WELCOME TO NEW YORK, JOHN TAVARES
Goal scorer selected first overall by the NYI
And the Coliseum crowd of 10,000 erupts like it hasn’t since the Toronto series.
By not saying for two months what they would do with the No. 1 pick, the Islanders were telling you all along.
Make no mistake, the selling of John Tavares begins tonight. (Updated 7:30 pm - NYI saying that if you buy a season ticket tonight, you’ll meet Tavares next week). Expect at least one mega sales event next week, along with a media tour. They won’t put JT on billboards, but the Islanders have two and a half months before camp to make “Seen Stamkos?” look like the publicity for a school play. And they will. Just watch ‘em.
This is a great kid and a potentially great NHL player. He will serve the Islanders and their fans well.
Now on to finding a dozen more players over the next year for the rebuild. The Islanders kept this a secret for a few weeks. For their next trick, they will attempt to assemble a team that can win a playoff round and then reach that consistent contender goal.
With Tavares, they are a lot closer. The celebration in Islanders Country begins.
("Hey JT, can you believe they thought me or Vic were goin' first"?)
Comments.
219 Responses to WELCOME TO NEW YORK, JOHN TAVARES
Goal scorer selected first overall by the NYI
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drp79 says:
AMEN!!!!!!
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Isle_in_LA says:
Wooh hoo!!!!
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EdTurner says:
Niceeeeeeeeeeee
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My heart is pounding out of my chest…
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good move Garth (LOL)
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bergie20 says:
ladies and gentleman, we have hope. wow, was logan off. welcome to the new york islanders john tavares!!!!!
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Frei says:
I’m in tears, literally!
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Ajax says:
YEAHHHHHH
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potvin05 says:
I’m relieved. We finally do the right thing!!!
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volmeeezy says:
thank godddddddd
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Ron says:
Avalanche can go pound sand – nice try with the misinformation!
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tond24 says:
were back baby…
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Jeff says:
wow. cb you are the man!!!
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jon from nj says:
Thank god.
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Chizzler says:
THANKS GARTH!!
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WarrenG says:
I still nearly had a heart attack. ISLANDERS are now a team to watch per one of the speakers on VS!!!
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The PolishPrince says:
WoooooHoooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!
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MikeD says:
We’re Back Baby!!!!!
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german islesfan says:
yeahh what a wonderfull night in germany
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Robert Corsarie says:
Congrats to the Islanders!!! Great reporting by Point Blank!
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Jon Mac says:
THANK GOD!
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anthony c says:
OH HELL YEAH!!!
On this day June 26th 2009 Will Be Known As The Rebirth Of The New York Islanders, And My Faith In This Team. LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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The Ice Man says:
I am relieved, but now the hard part begins for young Mr. Tavares. He needs to come close to living up to the hype. If he does, the Isles are clearly moving in the right direction. Hopefully keeping the pick as closely guarded a secret as Snowy did will enable him to pull off another major move with the pick at 26 (likely via a trade to move up in the draft). Way to go Isles!!!
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Marc says:
Only if I had a video camera running when I scared the crap out of my almost two-year old daughter when I screamed in delight upon the selection of JT. She cried at first but was clapping when I told her everything’s wonderful in Islanderland Thank you Garth!
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The Losers says:
YEEAAHHH!!!! TAVARES!!!!!
THIS FEELS LIKE A STANLEY CUP!!!! (Since I wasn’t alive for any)
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Word says:
Sweet relief!!! Couldn’t be happier’
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BR says:
Is it just me, or do JT and GS seem to have very similar, lower-key personalities?
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TavaresDaBust says:
He will be the ALL TIME BUST!!!
Idiotic move -
gary9-19-22 says:
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Swam says:
Great job through the lead-up to the draft, C.B.
And you called it!
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Jay says:
ahhhh sigh of relief
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phishstyx says:
Thank you a pure goal score!!!!!
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alex says:
CB U R THE MAN! U NEVER LOST FAITH MAN!!!
