AGENT: ISLANDERS WILL SELECT “ONE OF MY GUYS”
Meet Pat Brisson, rep for Tav and Duch, not Hed
Islanders Point Blank on Twitter
Agent Pat Brisson may work out of CAA Sports in Hollywood, but there has been no glitz to his handling of clients John Tavares and Matt Duchene. Brisson has stayed out the picture, did not join his players on their trips to New York and has limited his clients’ interviews. I was grateful Pat gave me a few minutes on the phone today.
You’ve keep a low-profile, Pat, considering you’re the agent for two of the top three picks in the draft. You even worked with the Islanders keep the Long Island visits of John and Matt a secret. What’s been your thought process?
The game is the players. Always has been, always will be. I’m in what I call “the service business.” I work for them - they do not work for me. I often say I’m a “family advisor.” I’m there for the players and their families for whatever is needed. It’s not just about the contracts.
I’m happy to take your call and answer what I can, but you’re not going to hear a lot from me in the media. I wanted John and Matt to come to the Island and do what they were there for: meet the Islanders and see the community without my interference any unnecessary distractions.
Did they convey to you what they thought of their meetings?
Yes. They both were very impressed by Islanders management and Long Island. I know both John and Matt would be very comfortable if they ended up as Islanders.
Victor Hedman came with his agent, but you did not accompany either of your clients.
I would have if I thought it was necessary. I have gone on those visits in the past with other clients. I’ve known Garth Snow for 15 years and have a lot of trust in him. I was confident he and the Islanders would take care of my clients and I felt it would be a better experience for them without me. Maybe me being there changes the tone of the conversations. I did not want that. Everything worked out perfectly.
No matter who the Islanders draft first overall, the contract is not likely to be a battle.
No, it won’t be. I have been the agent for three of the last four players selected first overall - Sidney Crosby, Eric Johnson and Patrick Kane. I do not represent Steven Stamkos. With the latest CBA, these deals are basically no-brainers. You can’t ask for any more money than the CBA permits.
Once you get started, how long does a contract for a first overall draft pick take to hammer out?
Maybe 10, 15 minutes. (Laughs) Like I said, my agency is not just about the contracts. The contracts for Matt and John will be the easy part.
What is your working relationship like with the Islanders?
Very, very good. Mark Streit is a client and we had first-class, professional dealings with the Islanders last summer on Mark’s contract. Mark is very happy there. Like I said, I’ve known Garth for a while as a player and now as a manager. I know the owner, Charles Wang, is dedicated to winning and he’s trying to get a first-class facility for the team and for Long Island. The lines of communication over the last two months about John and Matt have been very strong.
What do you think is going to happen with the first overall pick?
I get the feeling either Matt or John is going to be picked first overall by the Islanders. I guess you can say I am biased, but I really feel that way. I have a very positive feeling about the Islanders and my guys, so let’s see which way it goes. The only thing else I can say is that I’m very proud to work for both of them and I’m certain they’ll have great NHL careers. If you don’t mind, I have to take this other call. Talk to you soon.
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79 Responses to “AGENT: ISLANDERS WILL SELECT “ONE OF MY GUYS”
Meet Pat Brisson, rep for Tav and Duch, not Hed”
Please Wait
oh boy if we take duchene first overall the islanders will lose alooooot of fans
and wow over 17,000 bought their tickets for the draft party 17k ppl booing if tavares isnt picked
He is right. There is no need to accompany the players.
JT 09
Well there you have it. Either Duchene or Tavares. That solves things LOL. ok so lets compare these two. Ok done JT
What else would he say? They’re picking Hedman?
Let me ask this: Have the Islanders actually not decided yet on their pick, and if they HAVE decided, what’s the point in keeping us all on tenterhooks?
