TAV-WOW! BUT WHAT IF IT ISN’T?
23 hours away, notes on what’s ahead
(thanks, Steve)
I don’t know if I’ve come out and said this much over the last 72 hours, but the Islanders’ first choice in the 2009 NHL Draft will be, from the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League…John Tavares.
Seems a little bizarre the Islanders came in last in the league, won a lottery and will make the obvious choice – and are going to make it seem like an accomplishment. But I also concede that sometimes I can be cynical. Must be the career change!
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If I’m wrong and the Islanders draft Matt Duchene instead of John Tavares, I’m not going to have a bag over my head. I’m still going to the Post Draft Post Draft Party Draught Celebration at RC Dugans in East Meadow. I will not be the person who drafted Duchene – who had 50 points as a 17-year old, over Tavares – who had 72 goals as a 16-year old.
If the Islanders draft Victor Hedman…well, that would sorta suck. In my Snojanks Scoreboard, I have Victor at a 1% probability. There’s really nothing I’d be able to do about that screwup except to continue bowing to Bob McKenzie and Darren Dreger.
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Congratulations to the Islanders for playing a fun game for the last two and a half months. The joyous crescendo at Johnaroo tomorrow at 7:15 will be tremendous. Garth Snow and Charles Wang – and no one else, be assured – decided to play it this way. I applaud them for sticking with it.
If by any chance the Islanders do not draft John Tavares, then my congratulations and applause for waiting until draft night are withdrawn. The Islanders will have made a monumental error with overwhelming ramifications. Not necessarily on the ice, mind you – time will tell there – but everywhere else. You can start with not making the adjustment of the kid they just drafted any easier.
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Gary Bettman on Friday night: “Hey, Johnny T! You’ve just been selected first overall in the NHL Draft! Now, for as long as we’ve been doing this, every pick has run a two-hour gamut of interviews and photo booths for media across the world. The picks usually get to spend some time with the management of their new teams. Your family meets them, etc. And, of course, the players spend the rest of the night celebrating with their loved ones.
“But for you Johnny, it’s different. The moment you get drafted, spit, you don’t even have to go to the podium to put on the jersey and shake my hand. The Islanders are going to put you in a car, with a police escort in front, and get you to their private plane. You don’t even have to clear immigration! Then you’re going to land in Farmingdale, where the Islanders are going to rush you to the Coliseum to meet who’s ever left at their Draft Party. It will all be a surprise, so who knows how many people will still be at the Coliseum around 10:00, but what the heck!
“We’ve never made an exception like this before, but it’s the Islanders. The NHL always bends over backwards to take care of our Islanders.”
Numbers of emails and Comments sent to Point Blank citing rumors from that Ruth Buzzi sight: 17,839.
Number of times those rumors have been bogus, if not invented: 17,839.
If I have to start paying PB readers $25 a year to stop bothering me with that nonsense, I just may.
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As for pick 26, the three second-rounders and two third rounders, I’ve tried to bring some names and deductive reasoning in my previews over the last month. But I want to be honest with my readers. I will report the news of those selections, hopefully have some insight on the intriguing ones. However, if you’re looking for detailed analysis or raves or boos, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
One of the more hilarious items you’ll find in the sports business is the Winners and Losers of the Draft in the NHL and NFL. Last summer, a crew of guys on XM declared the Islanders one of the winners. The official team website, knowing there was some fallout from 5-7-9-Bailey, must have linked to the positive Islanders reviews a half-dozen times. None of it means a thing.
Pick 26, or even a move up to 20: that player is at least two full seasons from having an impact. The second-rounders: three years – if you really nail one, maybe just two for him. That’s assuming these young men ever play in the NHL. Dustin Kohn, 46th overall in 2005: working his tail off to become an everyday NHL defenseman, but not realistically close to it yet. Second round in 2003: Dmitri Chernikh, Evgeny Tunik, Jeremy “Hi Nate, I Must Be Going” Collitonersson.
You won’t see me igniting or joining the conversation about how incredibly the Islanders fared with the 37th pick in the draft.
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More than anything else, enjoy the celebration on Friday. Whether you’ll be at the Draft Party or watching anywhere else around the world, it’s going to be fun.
Comments. One more interview with a hockey icon to come. If you haven’t voted yet, our Reader Poll on the No. 1 pick continues in the next thread.
114 Responses to TAV-WOW! BUT WHAT IF IT ISN’T?
23 hours away, notes on what’s ahead
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Mike79 says:
Great read, I respect your honesty and agree with you 100%. If they screw up and do not pick Tavares, I will not be joining in the conversation on who they picked 37th.