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Of course……Botta right the whole time. Great job! Refused to bow to thew Duchene pressure.
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wow the flyers just gave up a ton for pronger. great reporting chris! you’re the man. for the first time in a long time, we have hope. we’re back in business. it’s going to be a ton of fun to watch jt play for us. even pierre mcguire had to compliment us. now on to pick 26.
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frank nyc says:
Hollelujahhhhhh!
That was tough…
Welcome JT! -
Pablo says:
Said it earlier, thank god we got Tavares!
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coral springs isle fan says:
Burke just crapped his undies. Sellout guaranteed for the first home game against Toronto. I’ll be there no matter how much it costs. I am so pumped!!!!!!!!!! A big shout out to all of Islanders nation!!!
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FIsles says:
Great drama. A thing of beauty. What a day. Woohah! Tampa and Colorado get their great prospects too. Good luck, Vic and Matt. Welcome, John.
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Ice Man – Excellent comment and agreed absolutely.
I wonder how many ticket packages the team will sell tonight??
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Ketch says:
WOOOOOOO!!!!! We got it right this time…Chris, you’re a genius! What are the lottery numbers for the North Carolina (where I am) lotto?
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Ryan says:
welcome to long island john
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Rex says:
WHEW!
He looked good in those colors, exciting stuff
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TuxTax says:
Duchene just did a little fist pump and mouthed YES guess he wanted to go to the Avs!
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Jim says:
Other than the Josh Bailey debacle, has CB ever made a wrong prediction?
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Sally Williams says:
Lovin this pick! Thanks Garth and welcome to John Tavares!!!!!!!
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Daniel says:
YES!!! what an amazing feeling! I literally jumped out of my couch with my arms raised. Thank you Garth and co. And Botta, good call!
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Isles fan Ken says:
Yes!!!! Thank you Garth! Welcome JT!!! Let’s Go Islanders!!!!!
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THS says:
THANK GOD! Logan has some explaining to do – I really bought it and was DOWN, but Garth has come through with the logical pick.
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Craig says:
thank the hockey gods.
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PNut says:
and lots of people were fooled that we were taking Duschene!
Lets Go Ta-var-es
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hello from germany. garth did the right
thing. yes. we now have a bright future.
get 1 more goo d-men, and we will make the
ply-offs in 2009/2010 -
Paul23 says:
Way to go CB. I was with you all the way on this one. Now, go rub it in Logans face.
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gary says:
thats the biggest headfake by an isles GM in many many years–Garth starts out very good–Now impress me by trading down for another pick in the 10-17 range, if its warranted–Tavares seems very VERY mellow–Want to see some fire
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Al S. says:
One of the best days in Islander history, well done.
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Drank a bottle of wine within an hour, scared the crap of my almost two-year old daughter by screaming in delight, dealing with pregnant wife… and got John Tavares… PRICELESS!
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Isles fan in Scotland says:
Well done JT, Garth and all at the Islanders and well done to CB – you stuck to your guns especially in the final hours when the rumours were flying. You have cemented yourself as THE authority on all things Islanders!
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can we get duschene now? lol
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Quagmire says:
Awesome – congrats to JT and welcome to NY! Very much looking forward to seeing him play. JT and KO – someone smarter than me with have to figure out a good nickname for whatever line they end up on.
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Andrew in NJ says:
Garth is a GENIUS lol!!!!!
YES I AM SOOOO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!
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Does anyone have the link to the draft party (ITV)?? I can’t find it.
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ItsGoodToBeRich says:
Finally!
Now I’m not so mad about last year’s draft. We now have something to be real excited about.
Great Job Garth!
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Ann Aquarian says:
Thank you, Garth!
Good call, CB.
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max says:
YEAH WE FINALLY HAVE A GM THAT GETS IT
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isles 14 says:
is it time for training camp yet?