From a PR perspective, if you pick Tavares first, it’s going to be kind of a non-issue on the 26th because he was the consensus #1 anyway. If you DON’T pick him first, you’re going to have a bunch of spontaneously angry fans at the draft.
i am pretty sure Hedman’s agent would say the same thing. anyways, if the islanders want duchene, should they trade down to get him?
idk if this says much just because an agent says i BELIEVE the islanders will pick one of my guys dosent mean he knows for sure im sure vic’s agent can come out and say this as well now i am really hoping this does mean something in positive that we are drafting tavares but i honestley dont believe anything until i see it on junde 26th we have seen the pendilum switch to tavares hedman and duchene too many times to really consider this anything major
BUT I PRAY TO GOD THIS DOES GIVE INSIGHT TO DRAFT TAVARES
TAVARES OR BUST JUNE 26 2009
over 17,000 people “bought” tickets for the draft. i would say 90% of the people that show up are expecting/wanting to hear tavares and not duchene called. we already have a duchene-esque player on our team. his name is joshua bailey. JT 09!!
if they do draft duchene, and they dont trade down, there is somthing wrong with this. but it doesnt matter becuase they are going to get TAVS
As wrong as I think it is, the Isles are definitely taking JT instead of Hedman (the Duchene business is nonsense, they are not taking him at #1 when they could get him at 3 or 4). They would not have the draft party if they weren’t taking JT. The marketing department knows better than to have 17,000 people booing the first overall pick on national tv.
MARK MY WORDS……..MATT DUCHENE AT # 1 Hes the so called COMPLETE player that can play defense, score goals, and PK when u need….He has the making of an Isles pick…I want JT
You guys are right. What else is he gonna say? Of course he thinks one of his guys will be picked by the Isles!
But he happens to be right…John Tavares baby! :):)
if the isles draft tavares (which I think/hope they will draft him). we will have an issue over chants at the games. if we all chant JT. Tambellini might think it is for him.
For the record … Duchene has drawn a lot of comparisons to Jonathan Toews, who went third in ‘06. The players who went in front of him were Erik Johnson and Jordan Staal. If you ask me, Toews is the best of those three. Let’s just see what Snowy has up his sleeve. I know I wouldn’t be made if Toews was on the Islanders.
#8 is right on….Bailey is the two way playmaking center.
This year is about the sniper…and hopefully a top 4 defensemen somewhere in the 2nd half of the round.
Felix (#19): Tambellini would have to have Superman’s ears then, because he belongs in Bridgeport!
This guy probably already knows it will be JT. Talking up Duchene. How are there 17,000 tix “sold” when the buiding seats only 16 and change? Are they going to be sitting in the aisles? (No pun intended)
To # 8 - there will not be 17000 people at the party.
you need to divide this number by 3 or 4 (at least).
I ordered 4 tixs thru Ticketmaster and at the same time my son picked up 6 tixs at the team store without knowing that we already have tixs.
I am sure many people have similar stories
Don’t count on the full house
I’ve said it in the comments section of another story and I’ll say it again. I’ll be perfectly happy with Duchene if they trade down for him. I have a feeling that nobody else would take him #1 so why not get what you can and take him at #3 if he’s top on your list? That said I’ll be pretty darn pissed if the Isles don’t take JT at #1 next week.
this could be a really fun party, or an absolute disaster.
There’s no game, #19. The floor will be available for seating purposes.
a pretty impressive ‘get’ there CB, with the draft and (more importantly for him) FA the week after, you get him on the phone for a few? pretty impressive indeed…
jt baby, call the mets, he’s throwing out the first pitch on sunday night espn sunday nite baseball vs the yanks
8 to 10,000 maybe
It is interesting to hear what everybody has to say, agents, media, former players. But, the bottom line is, nobody knows who the Islanders will pick until June 26th.