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beatlebailey says:
looks like CB is going big time on us. We expect you to provide in depth analysis of our 56th pick CB!!
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Alex Kinkead says:
Yeah the logistics of that rumor made no sense when I read it this morning. Im glad you cleared that up.
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Tavares will be the center of a marketing campaign for Reebok that includes his own signature stick as well as a full clothing line that will be sold throughout North American starting in 2010.
This guy better be on our team.
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miket239 says:
Wow CB. I hope you can relax yourself once the Draft is over and done. You need some rest.
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isles99 says:
ill be waiting for my $25 check man, jk….anyways, this is beyond obvious. duchene was ASKED to play a 2 way game in brampton whereas tavares was not asked of such play is oshawa or london. when he was asked to play a 2 way game in the world juniors, he proved to every one why he was the best…no tavares=no lighthouse=no islanders!!!
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gazaroog says:
CB,
I am telling you it is Hedman. Do you remember Snow’s mystery trip that he wouldn’t disclose to you or Logan not too long ago? That would explain the gap in time spent with Hedman, because he actually did. Also factor in this, what I just wrote on IM:Some more food for thought:
Burke thought originally Isles would take Hedman at the top pick.
If Burke is right, that takes Snow’s leverage away for the value of the overall pick. Then all of the sudden Burke is now confused and thinks they are taking a forward. Now all of the sudden, the door opens back up in favor of Snow, because now he can trade the pick to TB who will trade to Toronto (although there is arguing back and forth within TB organization over what they should do with the pick). Garth can tell Burke, you have to give us assets and also TB assets in order to get this deal done. Snow then gets the assets from the trade AND who he wanted all the time, Victor Hedman.
NOW, remember Snow saying recently that he is not inclined to trade the pick. Well that is because Lawton has come out and said that he is going to keep the 2nd overall pick. And Burke looked defeated 2 nights ago discussing possibility of him still getting Tavares.
Factor in Snow’s comments the other day about they may not necessarily take the public opinion’s choice.
This all fits like a glove the more I think about it.
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MattNC says:
Regarding trading up from no. 26:
As far as I’m aware, there’s no NHL draft pick value chart, but here’s what the Isles’ draft picks would be worth, using the NFL chart:
1- 3000 pts
26- 700
31- 600
37- 530
56- 340
62- 284
91- 136
92- 132On the NFL chart, here are what some other picks are worth (possible Islander targets):
Huge reaches:
2- 2600
3- 2200
4- 1800
5- 1700
Other picks:10- 1300
12- 1200
15- 1050
20- 850NHL picks might be worth less as they decline as compared to NFL picks, since NFL draftees from rounds 1-5 usually go to the NFL right away (if they can show anything in training camp). But at least these numbers can be used for a rough guide.
For #1, you gotta go with the young man with the 5-year track record of performing under intense scrutiny.
LET THE TAVARES ERA BEGIN! (please!)
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Brian B says:
I still think there is no chance the Isles pick Matt Duchene. No way.
I
m pretty certain like Botta it’s going to be Tavares.However, if it is Victor Hedman…I’ll be upset cause I really want Tavares but I trust Snow and company is picking him cause they feel he is that good and is going to be that good. Then I’ll support the guy and love him.
P.S. But its will be Tavares…so who cares about the alternative.
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rob76 says:
I’m leaving for Montreal at 5am – I hope to come home a happy man – and if they do the right thing and draft JT, the first thing i will do is order my new JT jersey. COME ON GARTH DONT RUIN THIS
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Isle be Damned says:
I don’t think that drafting Hedman would be a monumental error at all. The only way the NYI can mess up this draft IMO is if they pick someone other than Tavares or Hedman.
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beaker says:
any chance Vince gets off on good behavior to announce the selection of Tavares?
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Jim says:
Hey get that picture of Vince off there, don’t you know he was arrested a little while ago.
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Big Van Vader says:
If Garth doesn’t draft JT, i implore everyone to NOT leave the coliseum. Stay.
Stay so that you can let Garth Snow know how you feel when he links up with us by satellite. A sold out, (maybe) building chanting “YOU $’D UP!” will get that message across to him. We are the paying customer. We’re supposed to get what we want.
WE WANT TAVARES!!!!!!!!!!!!
Though think about it. Logically speaking, why bother holding back telling who it is, having this draft party become potentially a huge thing, keep everyone in suspense KNOWING that 95% of your fanbase wants JT, and then you go and draft Hedman or Duchene.