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isles3113 says:
WHAT A RELIEF!!!! i knew garth had it in him
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jisles says:
I think we can honestly say that this has been the best draft ever. garth and the isles finally did soemthing right. I am glowing right now. i am picturing tavares and bailey and ko wreaking havoc on opposing d and goalies. this is going to be a team that no body wants to play. if ricky can get his gamee back throw in streit on d and neilson as our two way center add a couple of more pieces and we finally have a team that can contend. I didnt think I would be saying that today. I am very emotional. with all the bs that has gone on for this franchise today is the day I believe they turned the corner and finally made the right decision. I dont expect tavares to be crosby or ovechkin but I do expect him to develop into a top 10 forward in the league and that I will take in a heart beat.
lets go islanders
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WE R THE CHAMPIONS!!!!
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BK from the Shore says:
I am proud of the Blue and Orange again… welcome JT!!!
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Fearthewrecker says:
I admit I wanted Duchene but now it is time to buy a tavares jersey
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Billy says:
Funny how the franchise and the first pick were left to the last second. They coincide together to give us Islander fans HOPE AGAIN. HOPE FLOATS!!!!!
Welcome to Long Island JT!! You are gonna love Fire Island!
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isles99 says:
the revititalization of this beleaguered organization begins!!
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Strummer's Army says:
WHOOOOO HOOOOOOO!
Everyone exhale now! They did the right thing!
OK, now that Philly picked up one of the meanest and dirtiest players in the NHL in Pronger (way overpaid) & psycho (I’ll beat up my own trainer during the game)Ray Emery in addition to all their other toughies the Isles better do a heck of a lot to toughen up and protect Tavares, Okposo, Nielsen, Bailey (and the smurfy defense).
Next pick Zach Kassian!
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doug says:
Listen to this…my wife makes dinner early,my son and I go into the den and watch the draft…when Bettman takes the stage with the Canadiens…my power goes out…the first thing I say is that they’re taking Duchene…
Luckily, my power comes on when the Islanders management are walking to the podium…a great day for Islanders fans…finally…
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did burke just say lavalier to possibly the islanders?????
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Vinny To The Isles??????
Info Please!
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Whoa – Brian Burke just said he heard Vinny Lecaviler is either going to Montreal or the Isles? WHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
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JZimm says:
We love you, Garth!!! You just made up for 9 years of absolute disappointment!!!
Getting my jersey. We love you.
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corey says: YESS! im so pumped now for this season haha
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Jim says:
The right pick I believe. New excitement. Not the savior but one of the cornerstones. It should be fun again to watch the deveolpment
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vigs says:
Gotta give Garth credit, he knows how to keep people on the edge of their seats and drum up attention for the Isles. Good job Garth, now go get us a defenseman, a power forward, a goalie…
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UIF says:
The announcers showed part of why this made so much sense. When was the last time anyone in the hockey world said “Great job, Long Island” with a straight face?
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Oh snap I just remembered that if the isles took tavares I would get an islanders tattoo. Looks like I’m getting some ink done very soon wooooo.
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Miket says:
what was burke talking about? CB any info?
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And garth, I respect you now. And if I ever cross path’s with you, I’d like to buy a beer.
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KO21 says:
This is a wonderful day to be an Islander…Its been a LONG TIME coming…
Congrats to John Taveras and welcome to the Isles an most of all, CONGRATS to all my FELLOW ISLES FANS, I’m elated…
Thank You Garth!!!!
Lets Go Islanders
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derek says:
god bless you Garth!…i love you in a manly way…what a guy! lets go islanders!
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Isle be Damned says:
THANK YOU GARTH & RYAN.
Welcome to Long Island John Tavares.
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Hud says:
59, too funny, the wine went down too easy, then, the Isles picked, and, I did not need anymore wine. The Flyers gave up a ton for Pronger, another Flyer to dislike! Go Isles from San Diego(please send the Isles to southern cal next year, it’s been too long)
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My money is on the Canadiens getting Vinny, which is fine with me! We would have to trade our 26th pick for him. Congratulations JT, you have a pssionate fan base that looks forward to your success!!
