SNOW ANSWERS YOUR DRAFT PARTY QUESTION
Tells Logie: “Doesn’t have a bearing on what we do”
Many readers wanted me to ask Garth Snow about the potential reaction at the Draft Party. Greg Logan got to Snow this morning. The GM’s response. My response will be posted soon. Comments.
78 Responses to “SNOW ANSWERS YOUR DRAFT PARTY QUESTION
Tells Logie: “Doesn’t have a bearing on what we do””
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i cant help but think that snowy is preparing us for a non-jt pick. this could get ugly…
Still not buying it Garth… Tavares
Think about it: If he WERE about to pick John Tavares, wouldn’t we have heard a little more about how “knowledgeable” the fans are? Maybe something about “we hear our fans” or “we’re listening”? Or that they are “savvy” or something like that? Maybe that the fans “know what they want”?
Nope.
So far all I hear from Garth is how he has not a care in the world for the fans opinion, and he has a “mandate” from his owner, and how the pick will “not be based on popular opinion”.
I guess it never occurred to anyone, that Garth Snow is not an Islander fan by nature?
The more I think about it, the more I realize that this is proof he’s about to go and do something predictably stupid, par for the course on Mockery Island.
I dont know he kinda threw it out there hes not takin tavares in the “negativity” sentence. I dont know anymore. I still support John Tavares!
I am really starting to feel like Garth is not just playing with are minds. I think he actually is going to draft someone other than JT. Friday could be ugly!
I’ll defer to the experts.
+1 to Garth for not being persuaded by popular opinion and doing what’s best for the organization.
Im at the point now if Snow doesnt take JT all it will do is save me a few thousand when i dont renew my ticket package.
Do we really think hes gonna say something? Do we really think it will change? We will find out Friday around 730 and only Friday. Lets stop reading into things…….jeez…….It will be who it will be…Tavares
Garth is playing this PERFECTLY. Lets give him the benefit…..Maybe, just maybe, Toronto or Tampa says uncle - you never know
This has gotten to the point where they are starting to sound like posters on this blog on XM, talking about food fights, riots and the coloseam burning down if they pick duchene
Everything Garth said sounds good in theory. But we need to look at reality. The team (whether it be Sales, Marketing…I don’t really care) is pushing this event HARD. I’d consider it an insult to the fans to be so aggressive in promoting an event that is going to make 80%+ of the fan base unhappy. As for requesting our trust…easier said than done. Because the Islanders have not just been unsuccessful. They’ve failed miserably while often going against the desires of the consensus of the fan base - the 2000 Draft debacle, passing on Parise, passing on Filatov (jury still out, admittedly). I may be oversimplifying, but you could argue that the “common fan” has a better track record than management when it comes to high profile decisions. So spare me the “mandate” and the “trust” until you earn it.
Did you really expect him to say anything else???
Although i want Tavares, knowing how the Islanders think i do believe that Duchene will be the choice. Methinks they wanna avoid the solo star choice and stick with the all-around nice guy choice. Do i think its a mistake, only time will tell. But i have officially switched prediction to Matty D. Sorry Chris.
Garth is a man of his word. Anyways, some of my buddies who are ranger fans keep telling me tavares is not going to be an islander just to get under my skin! i have hope!
Fans realize a GM SHOULD be a step up on knowledge regarding their decision making. That said,when the obvious is staring them in the face and the GM arrogantly or stupidly goes against the grain for the sake of going against the grain it is time for they to make a decision. Perhaps Snow should realize that amongst the 16000 or so fans attending the PARTY(Or Funeral??)many have come with their checkbooks ready and prepared to hop over to the season ticket booth. Think about that Garth before screwing up the Franchise once again in the manner of Mike Milbury,hence turning those potential seat fillers away!
Boloney……i’m hungry for lunch. We await your take CB……
matt (14) same for me lol.