I firmly believe if it was one of the other two, we would have known of it. No real reason to hold back on that one if you’re picking the UNSEXY pick. COMPLETELY anticlimatic. Does not compute.
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Matt says:
nervous. can’t wait until tomorrow night around 7:20 to find out who the newest memeber of the new york islanders is. then i think i will be able to enjoy it more.
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matt17 says:
first off CB can you let us know the amount of times people pressed that refresh button in the last 48 hours lol? second lets hope the isles draft goes better then the knicks. Third i really hope tavares is this pick i dont know how to prepare myself for this everytime i picture snow making the pick and it not being tavares i get so pissed. lastly if they dont draft tavares i wonder if they isles realize how bad it will look if we take someone other the tavares i cant imagine the live feed from the NVMC it could really kill this franchise.
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Caesar says:
I just hope they make the right pick. This team will still struggle next season and they have to consider that in making their selection.
Granted the guy they pick is going right into the NHL. Even if it was the 20th overall they’s still be popping into the NHL on this team. It needs bodies.
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b-ri says:
I dont know about anyone else, but I am excited for pick 31 as well. This pick could be a steal to get someone who may have slipped out of the first round. Its not going to be an amazing player a la JT Victor or Matt, but the islanders will have all night to figure out which guy they want to take with that pick the next day. That pick could also greatly help this team because we have all the time to figure it out and make the right pick.
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TIM says:
ahhh it will so be over 22 hours 40 some minutes i hope for JT but i also know will get a very good(ready to step in) prospect so “LETS GO ISLANDERS”
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Is it me or anyone else scared that MD is just the next Ryan Omarra (i know i spelt that wrond)
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Bryan says:
IT’S ALMOST HERE!!!!!!!!!FINALLY!!!!!!
TAKE TAVARES!!!! -
Steve says:
Thanks, Chris for giving us this online community and for all your hard work throughout. We’ll all be holding our collective breath at 7:15 tomorrow! J.T, you are our guy!
Rest in Peace Farrah and Michael…
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take a bow CB you have bin working your tail off in these last weeks prior to the draft i know i speak for a lot of faithful pointblank readers your effort is outstanding thank you very much
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Knight of Cups says:
I hope everyone at the draft tailgate and Party gets what they want. A live feed of Tavares tomorrow night in an islander jersey with the chant “J…T…J…T” thundering through uniondale. We have suffered so much. Just give us this to cheer for.
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steve says:
I think this is all a smokescreen by Snow. You can’t poll the fans to see who they like, promote this draft party to death, and have JT hang out with Weight only to have VH or MD show up at the podium. Tomorrow evening can’t come fast enough.
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dose says:
in the immortal words of jim nance at the ’86 masters:
“yes sir!” -
sorry if this is too heavy but this whole affair recalls to me the actual formation of the team. the first draft.
jim mair, 4 brians, gerry hart, spinner spencer.
this moment really is that seminal. -
Michael from T.O. says:
Bottom line in my opinion is that tomorrow night won’t say whether it is the right pick or not (no matter who it is). Time will tell if they made the right decision on their pick. It may take a few years, but that is what it will take to see if Snow and Company were right with there assessment.
I have been back and forth on Tavares and Hedman, and even now on Duchene. I think now that the will go with Hedman. I think Garth believes having a big skating defenceman that can move the puck, play the power pplay, will not only help on the defensive side, but the offensive side. I may be wrong, but we are getting closer to finding out. -
Irish Isle says:
22 Hours to Go
The Snowman will be playing with fire if he does not draft Tavares.
Here’s hoping the Isles are able to trade up for Kassain
Tavares + Kassain = Me Very Very Happy
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gerry hart, dave lewis and most of all, ed westfall, are too taken for granted.
okay. i’m done now.
i can cruise to next 7:00 pm from here. -
Hedman would be a mistake. We have puck moving defensemen in the system in Katic and Ness. We have Streit who is awesome. We have size in Sutton and Witt. Does anyone remember that Freddy Meyer guy? We also have bruno who is starting to become a better player and Martinek. Maybe some of those mentioned get traded tomorrow night if we do take victor, but i still think that we will be to heavy in the back, and have not too much to show except for KO in front
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Staten Islander says:
One thing that bothers me about JT though. I read today on one of the other blogs, think it was Puck Daddy that JT traveled around with an entourage as a 17 yo. That makes me a little uncomfortable
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Jeff in Oyster Bay says:
Enough talk and analysis already, lets do this draft. Can’t wait to be at the coliseum tomorrow night chillin with fellow Isles diehard fans, screaming and yelling.
