Lighthouse. The other players, Hedman, Duchene, will be good solid players. If this is five years from now I say take Hedman or Duchene. But we’re not close. We need the face of the franchise and it’s not DP who is injured every five mins. We need Tavares. No one is going to the draft party to see them draft Hedman. If you draft Hedman or Duchene you are playing with an angry crowd and this franchise has needed a lift since the Bates OT goal. It’s Tavares Time. Now.
John Tavares without a doubt. He is exactly what this organization needs. More importantly, he is exactly what us fans need. When was the last time there was this kind of hype or buzz about the team? It is really exciting, and it feels nice to be an Islander fan and to be excited for a change.
Tavares…The Isles need a goal scorer and there is no player better than Tavares in this year’s draft at lighting the lamp.
Twenty, twenty, twenty four hours to gooooo, oh, oh! I want John Tavares!
Okay, so if I add the correctly, the tally so far is:
John Tavares: 17,788,965
Victor Hedman: 83
Matt Duchene: 5
Tavares is pressure and results. He is a winner and we need him. We need some exciement built around this team again!
John Tavares - must be, has to be, can’t be anyone else.
The Islanders are too worried about the big three, but they are totally overlooking Evander Kane. He should be the pick!!
Tavares!
John Tavares.
maybe we’ll get that outdoor game one day.
John Tavares!!
This is not just about his elite status in the OHL, or his natural scoring ability.
247 games played with 433 points…makes him almost a 2 point per game player…1.75 points per game to be exact…WOW!!!
This is as much about the timing for the Islanders, who are at a CRITICAL point in their history. When the arena is completed…we will have one of the most electrifying players in NHL…and in NEW YORK!! This is also about filling the building and selling tickets and merchandise. From both a business and hockey perspective…Tavares is a HOME-RUN and the only choice. There couldn’t be any better timing than now.
For everything the Islanders are going through with the rebuilding, the LH and needing to sell more season tickets…there couldn’t be anyone better fall in their lap…at this point and time.
This is a marketing dream come true. What else can you ask for? This guy is the KEY ingredient to winning the Stanley Cup one day…and he wants the challenge of leading the Islanders to that goal!!
Not drafing Tavares will be a MAJOR mistake by the Islanders, which by the way, they can’t afford.
I want JT. Why? Simple:
Beyond the upside for the franchise (and its ability to stay on Long Island), I want to look forward to every game the way I did when Ziggy played for us. I swear, I would put my life on hold just for the chance to see him play. He could score at any moment, and do so in spectacular fashion. The closest we’ve had to him since he was “dumped” was Mariusz Czerkawski (who I loved to watch for the same reason), but he wasn’t as consistent.
John Tavares is a pure goal scorer, and I want to watch a pure goal scorer wear our Islanders crest (our home…how cool is that?) and make us think it’s possible to not just make the playoffs, but go deep. Yeah…I want John Tavares to be an Islander.
I want to see the team take tavares, but I am feeling like they will take Duchene.
Right now Garth, Janks and Wang are having a final chat. Snowy says he wants Duchene cuz Gordo does; Janks says he wants the D-man, Hedman, cuz defense wins championships. Wang leans back and says to the two of them: I need a miracle and we have one right here; his name is John Taveras and we are selecting him because he is going to $ell ticket$ because in case you two bozos haven’t figured it out, this is a business. Pick Taveras. And they both say, oh. Ok Boss.
John Tavares.
JT..because I think it would be great to see the Leafs NOT get their way.
John Tavares! Lighthouse, marketing, fans, tickets, buzz, excitement, lack of team scoring, Hedman can always go to play in Sweden, top D can find later in draft or in free agency, 22,000+ at party, number one ranked player. This is not even debatable. There is no other choice. JOHN TAVARES!
Draft Tavares with the rare #1 pick.
This is not a “normal” franchise, say, a recent middle-of-the-pack team that has stumbled to the cellar and the No. 1 pick, but yet has decent financials and attendance, and maybe has won a Cup or at least gotten close in the last decade or so. This franchise is CODE BLUE, STAT!!!
The fastest way to revive it is to pick the guy with the 5-year track record of outstanding performance.
Well if the Islanders want tickets and merchandise sold at record pace. Judging by the vote total…Its John Tavares..Were everyone has been hearing about this kid since, well since he was a kid…
If the Islanders want to sell tickets at a moderate rate…Then its Victor Hedman.
Or if they just want to sell tickets at a, wait and see moment, then I guess its Matt Duchene..
I’m tired of the blah Islanders..I want some real excitement. I want one player that I can watch and be excited about like a crosby, ovechkin, malkin, toews, kane etc..not saying the kid will be like that..but its a start..
I want John Tavares. Please.
John Tavares. Why? Its true we need all three players, but we also need fans in the seats and JT is the only one of them that will get that done. And oh yea, he also happens to be the best player. Garth, dont F this up you bozo.
Hilarious MattNC @ #440…we are indeed at CODE BLUE, STAT.
Victor Hedman. In 5-7 years time he will be the best defenceman in the NHL
NHL.com had an interview with JT. The guy already has deals lined up with CCM! He’s not even in the league yet and hes being marketed like nuts. This is the kind of guy that this team needs to get the team out in markets other than LI
What if snow swings a deal where he gets TB’s #2 and Toronto’s # 7 Then what???
John Tavares
He is a winner, plain and simple. I cannot for the life of me see a reason to pass him up that doesn’t involve seeing 5 years into the future.
JT all the way. I cannot wait until 7:00.
I want John Tavares…and so should everyone else! Only the Islanders would make such an easy and obvious decision somehow complicated and dramatic!
Tavares, Tavares, Tavares…do I really have to type “Tavares” 197 more times?
Tavares. I want the pure goal scorer and the star to make this team relevent again. Take Tavares.
Tavares
John Tavares will sell and win.
Tavares because he is a proven winner, the Isles need an extra goal a game, he’s the consensus number one and it brings credibility to the Isles front office, gives the majority of the fans what they want and it keeps him away from Toronto (I can brag to friends and family in the GTA that we have Tavares and they don’t).
Hedman because he can play 30 minutes a game (PP and PK), the Isles need to stop an extra goal a game, it shows the Isles brass has a vision to win the Cup and choose what they feel is best for the team and not just marketing, would annoy the JT or bust fans, and an agile big D is the rarest commodity in the League.
I’ll be happy with either of the big two, I have only seen these guys play in the WJC and I’m not going to select the face of the Islanders for the next 10 years based on what I saw at Christmas. Having seen even less of Duchene disqualifies me from making him the pick and the suggestion is that his skill set is comparable to the role that Bailey plays.
I don’t believe that you can’t get a 40 goal scorer anywhere but the draft if you consider Hossa, Gaborik and Heatley are all in play this summer. The free agents will sign when the money is available and the team has a credible chance of winning. Then again it takes a defensemen much longer to mature so it is harder to gauge the potential of a 19 year old defensemen and the Islanders can’t blow it. I’m glad we won the lottery so that it is our choice, even though Tampa’s choice will be so much easier.