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I have a feeling Logan only wanted to stir the pot and he really didn’t believe what he was saying…
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RichM says:
Anything on the Lecavaliar to the Islanders rumors? You heard Burke talk to Gainey about it on T V.
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islesbl says:
I would give the 26th pick in heart beat for Vinny !!!! Still agree, he’s going to the Habs….
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Numbers65 Dynasty Era Fan in OHIO! says:
YES! In OHIO, my neighbors must be wondering why I am screaming! YES!
ISLANDER fans (at least 90%) breathed a collective sigh of relief after screaming for JOY!!! YES! JT already knew what to say(- excited for rebuild and new arena), so did Garth(-said ! A beautiful Islander moment- FINALLY!!! Garth looks like a genius now. Great move! Now I can’t wait till next year. Suddenly it feels good to be an Isles fan again! LET’S GO ISLANDERS! -
Paul says:
Now the Turn Around begins!
It has been a long time coming
Congrats my fellow Islanders Fans! -
Ed J says:
Woot~!!!!!
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Tavares #1 says:
#57….he shows it on the ice. Where it counts.
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Garth said he is a special talent and person and they did not consider anyone else! LET’S GO ISLANDERS!
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McGuire: “Now, The Islanders become a team you want to watch.”
I’ve been dying for a player like this, literally, for years, for exactly this reason.
Nice job cb, first, for being right (not that it was mystic fortunetelling, really), but even more for not backing off at the last minute, when it looked like all might be lost.
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Eady on the Lecavalier rumors. Its coming from the same guy (Burke) who about 2 hours ago said we were picking Duchene – in his dreams.
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steve says:
all of Canada hates us now. gotta love it.
Lets go islanders. -
You ain’t getting Vinny for the #26. Maybe the #26, next year’s #1 and one of our d-men other than Streit….and even that is probably a pipedream.
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MickeyBoy7 says:
The Milburied days are finally over!!!
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19404ever says:
YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!JOHN-TAV-RAES, JT JT JT JT JT JT JT JT JT!
I’m 45 going on 18,gonna head over to the watering hole after this, as I type from my laptop. Get dem cold brews and wings ready! Well worth the trip from South Florida, Thanks Garth and ALL involved, now, let’s get the LHP underway and this year, and the next may years, Islander hockey will be one tough ticket! Sign me up for a 20 game pack right now! AND, most important, lets keep those stinkin Rags fans out of OUR building!!!! RANGERS STILL AND WILL SUCKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!
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nystrom23 says:
Cb ur the mannn…and I’m gettin tix tonite
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Neil says:
It’s getting dusty in here…
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JKP in Halifax says:
Botta: 1
Dreger, McKenzie, Logan: 0Good work on sticking with JT, Chris. You schooled the pro’s on this one.
And thanks for helping us all through this the last couple months!!!
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Ray since 1974 says:
MickeyBoy7 you are so right… this is the cleansing of the Milbury fiasco!
A new start with JT!
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Bryan says:
Haha I did a shot when the announcers on versus mentioned the jets fans booing the ken o’brien over dan marino combined with the duchene reports. I thought it was a bad omen especially when I looked out the window and noticed the storm clouds were gathering over long island.
I did another shot after they drafted JT, but this one was SO much happier. If tavares busts he bus -
Another thought… When we wake up tomorrow, John Tavares will be the Franchise, and (for the better imho) Rick DiPietro will not.
To me, this means the Milbury era has officially past, its demons exorcised after a seeming eternity.
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john says:
Didn’t realize how much duchene wanted to go to colorado. I think Tavares is looking to be in the spotlight and wants to be the one they say turned the isles around. I think he is gonna be an animal, and I think he wanted to go to the isles cause its gonna show he has climbed the tallest mountains to be the best. I am so stoked about this, and can’t wait to go to games next year.
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- if tavares busts, all of the hockey world busted also when talking about him, I can live with that
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slsangus says: Two greatest statements in history:
1. “We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France,
we shall fight on the seas and oceans,
we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be,
we shall fight on the beaches,
we shall fight on the landing grounds,
we shall fight in the fields and in the streets,
we shall fight in the hills;
we shall never surrender.” – Winston Churchill, June 4, 19402. “The New York Islanders select John Tavares” – Garth Snow, June 26, 2009.