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Jim says:
The ONLY one I don’t want is Hedman, and it’s nothing personal. This team can not score and we need either of the two offensive players. Hedman is NOT the next Brian Leetch, the next Chrios Pronger or the next Denis Potvin. We need SCORING and a number one center, we can get that with either of the other two. Hedman will be supported, but I will NOT be spending my money on a package, or jerseys, or t-shirts or tix for next year. It’ll be my form of protest. I’ll follow/root/watch this team….FROM THE COMFORT OF MY LIVING ROOM AND NOT SPEND A DIME ON THEM. Hell, I’ll upgrade my BU season tix package with the $$$ I would have spent on the Isles….
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CB – I think you be stressing my man. Chill out bro. It will be fine. 91 baby 91. Hey if I drink too much at the Coliseum, can I get a ride with you to Dugans. Just kidding…kind of.
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Blizzard says: LOL……holy crap this is fun!!!! And your blog is great CB even though you delete some of my rumors LOL!!!!! And with the first overall pick of the 2009 entry draft the NY Islanders select….from the London Knights….center John Tavares…….Tavares comes to the podium and pulls over a non velcro named retro Islanders Jersey and dons the cap!!!!!
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Rebecca(and Baby P) says:
Now just for the next 20 minutes we will be worrying if the Islanders will Draft Tavares Because you know We can’t do this All day.
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Izzy Franchise says:
gazaroog…whatever you’re smokin..I’d love some!
John Tavares all the way. game. set. match.
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Ben says:
The Islanders will be considered winners IF they pick JT and are a little gutsy further down.
I can see it being announced: ” and the New York Islanders are the big winners in this years draft, after placing last this past season they earned the #1 draft pick and used it to pick highly touted, #1 ranked John Tavares. In addition, the Islanders made a bold move and cashed in their #26 and #37 picks to move up to # ** to pick *********** with a huge upside and who will fit well within the Islanders organization and Scott Gordon’s system. Also, selecting a slew of talent with their remaining picks, the Islanders have effectively replenished some areas of concern within their system. Now it is up to Scottie Gordon to take this group of talented youngsters and mold them into a contending team.”
Sounds good to me!
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Joe says:
Make us proud Garth!
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KO21 says:
…and if you call within the next 20 minutes we will throw in a 20th pick with Taveras, you know we can’t do this all day”!
“Tav-Wow- Scores 100 everytime”!!!
Love the Photo shop, lol…
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This decision will be long lasting on Garth Snow’s GM career. Remember, years from now…he might be a GM of another team, or might not ever be hired again. The pressure is on Garth. Don’t look to deep into your decision. Make your pick based on probabilities…Tavares’ stats speak for themselves.
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AveryinPanties says:
#34 I was a bit suprised with the 17 person entouage story. But come on he is a good kid. A hockey player. He ain’t a rapper. There has been no mention about him having any kind of negative attitude or this hype going to his head.
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James says:
If Vince from ShamWow(!) announced the pick, I’d be sold no matter who it is. But only if he threw in a second pick if I called within the next twenty minutes. We can’t do this all day you know.
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Martin the french Canadian says:
I can’t wait anymore. I have to stop right now to read my favorite bloger CB and every others sites ang blog who talkes about the draft.
Uh, by the way Chris, what is the final result of the last poll ? -
Tom B says:
I’m gonna have a stroke!!!!! JT baby
OR ELSE SNOW!!!!!!Don’t make THIS your defining moment as GM in a BAD WAY!!!!
PICK DOOR #1 ; )
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tavares garth and you will be a hero for taking the guy you should of………………..well played
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
Great touch with the Sham Wow guy … LOL!!
It’s like Christmas Eve … I hope Santa Snow gives us what we want for Christmas.
CB- I love the touch with getting Tavares to NVMC by the end of the first round … I was going to suggest in another thread that Snowangkowski should Jet JT to NVMC 2 hours before the draft… and when he’s announced …. Bossy and Trotts are on the stage and bring out JT to the roar of the crowd where Boss hands him a jersey … and Trotts his draft 2009 hat.
Ahhhh … can’t wait till tomorrow.
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orngfan says:
JOHN TAVARES IS LESS THAN 24 HOURS AWAY FROM BECOMING REALITY. if we dont draft him, then i’d like wang to just put us out of our misery.
its like an abusive relationship you can’t get out of with this team. just take tavares and we’re good!