4 days…
i hope we pick tavares. i figured he wuld have to defend himself but it would be kind of reassuring if he gave us a clue becuase he still could be getting tavares. god damn garth just telll us who your taking!!!
Listening to Snow, i do want to trust him. Sounds like he has a plan and has the coaches and staff needed to see that out. But like isles360 says, its REALLY hard to trust the front office of this team. True, Milbury is no longer connected, so that makes a BIG difference. But demons are demons, and they are still present.
BTW - Snow on Leafs Lunch - AM640 Toronto Radio this hour
Even if Garth goes onto draft JT, he cannot let it look like the fans had anything to do with this. It has to look like this was purely a hockey decision made by only hockey people. Because if it gets out that the fans had something to do with this pick it could lead to a bad precedent for the future. The fans will all of a sudden think they can get whatever they want every year. Don’t worry JT fans, even though I think it is the wrong pick, I am pretty sure at this point that JT will be the pick.
its really hard, but it is pointless to try and read between the lines here, Snow is not dropping subtle clues. Yes, he’s laying the groundwork for Duchene, but he’s just covering all his bases. He said he and his staff are unanimous and that its the guy he had in mind at the draft lottery. Duchene is not a unanimous decision and I had no idea he was a top-2 pick at the lottery.
I think Snow may just have a sick sense of humor. LOL I’m starting to believe he is taking JT. If not, then I’ll have to explain to my wife why I’m crying on Friday. ;-p
sNOw gm= NHL JOKE!!!!!!!!!
Nice job Wang for hiring this loser!!!!!!
“The fans will all of a sudden think they can get whatever they want every year.”
Come on man, do you honestly think there’s any real danger of that happening around here?
I really believe now that Garth Snow has to go. If he screws this draft up even Mike Milbury can laugh at him.
For those citing past wrong doings (not just in this comment section, but other comment sections as well) keep in mind that it was a different regime. Garth can’t be blamed for the mistakes of Milbury. Call me a “homer”, call me “a kool-aid drinker” or the like…Garth hasn’t really done anything that has me question his decisions. Despite his rapid acension to his current position, he seems to have a good handle on what to do. Granted he can still screw up (hopefully not worse than Milbury) but as of right now, he has got my trust.
I think it will be JT
I cannot at this point take anything Garth says without a large grain of salt. The guy isn’t going to say anything that remotely tips off his pick. And why the hell should he? You know - we’re all complaining about the Isles front office not running like a professional team’s front office should, but THIS IS THE WAY IT SHOULD BE. I don’t want the Isles telling me who they’re drafting. Who the hell am I? And I don’t want them telling anyone else that could tip off the media. I agree with those that don’t trust the Isles to make the right decision. Totally agree, but that’s not the issue here. Garth is doing the right thing in avoidance. Talk about how you respect the three players, and how each would make a fine addition to the future of our team. Talk about how you met with all of them, and you like A, B, and C about each. That’s fine. But I’m ok with waiting like the rest of the world until Friday. And, you know what? It keeps us at the center of the universe, and that’s good too. Am I nervous that we’ll screw this up? Damn right I am. But we’ll all have to wait until Friday, and even then, we won’t know if they “screwed it up” for years down the line.
Friday night cant come soon enough. someone at the draft party PLEASE take some video as the pick is made and upload it to youtube or something. no matter who it is i am dying to see fans reaction. I will now continue to pray to god for JT pick…
Here’s my analysis of the situation:
If Garth wants Duchene, the only purpose of his comments is to prepare the fan base for disappointment. If he was hoping to jump-start a trade-down scenario to still land Duchene at #3, he would be better suited trying to convince Colorado that Tavares was his top choice.
If Garth wants Hedman, again the only purpose of these comments is to prepare the fans. If Hedman is their guy, they wouldn’t even entertain a trade-down, assuming Tampa would grab him at #2.
If Garth wants Tavares, PERHAPS these comments are subtly directed to Tampa. Hoping to get them thinking we are leaning towards Hedman, and maybe pick up an extra asset to trade down one spot. Seems less likely to me than the first two scenarios, and that’s what scares me.