@ Steve S (#15)
Jordan Staal is a great center. He is WAY overshadowed by the 2 above him, and thus has limited ice time. Tough to compare to Toews. I dont think J Staal will stay with Pens past his entry level deal. He has more to prove with top line minutes.
some of you need to read more closely. i said the tickets were “bought” because they are free. you don’t have to pay money for them. plus, can you point to me where i said 17,000 people were showing up. i just said that was the number posted on the islanders website. if you read my post, i said over 90% of the people THAT SHOW UP would want tavares….those are the people out of the 17,000 that show up….i think the actual number of people to show up will be closer to 12-14 thousand which is absolutely amazing for a draft party but some of you seriously need to learn to read more closely before making a post
He-llo, Pat Brisson!
Lookin pretty good in that first photo there, Mr Agent man!
Sorry… had to be said.
Anyway, all three of these top kids have so much promise that Id be happy with any of the three being Islanders. But, I honestly do think if the Isles want to take Duchene that they would be more likely to trade down to #3 to pick him because I see JT and VH as the legit #1 possibilities. I think if the Isles pick MD 1st overall, JT WILL be a Leaf… and that just annoys me.
Good story with the agent. I’d be happy with any of the three.
Well, they need to draft a forward and you can’t teach the art of goal scoring. Forwards can learn to play both ways at the NHL level - Steve Yzerman is the perfect example — had 127 points in 1989-90 and was a -6, 2 years later got 103 pts. and was a +26…in the end, did it really matter — the guy could friggin put the puck in the net. Also, Garth continually says he doesn’t want to finish 30th again — the islanders don’t have a #1 (they haven’t)– I would lean with Tavares, but you never know with the islanders
I would have to assume that there will be seats on the floor where the ice normally is. Obviously the Isles know that because they gave away 17-18,000 seats that around 12-15,000 will show up. But either way, thats a huge turnout for a draft, for any team!
John Tavares, welcome!
John tavares
I can’t see duchene in an islander uniform
#19, the coliseum hold 16,234 for hockey games, they will also have seats on the floor where the ice would be, i would imagine over a thousand would fit in there
i would rather the islanders give out too many tickets than stop giving them out at 18k or some number…that way the collo is filled
Brisson seems to be quite the talent evaluator himself considering who he has represented over the past few drafts. Besides Tavares and Duchene, who else in this year’s draft class does he represent?
Great read. My car broke down on the road in the pouring rain today, but CB, you always know how to make my day better. This just proves further why you won the UHA. I cant see over 10,000+ fans making it to the draft party, but just half that would make an awesome night. Let’s get JT, and let’s go Islanders!
Thanks for checking in Pat. If the Isles are sitting there at 1 it has to be Tavares or Hedman. It won’t be Duchene, the PR hit of passing the two top ranked prospects for the third would just be unbearable. If they do pass on those guys for Duchene they are going to have to be getting other assets.
I also think back to the visits. As far as we know, no player spent any time with Duchene just Tavares. When I heard Garth say he’s always favored one guy and still does it makes me think it’s Tavares. Getting close.
Now if Hedman was the only guy to bring his agent, maybe he is the Isles’ choice?
Hopefully the “other call” he had to take at the end of your conversation was from Garth, looking to finalize the deal with JT.
I just hope the Lighthouse gets approved BEFORE the draft …
because taking Hedman over JT is one thing, but if they draft Duchene the Colli will get burned to the ground by the angry mob ;-/
ya know, its kind of funny/weird that the draft can outdraw games by 2 to 1.
Anyway…Brisson i hope youre right. Let’s Go JT!!
You have to figure if the isles consider taking duchene they are thinking about doing this at No.3 So what other assets do they ask for from Colorado? Do they get the Avs No 2 and 3 this year and No 1 next year? They could then package 26, the Avs second and 37 and move back up into the top 12-15 for a defensemen?
This is all about the Isles doing the right thing. They’ve had several chances in the past few years and have always made the WRONG pick. It’s a no-brainer. Pick JT. Even if he ends up never scoring a goal for the Isles, picking JT is the right choice on the 26th.