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Mike L says:
I love the stuff that comes out with Tavares. He had an entourage. Now I definitely dont want him. Forget the fact he wouldn’t throw out the first pitch of a Blue Jays game cuz his team couldn’t share the glory with him, these other stories really show character issues. Is the media just trying to throw everything they got at Snow just to try to persuade him. Garth has the earplugs him. Less than 24 hours from now, JT IS OURS
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CB – I keep seeing fan posts and even some pundints who mention how a player will fit in Gordon’s system … Do you think Garth really plans like that for players who might not see NHL for 3 – 4 years? Gordon might be gone in a year or two based on NHL coach job security … Average less than 3 years for a typical NHL coach with the same team.
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coral springs isle fan says:
CB: Do the posts on this blog represent the minority or the majority? I checked back maybe 15 time throughout the course of the day and I know you had an incredible 400 + posts in comments on your one post earlier in the day. Terrific results as we all respect your work and God only knows how many hits you receive in a day? But realistically; if Tavares is NOT taken, is that a true representation of the entire fan base? I want Tavares more then the next guy/gal but the other two are not bad choices either. Bottom line…what do your numbers represent? In other networks such as NHL Network on XM the fans sounded a bit more tolerant than what I read in posts. What is your take? If you have the next Lidstrom…should you cry and sulk? If you have the next Trottier or Datsyuk or Zetterburg; should Isle fans sulk? If we get the next Bossey with Tavares; I would be the first one to jump for joy but is the alternative all that bad? It seems as if the fan base is salivating for something that is exciting and we all are riding the coat tails of JT at this point in time. However Hedman & Duchene are good kids too and I think if Garth were to pick either one we could all grow to love them. It may not be love at first site like JT, but if their as good as advertised then we will love them just as much. Hedman & Duchene are really good kids following a dream and it would really be an embarassment if we did not embrace them. Lets all be Isle fans and be respected. Logan had a great post about Hedman and he knows he has something to prove to Isle fans and he is willing to earn our trust. Great kid!!!
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Battfist says:
Try my nuts…
Tavares will be an Islander!!!
PTMMS is setting in again.
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hextall72 says:
Is getting stomach cramps..
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memo to garth: ignore the bad media attention coming tavares’ way, its just canada wants to keep tavares in canada….tomarrow is a defining moment for this franchise…one way or the other
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Mikey says:
I remember the last time everyone was so excited for the draft. We traded the number two pick and Chara for Alexei Yashin. I remember a lot of people at the draft party were very, very happy. We finally got our goal scorer! “We need goals and fannies in the seats,” the fans said. “We need to be credible again,” Mike Milbury exclaimed. I guess the fans always know best. Contrary to CB’s words over the past two months and again in this post, this is far from an obvious decision. Both Hedman and Tavares have franchise potential. I really feel bad for any fan stupid enough to boo a Hedman selection. It would be disgraceful.
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rb says:
I agree with you, CB, and “Brooksie” (I hate that) that if Isles don’t take JT now after letting this build it could have a crushing effect on either of the other 2 kids…I read Duchene’s interview with Logan and the kid said he’s read the blogs (probably this one too) and basically knows no one wants him…that’d be really unfair to the kid
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Long Suffering says:
Can’t wait. Start of a new era. Must be JT! If not, good luck in KC.
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Strummer's Army says:
last year Snow tried to deal up with Burke twice. I saw this on NHL All Access. Burke was mic’ed. They put what team was on the phone with him and both times he got off and said Snowy offered….once was picks 36 and 60. Burke had two first rounders and Snow tried twice with him to get one of them.
So this year Burke’s having to call Snow.
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#45 – Well played. You totally beat me to the punch.
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BK from the Shore says:
NHL.com: Are you excited that over 18,000 people are going to pack Nassau Coliseum hoping to hear your name called first?
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.
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Anthony M says:
It will be either Tavares or Hedman. Both will be immediate impact players. If they pick Duchene there going to move. He is the next Ryan O’Marra. Top prospect at the junior level but terrible at the big time. 1 goal in 68 games for Springfield in the AHL. According to Brian Burke and TSN, he thinks the Islanders are drafting Duchene. After watching the TSN interview with Garth Snow he looks disappointed when they asked him about Tavares. So this gives me an indication that he’s not drafted JT. I like Hedman though. Duchene is not going to be an impact player for this team. Maybe in like 5 to 10 seasons he will but not immediate.