Its one thing to call out a GM on questionable decisions he has made but slamming a guy on decisions he hasn’t even made yet is ridiculous. I’m no Kool-Aid drinker, but personally I think Snow has done a pretty decent job the last couple of years. I think the jury is still out on last years draft, but he did make two of the best free agent signings lately in Streit and Weight and got a FIRST ROUNDER for Chris Campoli! As we get closer to Friday it’s getting harder and harder to read through these threads with all the venom spewing. Its at the point now that I don’t care what happens as long as Friday comes and goes.
maybe garth is just having a little fun with both his fellow gm’s and fans (like you frei)
if we were #2, we’d be giving up #37 or maybe the next pick to make sure tampa didnt take JT, that simple
Snow stands to gain nothing at this point by not tipping his hand. He won’t entice a trade partner, and he already indicated that he’s “not inclined” to move the pick, anyhow.
That said, all he’s accomplishing by not revealing the pick at this point is keeping the Islanders fan base chasing their respective tails, and all the while building the overall interest in what he will do with this pick to a crescendo. Is Snow really so cocky as to intentionally continue to build the drama to such a fevered pitch, only to turn around and make a decision that will instantly infuriate 90% of his fans and confound hockey experts around the league? Not likely. JT is the pick. Take it to the bank.
Pete M - I’m with you.. give Garth a break and lets wait and see what he does. Friday can’t come soon enough !!
people here seem resonable, but readings the comments at the newsday blog, its ridiculous. People are pis#ed it might not be JT…actually insulted…even throwing away season tickets they ALREADY purchased. Its ok to be upset if things dont pan out…but NO ONE Knows if it was the right pick until he starts playing a few years.
That said, JT should be the guy. Snow talks bout picking the guy to win a cup…JT has played at two world junior championships, and has played exceptional at that level including winning the whole thing…how is that not a winner right there?
I want JT…and I will be mad if not…but i also see the big picture if thats the case.
As others have stated, it’s possible that Garth is trying to mentally prepare the fanbase for a Hedman or Duchene selection.
However, the intention of these comments could also be to protect his personal reputation and the reputation of our franchise among the NHL GMs and the Old Boys Network. If the Isles pick JT, there may be a perception in the Canadian media and among NHL GMs that Snow’s hand was forced by Charles Wang/Chris Dey/the fans. Many in the league still perceive Charles to be an uninformed and meddlesome owner. Garth needs to show the world that he is in charge, and that this is the pick of his scouting staff. If people think that he has been bullied by the owner or the fans, it will reflect very poorly on our franchise. I respect Snow for sticking up for himself and his staff.
I still think Tavares would be very tough to pass on and my hope Snow is just creating draft excitement and being smart to see if someone (like TB) or someone else makes him an offer he can’t refuse. However, I’m starting to wonder (after the Newsday blog) if the pick isn’t actually gonna be Hedman. Why Hedman? Not hearing a darn thing about him. All we are hearing is JT and Duch, since we know the Isles are responsible for some of what is getting out there and Hedman appears to be the forgotten man it might make great sense that it is him (the guy no one is talking about). Man, I don’t know if whoever announces the pick will say the team name or the player name first but those first few syllables are going to be dramatic!
the people SEEM to be reasonable because things are controlled here…chris deletes the post that are too extreme, hence many of the people think alike here….newsday doesnt delete any posts….yea, you get your immature trolls in the newsday blog but the isles fans there tell it like it is….my thinking is consistent with those on the newsday blog…some of you guys dont think crtically, thats all. i mean give a gm 4 years….in 4 years, this team might not even be here….wait to see whos the better player if we select duchene or bailey, why not just select the best player period (fialtov). coversation over. what has snow done to warrant our trust. islanders havent won since 93 so i should give management the benefit of the doubt now…streit and the first rounder we got for campoli were good moves by snow but not picking tavares (pissing of those who were pissed about filatov) will be final nail on the coffin for this once proud franchise.