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Priest says:
Welcome to the Island JT. I think I’ll get one of those jerseys this winter and maybe make a roadie down to see him & the rest of the team.
Did Burke actually say it was Vinny he was referring too? I just got a teitter update from Darren Dreger that says “Toronto expecting Bouwmeester to get traded tonight”
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IsleofNJ says:
Was it my imagination or did Garth sound nervous reading off that pick?
When I heard his voice shaking, I thought we were screwed.
Amen on the RIGHT CHOICE !!!! -
Brian B says:
Hey CB….take a bow man…not because you were right…but because through all of this you were consistent, and you never believed any of the nonsense coming out. I felt JT was the guy all along…big part of it was because of the confidence you had in the pick…Long live Chris Botta.
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We get the 16 pick from Columbus!
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ISLES MOVE UP TO #16
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cbj and isles trade.
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db says:
islanders move to #16
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Almost forgot!
Mr. John Tavares, welcome to the New York Islanders! The building may be old, BUT, you will get a first hand impression on what it feels like to play behind 16,234 at the Coliseum, I and all in Islander’s country and all Islander fans wish you the best and many years of health and productivity! Now, LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!
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Jason says:
woah….No. 16 pick!
Here comes Landon Ferraro.
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Isles 16th pick now!
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Adam says:
16th pick….
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AM says:
16th..wooo
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we just swapped picks with columbus to go to 16
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Wow Islanders get 16th pick??!!
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Alex says:
SNOW GOT THE 16TH PICK!
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MACCH says:
Islanders trade with Columbus!!!!!! 26 to 16
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James says:
who did we give up to get 16th?
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we get #16 KASSS
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Justin says:
Would Kassian be there at 16?
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goisles01 says:
I was listening to the draft coverage on NHL.com when they broke in with an update that New York was reporting that the Isles were taking Duchene and there was a substantial package turned down in a trade proposal. I quickly turned to the Isles draft party to see the reaction of the fans. I saw Billy Jaffe reach for his cell clearly getting that message and I thought I was about to witness chaos. When Garth announced Tavares name I screamed in joy and had tears coming out of my eyes. Congratulations to the organization and the fans and a special congratulations to Garth Snow for keeping the cards so close to his chest and providing such drama to this event even to the last millisecond. My joy cant be contained!!!!
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Isles give up 26, 37, 62, & 92
Isles get 16 & 77 -
lol
Isles get 16th and 77th
give up the 26th, 37th, 61st and 92nd
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MJS says:
high priced move, but i guess not unexpected
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I love it! Awesome!!!
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hmm interesting
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Walygz says:
Isles moved up to 16 !!!! Cost of 26, 37, 67 and 92. Also received the 62nd pick as well……
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OMG 16 is going to end up being Kassian!!!
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or…they take the No. 16 and another second rounder and move up to 7 and take that Magnes Sevenson-gebrlaneh guy – the speedy guy.
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IsleofNJ – No, you weren’t imagining it. I noticed the same thing last year here in Ottawa (I was at Scotiabank Place). I’ve never met the guy, but my sense is that he’s a bit of an introvert. I don’t think he’s comfortable speaking in front of big crowds like that.
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remember we still have the 31st pick too
going goalie there
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Remember quality is better than quantity…this is turning into a great night for the Islanders…
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Sorry, my numbers were off….listening and typing at the same time are not my strongest attributes.
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Joe says:
That was a great moment at the coliseum, thanks for doing something right Garth!
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why didnt they wait to see who would be available at #16 unless its part of the lecavalier trade
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next pick is landon ferraro
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Great trade!
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Rengi says:
What a great day !!! JT an Islander i was screaming in joy when i heard the announcement. Now also this great move down to 16. I hope we can get our hands on either Kassian or Runblad.