I completely understand why Snow hasn’t announced his pick..He said he definitely knows who he wants now, but why announce it and look like an idiot if you get a great trade offer on Draft Day? What if you find out info between now and Draft time on his favoritie prospect? Tell now & Then everybody else in the Draft has leverage on you..If we say we want Tavares #1 why would Tby offer up a draft pick so they can move up and draft Hedman at #1? I don’t believe there has ever been a time when a team announced their #1 pick before the Draft(except when there was 100% consensus on the #1 pick)-Lecavalier and Stamkos come to mind(both Tby)..If Snow says he wants Hedman #1, I bet a bunch of Tavares supporters would voice their Protest very loudly and demand Snow change his mind, and then when Snow doesn’t change his mind the Fans then would become even more incensed for being “ignored”..Snow is doing the right thing..You got to wonder if Jankowski, Wang, the QMJHL Scout & Morrow are all on the same page w/ Snow? Why does no one ask Snow that question?
If we dont take tavares I say trade the pick. I wouldnt be so upset getting someone like ryan suter #1 pick and a stud prospect.
even though snow has been ultra quiet, i do think hes going to pick tavares becuase he had one of hedman and tavares ranked above the other after the world juniors…at that time, duchene wasnt even in the picture for top 2….snow says he still favors that player so its still hedman or tavares….i think its tavares becuase tavares clearly had the better tournament fo the two….also when deb and billy asked if about the fans wanting tavares, he kept on saying he appreacited that the fans are passionate over and over again (i understand this might mean absolutely nothing) but he also mentioned how over 16 thousand tickets were handed out for the draft…this tells me he is just as excited as we are for the draft….if his excitment coincides with our excitment, then it has to be tavares…..this might be all bs but its better than listening to the other heresay that goes around
if they dont take tavares, then they HAVE to take Hedman, i’m vocal to a fault for JT but in all honesty have no problem with them taking either, this MD talk though is foolishness unless they trade out of the #1, plain and simple… i swear, there’s so much back and forth i feel like Garth has just let the plink-o chip go, and its zig-zagging it’s way down the board heading toward the MD/VH/JT spots at the bottom
You can’t expect an agent to say anything less - but kudos to him for keeping his clients in the public eye.
CB - I agreed with your logic from way back. I don’t think fans should guide decision-making, but I realize the Islanders have to have it in mind. Why would they be hyping the draft party so much if they didn’t intend to draft the player most of the fanbase wanted? They did a great job, in my view, managing expectations last year (I just missed it by one trade down - I had them going to 7 and taking Colin Wilson), but they haven’t done that this year.
Tavares is an elite player, burning desire to be great, and he can elevate his game. I think he’s our man.
The thing that worries me about Garth’s apparent high interest in Duchene is this: What would Colorado’s motivation be to give up as much as they would need to to move up from 3 to 1? Would it be worth it for them to do it? Is there that much difference in Tavares’ and Duchene’s career projections to make it a move worth making? So if Colorado decides it’s not and balks, will Garth then pull the trigger on Duchene at number 1?
Many people have stated that they would be happy with Hedman and Duchene (if it could be pulled off) over Tavares alone. Would Colorado be happy with Tavares alone over Duchene plus the cost of moving up? I doubt it.
i do not believe that pat brisson knows who the isles will select. he’s hyping his clients, which is what he should be doing. i don’t put much into his comments.
Who will Snow take at #1? Think back to a few years ago when Snow was first allowed to try and put his mark on the team. Wang let the rookie GM loose to go after a type of player who, conceivably, Snow felt would be the kind you could build a team around.
So, did Snow target a big defenseman? A European forward with scoring ability? No, Snow went hard after Ryan Smyth, a Canadian forward who could score, but also the type of guy that could wear the C. We all know Snow wanted desperately to keep Smyth on the Island and even offered more than what he eventually signed for in Colorado.
Now Tavares is ripe for the picking. An eerily similar guy to Smyth but with what should be even better numbers and definite captain material. Of course, Hedman will be a quality player, but looking at history, Tavares would seem to be more of a Garth Snow type player.
fpott (final post on this topic) i heard that if you go expecting them to take tavares, they will offer you a FULL REFUND of your purchase price if they don’t select him
Forewards want Hedman in NYI lore, defensemen want Tavares. Goalies? I’d assume Tavares, but since it’s Snow, I’ll bet on a cute little trade and “the player they wantes all along.”