Who ever the Islanders select I hope the people at the draft party cheer him loudly so the media doesn’t make a big deal of the Isles fans disapointment again.
I’m tellin you guys right now, and you guys know anyway, If John Tavares name is not announced on Friday night…It’s going to be a bad bad scene there. I’m glad I’m not going.
I too will be very upset. Genuinely upset.
Sounds like he doesn’t want people to think he chose Tavares because everyone wanted him to.
How sad is it going to be, if the Isles draft Duchene he will be booed loudly by the fans at the coliseum. I remember when the Jets drafted Brady over Sapp and the crowd booed loudly, I felt so bad for Brady, he did nothing wrong and here he was getting booed vociferously on his draft day. Unfortunately as the fans were right then I think they will be right now. And by the wat its not just the fans who believe Tavares is better, most of us have only seen highlights, its most of the media as well as CSB, knowing the Isles history I definitely trust CSB over the isles scouts.
Garth Snow is absolutely right that he is responsible for the draft and not the PR department. He will be judged on whether the pick pans out or not. If he picks Tavares and he turns out to be a bust it won’t be the fans fault either. It will still be his and his scouting staff’s fault because it is their job to run the draft and they shouldn’t be swayed by opinion polls. If he picks JT he won’t get credit for that decision anyway because it will be considered a no-brainer by those that call him a back-up goalie, but that shouldn’t affect his thinking either.
This isn’t meant to be a knock on Snow. The Isles just need to make sure they did their homework and pick the best player available whether he is ranked 1, 2 or 3. No excuses. Snow should get full credit or take the blame, but you can’t judge his pick until June 26.
Even if Tavares is Garth’s preferred pick over Hedman and Duchene, this is the time when other teams’ proposals will start to heat up. Ultimately, Garth has to listen to all offers and do what’s best for the Isles. I believe nothing is locked until 7:30 or so Friday night. I kinda wish the team had a stronger foundation and were adding a gem like Tavares on top, but I guess that’s where the other picks can come into play. Personally, I’d love to see some real creative moves AFTER the #1 pick (being Tavares). I can hardly wait!!
Guys… he is taking Tavares… Period.
Tavares is the best forward in the draft right now.
Duchene is not in the same league as Tavares.
Maybe we get Hedman…lol.
We’re getting worked up for nothing.
I’ll admit I was a little nervous at first but when you run down the facts, it is not a possibility.
Tavares and Hedman are probably the only 2 players that will play in the NHL this year in the draft.
Who knows maybe Duchene goes back to Brampton and leads the league in points. Wins a gold medal for Canada.
It’s possible it took him an extra year to develop. He is only 18 years old.
Then we look like fools for wanting JT…lol.
huh? that’s exactly it. If its not Tavares the pick will be booed. Not Duchenes fault, GArth Snows and it would be a big deal of Isles fans disappointment. Kool-aid indeed. anything but Tavares and the team will not survive from a simple ticket sale perspective. no buzz.
Anyone who follows any sports organization before a Draft knows that you take whatever the GM is saying in the media, and the exact opposite will happen on draft day. This is all a smoke screen for what ever reason.
man, some of you people need to relax. Garth doesn’t want it to seem that he’s a puppet to the fans, that’s the only reasoln e said that. but it is so obvious he’s taking Tavares.
My response right now—we need to wait.
I cant make a determination of who the Islanders are drafting #1. It could be ANY of the three. Snow and the organization have not been clear.
on one hand, it is a smart marketing move. There is so much news, interest and hype about this it is driving tons of media to the Islanders attention. Perhaps that has been the goal all along by the Isles brass. Not bad!
When all was done last year, I walked out of the draft mad as hell. But Bailey proved to be pretty impressive as a 19 year old. Does it mean Duchene will be a bust if we take him first? No. But all of the hype is around Tavares and Hedman—and has been since the start of the season. It does not mean Duchene is a bad prospect.