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Paul23 says:
If Snow had said after the lottery that Tavares was their choice, they might have sold a few hundred season tickets and the coliseum would be half full, etc. By Snow saying it tomorrow night, they will sell thousands of season tickets, jerseys, etc. and the coliseum will be packed. As aggravating as this has been for Isles fans, from a business standpoint Snow has done the right thing by keeping it a secret that they are picking Tavares.
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anthony c says:
#61 mikey, at the time it was a good trade. I liked it, and yashin had just come off a 40 goal 88 point season. Only thing I didn’t like about the trade was chara being dealt at the time. And the peca trade the one thing I was upset about was connoly being in it, but they were smart moves at the time, and the peca trade was the best one, sadly peca never was the same player again after the tucker hit. I wouldn’t boo hedman, but for a guy of his size to have gotten man handled by guys smaller then him physicaly and also blames his teammates a lot sets off a major red light that show immaturity, and lack of responsibility. Tavares is matured byond his years, and handles the media exceptionally well for someone who is going to be 19 in september. And that photshopped pic is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Steve great job on it man. And CB you have done excellent work keeping us informed with everything for the last 2 months.
TAVARES OR BUST!!!
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To Garth Snow: Like other on this blog, I’ve recently read that TSN has “heard” you will pick Hedman…MY GOD — DO NOT BE SUCH A GD FOOL. THIS DRAFT IS NOT ABOUT HOW SMART YOU THINK YOU ARE! TAVARES IS THE NO BRAINER PICK! — IN CASE YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY, READ THE CAMERON QOUTES or THE COMMENTS ON THE PRIOR THREAD FROM US “NOVICE” FANS. DO NOT SCREW THIS UP. (CB — sorry for the caps, won’t happen again but these are desperate times)
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And if Tavares is announce as our guy tomorrow night, then this will be the best PR the isles will have gotten in so many years. NHL TV has been playing all the classica isles stanley cup games and the miracle of 93. This is a lot of publicity. And with Tavares being selected it will only cap it all off as sheer perfection
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Justin says:
I’m prepared for it to be Hedman. JT would just be a plesant surprise. That’s my line of thinking. A power play with Hedman and Streit would be sweet, but then I see Park and Hunter up front (after Okposo) and I want to cry.
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Nervous says:
i am so nervous.. please.. please.. please.. please garth take Tavares. .. Please
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bill k says:
new islanders hat $25 , new 3rd jersey w/ TAVARES 91 stitched on $200 , my season ticket package $1050 , finally getting what WE want and deserve PRICELESS. how much of the above i will spend w/o JT $000
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Last chance says:
I wonder how they’ll blow it.
Let’s hope we don’t get a snow job. -
Danny says:
Bill K….you hit the nail on the head. Im in the same exact boat as you. Also, great job CB with everything involving the draft.
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doc says:
It’s getting silly.
With all the rumors flying around… it’s hard to think straight… but I can’t imagine that the pick will be anyone other than Tavares. It makes too much sense. I guess that’s why it scares me.
MAKE IT TAVARES!!!
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bill k. exactly right. ZERO of my $$$ unless I get to buy a Tavares Jersey with an ISlander logo on the front.
TIck tick tick ITs’ 1:00AM 18 hours till kick-off..
GAME ON! JT all the way!!!! -
Here is the other side of it as well…
I live in NJ. I have a 6 year old son who right now a Devils fan. I have started him down that path as a DEvils fan because I saw no future for him as an Islanders fan. (until now) HE likes the ISlanders becasue I do. It would be very easy for me to pursuade him to switch teams with drafting Tavares. NO WAY will I do that if we don’t. Why would I do that to him so he can endure this crap.JT!!!!
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KeithM says:
If they do pick Tavares and thats a big IF it just shows the incompetence that has been excersised throughout this franchise over the past decade. Why wouldn’t they welcome the obvious top prospect with open arms and bells on? Im very nervous for the draft and the outcome, I really dont hold much faith in Garth Snow at all and almost every fan I know feels the same way. I hope garth makes the right move but even if he does he still looks like a FOOL.
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Pez says:
holy crap i cant sleep
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i have a queasy feeling in my stomach that tavares won’t be picked. i really hope im wrong.
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Obs says:
I’ll see ya at the nvmc. Tavares!!!
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kreatiiv says:
after reading about the deal tavares just signed with reebok the isles would be stupid not to take him…. his name is going to be on hockey sticks in every sports store in north america, with his own clothing line… this is the kind of star power that this team needs desperately… reebok thinks the kid is good enough to add to next to ovechkins name on their roster….. if the isles dont think he is good enough to play for us or there is someone better, then this team will never go anywhere.