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Stephan says:
Kassian probably will go to Edmonton at #10.
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With the move up, I think its either going to be one of the top defensemen that end up falling or a power forward.
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Landon Ferraro…or maybe the pick is traded to TB for Vinny
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Long Suffering says:
Kassian will be a BUST…we don’t want him
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kreatiiv says:
go garth!! doing well and now pick 16!! and another late first round pick…. i think garth is doing JUST fine at this job.
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Garth has shown textbook brillance in the draft
When you are on the way down in terms of competitiveness, you acquire extra picks, like they did. Then when you are ready to build and go to the next level, you have extra picks to trade in order to move up in the draft.
Great move Garth, lets see what happens from here.
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Justin Marques says:
Ferraro is a small center, they won’t take him. Look for either a strong winger, or a defenseman. It’s going to get even more interesting now! Forget about Lecavalier!
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trade
Isles get in ’09 16 + 77 for their 26 37 62 and 92
that leaves Snow and Co
2 1sts (already Tavares)1st + 16th
2 2nds 31st and 55st
2 3rds 77th and 91st[[[we lost 26(round one), 37(round 2), 62(round 3) and 92(round 4)]]]
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well the 31st will be for a goalie I would think
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This trade up is fascinating. About as far as our most trusted experts (CB) thought we could get. There should be a few guys like Ellis, Glennie, Despres, Runblad. Jesus, who are we taking?
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Ellis is a stud from what I have heard too, would be great to get him at 16
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Burke cracks me up
Of course Burke isnt going to say “no we would have rather had Tavares but we didnt get him so we picked this kid”
LMAO
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Burke is such a douche. He said that he could have gotten the first pick from the Isles, but Snow was asking too much… I hope he trips and breaks his pinky toe
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Burke is an ass… just said he could’ve drafted JT if he traded Schenn. Just suck it up, you got Snowballed!
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love cats that declare players a bust…read a report we need a tough guy ala roenick..getzlaf..get kass
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Burke is an ass… just said he could’ve drafted Tavares if he traded Schenn. Just suck it up, you got Snowballed!
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greg says:
Boooooooooooooooooommmmmm Wwwwwwooooooooooooooo
yes, finally.
Monday, I will not get flamed by rangers fans, but they will see their demise.
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the bomber says:
give up 31 get to 11 and get me jordan schroeder
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dose says:
congratulations to US!!
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If Snowy manages to pick up Chicken Parm Jr. as well, I could care less about the remaining picks. That, to me would be a successful draft! God, we are gonna be respectable again, this feels weird, somebody slap me for christs sake!
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No dont give up #31, we need to draft a goalie
Now if we can get a good one at 55 then maybe
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jisles on Jun 26th, 2009 19:33:17 said:
I think we can honestly say that this has been the best draft ever.it ain’t over yet.
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yea burke…we would’ve traded our pick for the guy we passed on lasy year…
that would’ve been worse than selecting duchene
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jordan schroeder’s a little wimp landon ferraro all the way!
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Frustrated Voter says:
Take that Kate Murray!
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IslesFanInAtlanta says:
What a day… for the first time in a LONG time I actually FEEL good to be an Islanders fan. This is monumental.
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Austin H says:
YES!!!
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kbulger22 says:
Someone mentioned omens earlier… anyone check out the sky over Long Island around 8:30? Looks like the storm cleared out, and what’s left of the sunset has turned the sky ORANGE and BLUE… I’m not waxing poetic here, it’s literally ORANGE and BLUE.
The hockey gods like us today… they really like us.
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little parm is a reach at 16. He’ll go in the early 20′s. The isles will take Moore or Despres if they fall that far, if not, they will take Kassian or Ashton. I doubt Shroeder falls that far.
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NYI FAN says:
#189, great call! I’m looking out the window & thinking to myself, after the storm, a great sunset to end a great day, orange & blue, INDEED!!
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Ellis is gone
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Isles move up to 12???
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We have 12!