I hope its Tavares. I really do. But I am going to try very hard to pass judgement until we see what either Duchen or Hedman can do for us ON THE ICE!
From Garthy’s perspective, he doesn’t want to be known as a GM who makes decisions based on what the fan wants. I applaud the way he’s handled this so far and looking forward to some good decisions on Friday/Saturday…..
i think snow is bluffing because if its such a secret why would he say that . that would make it obvious for other gms that its not tavares so idk i think it will be tavs
They should play the goal horn with the (lame) in-house goal song if they choose JT and everybody can celebrate at the NVMC.
If they choose VH or MD, they should play that organ peice they play when the opponents score, which kinda reminds me of a funeral. This would totally make my day.
Honestly, do you all want your GM to say “I believe that one player is the best choice for the hockey team, but the fans want a different player, so I will listen to the fans, at the potential expense of our team’s future?” This scenario may seem different, because “everyone wants Tavares”. But its no different at all. As GM, it is his job to supply the team with the players he believe will help the team win, not to be a PR guy. Even when he does pick JT, he needs to make it clear that he made a hockey decision, not a PR decision. As a new GM, he’s still trying to build some credibility…he would lose what cred he has if he came out and said that his pick was based on the fan opinion.
This weekend I asked my husband ( isles fan since mid1970’s) who the Isles would pick and he said Hedman and after reading Snow’s comments to Logan I think we are drafting the gentle giant.
Garth is off his rocker with this “there needs to be a level of trust” between he and the fans line. Trust is earned, not given blindly, and this organization has done nothing to earn the trust of the fans who have to constantly defend head-scratching decisions from all corners of the hockey universe who refer to us as the “siberia of the NHL” or the “Clippers of hockey”. Maybe it’s not fair to Garth, since he wasn’t GM for ALL of the bad decisions, but this is what he has inherited. To paraphrase Dr. Evil, Throw us a frickin’ bone here, Garth!
The Islanders have not had this much media attention since the 1993 playoffs. The whole hockey world is watching the New York Islanders and Garth Snow knows it. Kudos to him for keeping the top pick a secret and keeping everyone in suspense. He has made the Islanders the center of attention leading up to the draft. Great move. Now all he needs to do is draft Taveras.
for everyone that keeps saying ‘I trust Snow and our scouts if they really feel Duchene or Hedman is the best pick for this team’…how has that worked out for us over the last 10 years?
Game 81…. Islanders vs. Rags….09-10 Season at the coliseum filled with ranger fans from all the sold season ticket holders. All you can here is Duch..Bag, Duch…Bag. Then the Isles dont make the playoffs again. Please God Help Us!
What sweet torture this is. 18,000 tickets, and probably counting. Four days to go, and soon we’re going to hear a possibility of Hedman now being the front runner. It’s like that cartoon Zamboni race we watch during the break of games, and we’re all waiting to see who wins, 1, 2, or 3. he Islanders are now getting the most attention, so why should Snow stop now?
Garth Snow needs to lose the ego, he has to gain trust. As usual his attitude sucks.
CB,
In spite of what Garth is saying, is there any way Charles Wang lets him pick anybody but John Tavares ?
So Snow has an ego and his attitude sucks because he won’t reveal to you who he will draft first on Friday night? I’m beginning to think that the cynicism of Islanders fans has become so embedded that there is absolutely nothing that this guy can do to satisfy a large number of you.
snow said his people were unanimous in their choice and that the choice hasn’t changed since the lottery. could it be only the islanders’ entire braintrust sees this completely differently than every other teams’? i guess it’s possible, but even for this team that would be mind boggling. if you take the man at his word, i think we have our answer.
scary stuff…
there is nothing wrong withthem taking matty d …who wouldnt want to have the next steve yzerman or joe sakic on ther squad….think about it ….both player who is compared to were great pivots and put up great numbers …sure id love johnny t but you cant go wrong with matty d either …i have said it in the past islanders fans are there own worst enemy biting there noses to spite there faces ….
must be envogue to say your a fan of the team and then tottally trash them for something that has happened yet …the only way fans should be up set is if they trade the number one pick to the rangers for a second rounder,essa tikannen,jason muzzatti
Snow told Logan an interesting thing, one that kind of tells me it has to be Tavares. He said that the consensus among the staff was “pretty much unanimous” on who the pick will be.