Earn my respect, backup!
Well, If the Isles took Duchene first, the draft floor would go nuts. Who knows what would happen. I still say Toronto would just love it if the Islanders passed on JT. They would be working over Colorado BIG TIME trying to slide into the #3 hole to land JT. Tampa would get their guy at #2 so they wold be happy too.
I’m still sticking to my guns and willing to bet on JT wearing the Islander crest on his chest.
He had me at “I want to be an Islander”
if the islanders want to draft Duchene they may as well trade down to 3. But who cares because they’re drafting Tavares anyway…
Seems like a good guy as far as agents go. I had forgotten he was Striet’s agent. Good to keep in mind….
I think that this tells us, frankly, very little. Brisson has no real knowledge, it is just a feeling he has—it will be one of his clients. I am not sold it will be.
Ill be at the draft party. I am hoping for Tavares to be sure. And, as much as I will be disappointed if it is Hedman or Duchene, I wont be devestated or stop rooting for the Isles. Lets face it—all three of these kids are projecting to be stars in the NHL.
I hope that NVMC is screening the attendees for tomatoes and anything else that can be thrown at the big board if the Islanders take Duchene at #1.
They can’t screen for the seats ripped off the floor.
If Isles won’t draft JT thay might as well trade down for #3.
Why pick Duchene at #1 ?
Last post…….because they drafted DP at #1 instead of trading the pick for the fifth pick plus plus and grabbing him there.
Brisson is 100% correct and he knows that Islanders will be selecting JT. I AM NOW CERTAIN that they are:
i heard Garth Snow’s interview from yesterday and after they asked him about the 90% of the fans wanting tavares filling up the coli, he replied something like “we will be getting a great player etc..” if we would be getting HEdman he wouldve went into reconciliation mode already as many suggested. it is so obvious to us die hards.
PLUS: i just went to tavares’s twitter site. he has only 1 nhl player there that he follows… Brendan Witt!!! he obviously k nows that he will be an islander. Garth is doing a great job to keep toronto off guard and get some calls etc. but all of us local diehards should relax.. we will finally have our own superstar
lets hope it will be tavares taken. and im glad he didnt go with them to the interveiw. let it be one on one with garth and the players.
If Duchene turned out to be another Yzerman, I would be all over that! no issues here. But we don’t know really what any of these kids are ready for at the NHL level.
Tavares seems like the more “ready for prime time” talent and a more complete package from what I’ve seen and read.
BUT what do I know? I just play pickup hockey on Wed nights! HA
Jordan Staal is not a great center. He hardly deserves that label just yet. Did he win one faceoff the entire Final?
I’m shocked that he didn’t predict that Hedman would go first!
I dont think Pat or our teams “marketing dept” knows who will be selected just yet.
Where are people finding that Garth said he has “favored the same guy all along”?
Please someone tell me where I can find that info. If that is true, there is no WAY it is Duchene. And I think there’s a much better chance of that being JT than VH, as he has commanded a higher popularity among the hockey know-it-alls.
Hopefully that and Pat Brisson’s comments’ combined signal to us fans that #91 is on his way to our house
Im just saying the potential is there. Unable to be proven with the stars above him. Its all good.
I guess he didnt win a faceoff?
Well Everyday I come here and it seems the #1 pick changes each day. As a full season ticket holder and knowing the majority of the fan base wants Tavares I can’t see them promoting this draft party and doing the poll if they don’t intend on taking him..they know what would happen if they didn’t.
Pittsburgh just won the cup with young offensive stars and an average goalie at best..they didn’t win with a big defenseman scoring 30 points in a season.
Nothing surprises me with this team anymore, however if they don’t take Tavares I think it’s a huge mistake and they certainly won’t be selling more tickets. I don’t understand why Duchene is even in the argument, but then again I am not a hockey scout.