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Isles #12 for #16 and #77
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Hmmmm not sure about that pick though lol
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WHYYYYYYYYYYY?!!!!!!!!! Why not Moore or Despres?
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why move up so much..not sure
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Why the hell did they move up more for a guy that would be there at 16?
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im with you this is a lil kooky dehann would be there at 16 he would be there at 26
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well we got JT lol, either way that is still great lmao
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Reesein Queens says:
Sky blue and orange here in Queens, too. A good omen. The sunset was golden and I think the Islanders’ future is, too. I had a terrible day and this has erased it. THANK YOU for picking Tavares. I was a kid growing up in Ranger country when they won four in a row and I look forward to seeing Lord Stanley’s trophy brought to the Island and hoisted again sometime soon. I’ve alway been a fan, win or lose and this feels like a longoverdue reward for all the frustration that we’ve endured as fans. LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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@200. Agreed, most mock drafts had him at the end of the first or even dropping into the early 2nd
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is this right we trade 26(1st) 37(2nd) 62(3rd) 92(4th)to move up 10 spots for a guy ranked outside the top 20..HUH
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fafa says:
THANK YOU GARTH wish I was at the Coliseum!!!!!!!!
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Mikey says:
Just when I think we are making smart moves, we do the unconventional. Trade 5 players for Calvin De Haan! He would have been there at 16 and maybe even in the 20s. Very poor asset management. If that’s the guy they wanted, they could have stayed pat at 16. Horrible
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John G. says:
I was there, let me tell you it was awesome. I yelled soo much I got light headed and almost fainted!!!!!! Great nite, if you were not there, you missed out. 1st best, drafting tavares, 2nd, meeting bobby nystrom, 3rd, meeting billy jaffe
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cusi says:
smart move.
better move having a islander rep speak french to the crowd.
not so sure about the second pick. -
Alan says:
comment #61- Don’t worry about it – we got our man now – be chill
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Newf says:
Not bad. We drafted 13 last year. Can’t have too many in system. Get who they wanted. Obviously they liked him.
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geduffer says:
We got Tavares, which is cool. Let’s give Garth a pass to see hoiw Calvin deHaan works out. If he really turns out to be a Tomas Kaberle comparable, the reach is justified. Columbus just took John Moore.
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Martin the french Canadian says:
Chris is the man !
Thank you mister Botta ! -
Battfist says:
This should motivate DP.
TAVARES!
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For one night Islander fans are happy..Lets hope these cheers and smiles on our faces carries for many, many years..
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isles316 says:
I don’t think De Haan is there at 16 and thats why they took him at 12. Moore moved way down.
Guys, Tavares??!?!?!!! We have a special player and everyone says how great a guy he is which in hockey is very important.
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Colisuem was rockin, Biggest day for the Isles since they last won the cup..Welcome JT
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jethro09 says:
for anyone who wondered why we needed to draft Tavares, just read these message boards. Phenominal night. Got JT, got a good “D” prospect. This draft had to be about quality over quantity and it has been so far.
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19 ISLE in NJ 22 says:
CB …. Just got back from NVMC …. 2hours and 50 minutes to get there … only 1 hour and 35 mins to get home (traffic in the thunderstorm last 35 mins).
Let me tell ya … I’m glad Snow kept it a secret … There were people like yourself and myself that were pretty sure of it … but it was still exhilirating feeling.
My 11 year old and 9 year old nephews holding their ears … I explained to them it was this loud when the Isles played Toronto in the 2002 playoffs so to get used to the noise … so that was a good call by you on the noise level.
John TA-VAR-ES!!
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Irish Isle says:
To be there last night was unreal. The chants of John Tavares in the parking lot were awesome. To the organist playing John Tavares, before the pick was made was sucha tell, but sweet.
I had a feeling that the Isles were targeting DeHaan, but I didnt think they were going to move up all the way to 12 to get him, I was kind of hoping for Zack Kassain.’ Hopefully the Scouts saw something in him when they were scouting Tavares that they felt wanted.
Oh and I bought a John Tavares jersey last night.
YES!!!!!