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Andy Badger says:
Didn’t read the rest so sorry if I’m re-posting, but Patrice Bergeron jumped straight from the second round of the draft to the NHL. It’s not impossible that our second first rounder can make the jump, at least next year. Schroeder might slip and McGuire has labeled him one of the 10 most NHL ready. Obviously kids in the back end of the first round aren’t as ready as their more talented collegues in front of them, but it’s also because of the direction their team has taken they don’t get a chance. If your picking late it means you’re probably contending for the Stanley Cup, or at least the play-offs. As an example, Bailey was picked ninth ahead of Hodgson at 10. Do you think he’s more NHL ready just because of that? No, Hodgson was probably just as ready, but not quite as ready as Mats Sundin.
I agree that the top pick tonight is the only one guaranteed on the roster this fall, but if Snow moves up I think at least Bridgeport will get a new player next fall. That is unless they go for a project like Leblanc. -
Andrew in NJ says:
“He’s made in Canada. You know the Canadians always make good stuff.”
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Any chance the Isles can get 2 of the top 3 prospects? Wait, what am I saying!! Just draft Tavares and lets move up and grab Landon Ferraro. He’s fast
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islanders1984 says:
The pick will be Duchene, look at wht he said
For me, the most important thing is to give back, whether it’s to kids, to charities or whatever.
This is exactly what Snow said he was looking for the other day, a guy who wants to be involved in the community.
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thepolishprince says:
All reposts show that Tavares is a community and charity oriented guy as well so I doubt that’s the scale tipper for Snow.
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Just under 12 hours to go, hope my boss doesnt expect me to be productive today.
The pick will be Tavares, follow the money
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gary says:
D-Day! Doing a great job Chris! Love the site
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Alex says:
Today is finally here! TAVARES!!!!
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JTorBust says:
Bravo Garth. I feel like I just watched the end of Usual Suspects. After a few months praying we would make the right move it dawned on me that there is no way in the world there would be a draft party if they weren’t. By playing 3 card monty,they created a huge buzz which would have not been there if they announced the pick months ago. There would be no sold out draft party, no demonstration to Kate Murray & hockey world that this is a hockey market, Well played Garth and welcome to the Isle family JT, I am sure the scene at NVMC will give you chills tonight-
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Shane from Nova Scotia says:
As the world remembers Michael Jackson, I say, take the “Thriller”. John Tavares.
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Brian in VA says:
Chris-
You are the best! Heard the last 90 seconds of your interview. Making sure everybody is safe and even paying for Cabs is an outstanding gesture. If I didn’t live outside of DC I’d be there no matter what prospect we draft. Your a good person. Everybody enjoy the draft. I will be @ the gym when the Isles make their selection and I doubt Golds will have that televised. -
My son and I are 2 big and loyal fans of
the islanders from germany.Tomorrow at
1.a.m. we will stand up, and watch the
NHL draft. Everything else as no.1 pick
othe rthan Tavares would be a major
disapointment.Hedman wouln´t be bad, but
our organisation needs Tavares much more
then everytrhing else. On the free-agent
market there are a couple of solid , maybe
even good d-men. Get 1 there if we really
need on. Tavares would be the best thing
to the island in a long long time.
Please garth make the right move -
UIF says:
Well, I had a whole long-winded comment planned about the draft, but instead I think I’ll just tip my hat to Andrew in NJ (86) for best comment in this thread!
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kevin fitz says:
This is it, don’t get scared now…
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islestherapy says:
anyone else nauseous this morning?
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nystrom23 says:
I couldnt sleep last nite…PS CB good stuff this morning on XM
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Harold C says:
Is there any replay/podcast of the XM content available anywhere on the web?
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NYI Pole says:
number 99, lets just say i needed pepto
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paul says:
OK we know we’re taking Tavares, but with the oodles of other picks the Islanders have, they have to draft Mike Cichy with one of those picks. Cichy had a great year in the USHL and is headed to North Dakota next year. And we all know the talent the Sioux can produce (cough*Parise*cough).
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felix says:
so it says on the isles website that the TSN national feed will cut to the draft party at the coliseum after the first pick is announced. I can only imagine what will happen with the teign of boos if JT is not picked, that and the love the draftee will feel. I really hope they are not that stupid not to pick JT.
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Could this day go any slower?