If it’s really this close between Hedman and Tavares, than you go with what the fan base wants, and take the scorer. No one is going to be complaining later if we do. If we pass on this kid and he scores 50 goals, it will be a disaster.
I was going to go to the draft party but the thought of driving over an hour with the possibility of not taking Tavares has ended that.
This team DESPERATELY needs goal scoring, and I really don’t get what the hang up is or what the point is of “playing it close to the chest” unless your going to score a major talent by trading out of this pick.
Please don’t alienate anymore of the loyal fans like myself that buy full season tickets. Take Tavares
I’m more and more certain that we are taking Tavares. Which can only mean we’re taking Hedman lol
It’s great to see that Snow has good trusting relationships with player’s agents … especially agents of top tier players. What a huge contrast to Mike Milbury’s battles with Paul Kraus, Don Meehan, Rich Winter and a bunch of other player agents … Didn’t Milbury make Kenny Jonsson cry at an arbitration hearing? Or am I mistaking him for someone else.
Thank God that Snow has a more businesslike / amicable relationship with agents. This coupled with accumulating talent and a renovated arena may move agents to see the Island as a top notch destination.
Draft JT Garth.
we’re not picking matt with the first pick. if snow really wants matt he’ll trade with the av’s to swap spots. you can get him at 3, get something else in return.
Reasons Snow has decided on Tavares…
Exhibit A - Garth knows the fans overwhelmingly desire Tavares … he’s said on a few occasions… that the fans will be very happy, he’s excited for the fans.
Exhibit B - Hockey Ops hasn’t stopped the marketing dept. from promoting the draft party to avoid an angry mob if they don’t take JT.
Exhibit C - Pat Brisson’s comment that lines of communication between the Isles and himself regarding JT & MD have been really strong.
Exhibit D – I give Garth for understanding what’s at stake in this “watershed” moment in Isles history.
It would be nice to regain some respectability thru out the NHL..
Maybe its because I want Tavares more than Hedman but I think the signs point to Tavares being #1.
First off, I don’t even remember Duchene being in the conversation the day the Isles won the lottery. Garth clearly said he had a favored player between Tavares and Hedman but wasn’t going to say who it was.
Second, he restated that his position hasn’t changed since then in the interview with Deb and Jaffy yesterday. Which means it’s either Tavares or Hedman.
After Tavares’ visit to Long Island, he goes out of his way to call CB and say he WANTS to be an Islander. That’s the language of someone who feels they know where they’re heading.
Now an agent with a strong relationship with Snow calls and sounds confident it will be one of his guys.
I think even though they haven’t been told directly they’ve got some inside reason they feel confident. I think both know better than to violate confidentiality. I think Garth’s mind is made up because he hasn’t changed it since April.
Isles are taking Tavares. the Isles scouts don’t want to be known as the guys who passed on JT. Snow is just playing this the right way and not saying a word. Why would he…why should he? Snow is gonna pick Tavares and everyone is gonna love him for his ability to keep it on the down low and having us fans excited for the last 3 months.
JT all the way. No issue.
maybe this whole “Snow really wanting Hedman” thing is a red herring to swap picks with Tampa still get Tavares and also get another decent NHLer from Tampa. Tampa wants Hedman, actually they NEED Hedman.
If you trade with Tampa… you don’t swap picks. What if TAMPA double crosses you and they chose the guy that you wanted?
What you do is… you agree NOT to chose the player that Tampa wants, and you do it for a sweetner.
My biggest fear is that Garth pulls an MM move and tries to get cute and make a big splash. Just pick JT or Hedman. Personally I hope we get JT. Where the Isles are now we desperaetly need some excitement and with JT and Hedman rated about the same we should go for the guy that gets the fans excited.
just draft tavares at #1
then trade bailey, 2010 1st round, 26th this year and draft duchene at #2.. u think they have any chance at something like that?