That tells me JT has to be the pick, because I serious cannot imagine 5 or 6 guys who are supposed to be “experts” sitting around and have the polar opposite view collectively as 90 percent of the fans.
The math just doesn’t work there.
Snow is sort of stuck between a rock and hard place here because if he wants to show his best poker face as far as not tipping his hand to the other GMs in the league, he’s in the process annoying the crap out of his fan base to the point where if his little ruse ends up being no ruse he’ll be alone on an Island.
curious of you people who are screaming tavares or bust …. wonder if you will be the same people who say seee matty d should have been the pic because he scored more points for colorado…or see look hedman took home the norris and calder and what do we have tavares who is a nother yashin…hypotheticaly…. i say let jankowski do his thing and dont forget they stilluse the program neil smith brought with him to the island when he was here for that cup of coffee 3 yrs back IM SAYING IT duchene is the better pick
matt duchene, is starting to look pretty good in that isle jersey..
I’ve read many comments saying if Snow’s pick was “almost unanimous” amongst the staff, it must be Tavares. I completely disagree. The sign of a good GM is surrounding himself with hockey minds who have the same vision for the organization as he does, and analyze people and talent the same way, so that everyone can be on the same page moving forward. If the pick was almost unanimous, all that tells me is that Garth, like any good GM, has surrounded himself with people who think like he does.
“It doesn’t have a bearing on what we do”
Oh really!
Tell that to 16,000 plus fans on draft night that your not picking Tavares, tuff guy, when your thousands of miles away.
You will reap the Repercussion of your decision if Tavares is not chosen!
Which, as history has shown time and time again, is a VERY BAD THING
If Snow does pick JT, someone call the Academy because Garth deserves an Oscar for this performance.
I know it’s a broken record, but seriously people, you’re bashing him for something he hasn’t done. What NHL GM in his right mind would say the decision was based on what the fans want? Fans by definition don’t have as long-term a view in some instances because that’s the luxury of being a fan, we don’t have to. Everyone calls him a bum now, but let’s not forget the celebration and the favorable media coverage that accompanied the Yashin acquisition. Every fan at the time thought it was great - does that make it the right move for the team?
I’ve said it before - I want Tavares as badly as anyone else, but some of you people just go looking for something to complain about. You talk about insulting the fans? I’d be insulted if the Islanders cared more about placating fans than winning the Cup.
“A level of trust”
at what point has Garth (or any other islanders GM since 1992) been able to “Earn Our Trust”?
You kidding me?
Maloney was a Joke, Milbury was a joke AND a clown and now Snow will become all the ULTIMATE WASTE OF TIME if he does not do the right thing here and take the obvious choice.
Why not let the fans run the club for a while, we could not do any worse than the last 3 GM’s since Torrey.
I hate being an Islander fan!!!!
Either Garth is messing with our emotions and is taking JT or hes truly going with someone else and doesn’t give a darn about the fans…
Either way, its patronizing the fans…
Garth … Love Ya like the GM of my fave sports team … but … here is something for you to think about…
The opinions of the vast majority of the scouting world, most hockey experts and most of all … 90% of Islander fans may have no bearing on your decison of who you select 1st overall … but I can tell you one thing … That decision comes with a heavy burden you will carry with you for the rest of your executive career … Oh … and Garth … YOUR decision does have a bearing on what we think of your plan to rebuild and how we choose to spend our disposable income the next several years.
Snow is a TOOL!