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paulyg says:
All i can say right now is ARRGGGHHHH…..
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My #3 post on this thread…
Vince: If you draft Tavares #1 … and trade up to the middle of the 1st Round … I’ll throw in a sham-wow and slam chopper for free … all you have to pay for is shipping and handling.
*
OK .. nervous humor aside …
Tavares has to be the man … Garth isn’t that thick … his job and the long term health of the franchise is at stake … they can’t afford to wait for Hedman to get his North American legs … Do you realize the adjustment of having less lateral space on the ice it is for a defender? Duchene himself assumes he’s heading back to Juniors this fall …IF Garth drafts someone other than JT … I’ll protest with my wallet … but I’ll give the draftee a polite applause because he deserves it … it’s HIS night too. Don’t ruin it for him.
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IslanderLifer says:
I figured it out… If CB is correct, and the choice is between JT & MD (VH being a 1% dark horse) the decision involves so much research and data from scouts, coaches, family, friends, team-mates, games, tournaments, combines, & the nanny who did the first diaper change… You get the Idea….
At some point, it comes down to “ONE” thing, a make-or-break situation, where the determining factor comes to light, and the die is cast… I believe that happened during their stay on L.I. with the Snow family. Yet that still doesn’t narrow it down enough. In my “humble” opinion that make-or-break event occurred during the Golf outing… Alone on the course, the boys could relax, let their guard down, & let the GM see the real Kid inside.
I Imagine it played out something like this….
Wow, Johnny, what a round. You spot me two strokes a side & still manage to come out on top, on my own home course too. I guess those great hands & scoring touch translate pretty well to the links. What “they” say about you is true, you really are a WINNER. (On The Outside)….(On The Inside) I can’t believe this snotty little S.O.B. spanked me on my own course. He should’ve spotted me 3 strokes a side… Hope you enjoy Tampa or Colorado you little prick.
Hey Matt, nice round today. You almost had me out there, if it hadn’t been for 3-putting 17 & 18, you would have won. Don’t feel bad, these greens can be brutal. (On The Outside)
(On The Inside) Man this Kid is a real class act. He already knows not to embarrass his boss in public… I’ll bet he gives a damn good interview too. Matty My Boy, Welcome to the Islander Family…
-OR-
Maybe they both had a great round with the GM….
(On The Inside) I’ll bet that Swedish Kid is Too Damn Tall to putt well, maybe I’ll have a good shot at beating him…
As this is all speculation & conjecture on my part, maybe Chris can use his contacts and investigative skills to get a hold of the “score-cards” from the aforementioned rounds.
Then again, Who Cares “How” the Decision was Reached.
With the first selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft… The New York Islanders Select…. Good Luck To Us All…. -
Healy says:
Call me dramatic or whatever but I am bracing for impact tonight. I’ve just suffered too much heart ache with this team and this choice seems too obvious. JT’s accomplishments already are well ahead of Duchene and Hedmen. This guy was a star since he was 15 and has the numbers to back it. He represents hope for this franchise. We happened to win the lottery and he fell into our laps. ITS TOO EASY! The Islanders always zig when everyone else would zag. Tonight will prove that…preparing for heart break.
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As the day goes on I am becoming less and less confident that they will make the right pick by drafting JT. This organization does NOTHING easy. Everything has to be dramatic and heart wrenching for the fans. After 20 years of SUCKING, the team owes the fans. No matter who they pick tonight I will be mad with how it was handled. Once again, the fans who have been through hell with this team but stayed with them get screwed. We have had to go through 2 months of agonizing for no reason at all. Snow admitted he’s known all along who they were going to take. But still he has to play this game with the fans, who pay his salary. Who cares who they pick? They will find a way to mess things up with the player because it’s the New York Clippers, I mean Islanders.
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On Edge says:
Gonna pick Duchene. Mark my words. More I read about him and hear about stuff, the more I think that’s where Garth is going.
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Islander86 says:
The question is not “whom Islanders will draft” but “how will they use the pick”.
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Marc says:
If Tampa is going in with the mindset of “Hedman or bust” at #2, is it possible for the Isles to tell Tampa they’re taking Hedman at #1 and work out a trade with Tampa for the #2 pick starting with some picks from this draft AND next year’s first rounder? Obviously don’t want to move next year’s first rounder but if doing so results in Tavares AND Hedman tonight, is it worth it? Unlikely perhaps, but possible?
I simply can’t take much more of this – I was hoping for some action tonight – something – tomorrow will be OH SO HARD.