POTENTIAL DRAFT LOTTERY PRIZE: CAM FOWLER
Skilled defenseman will be picked between 3 and 6
Chris Botta on Twitter
Since the Draft Lottery is later tonight, here’s an example of one of the terrific young players the Islanders could grab if they end up with the fifth overall pick.
Defenseman
Born: 12.6.91 in Michigan
2009-10 team: Windsor (OHL) 8-47-55 in 55 games
Member of Team USA at World Junior Championships
Central Scouting: Ranked 4th
Point Blank (the real experts!): Ranked 3rd
Bob McKenzie Poll of scouts: Ranked 3rd
Fowler to Point Blank on teammate Taylor Hall and the draft: “Taylor and I support each other. I thought being on Taylor’s team would be a major positive, and it has been amazing for me. We can joke around (about the draft) because we’re teammates and we’re not in competition. If a team needs a forward to carry them, to me there’s no question Taylor is that player. But if they need a defenseman, maybe I’m their guy.”
On the top end of his draft class: “There’s a lot of talent coming through this year. You always want to be taken as early as possible, but I’ll be happy wherever I go in the draft.”
Windsor GM Warren Rychel: “Maybe if this was a decade ago, Cam would be in a group of five or ten kids you could argue over. But in today’s game, which is so much about skating, quickness and moving the puck? Cam is the top defenseman.”
NHL team director of scouting: “The first defenseman will be Fowler. If anything was going to change about his ranking, it would have happened if it turned out the Ontario League was a bigger challenge for him than we projected. It didn’t. He has been outstanding.”
OHL scout for NHL team: “I don’t agree that he is a lock to go third overall. I have Fowler in the same class as (Erik) Gudbranson and (Brandon) Gormley, and I know I’m not alone. Fowler is not the perfect prospect. There are things to not like about his game. I don’t think he’s as physical or as competitive as a No. 1 defenseman should be. He’s more high-end talent-wise than Gudbranson and Gormley, but not every team is going to be enamored with him. Throw in Brett Connolly at forward, and I see Fowler going anywhere between 3 and 6.”
Comments. I’m making my second annual Draft Lottery appearance on News 12 Long Island tonight at around 8:20 pm, soon after the results are announced. Later today, I’ll leave a Comments space for the big event.
100 Responses to POTENTIAL DRAFT LOTTERY PRIZE: CAM FOWLER
Skilled defenseman will be picked between 3 and 6
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MilburyRuinedMyLife says:
I’d be thrilled w/Fowler or Gudbranson…and nervous but excited to get Connelly. My big fear is that we get pushed down to 6th and have no shot at any of these guys. Chris, any feeling on whether the Isles would take Connelly if he’s there at #5 or play it safe with Gormley?
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Chris says:
He will play right away!
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Kascycki's Krew says:
We have holes everywhere. All depends on where we are picking. I like Fowler if he is available at 5 or 6. I like Gudbrandson – if he is the shutdown Prongersque guy – I value him as well. If we get the overall # 1 pick….I vote for Taylor Hall. If we are drafting 5 or 6 – the pick will come to us – we will have someone fall in our lap at that pick…much like Duchesne fell into Avs lap at 3 last year.
Get Kenny Morrow to be there tonight – he is our good luck charm
Pat
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Nobody says:
Well, if it plays out the way it stands right now, given the last 2 years draft history, you know the Isles will target someone they value and go after him hard.
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Mike says:
I think any of Hall, Seguin, Fowler, Connolly or Gudbrandson would be good fits and address a need. I feel as though we are in a good situation.
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Hoguefanclub says:
CB you are absolutely right. We are going to get a really good talent. Whether it’s Fowler, Connelly, or Gunny, I think we win. It will be an impact player and we are lucky in the sense that this draft is really deep on impact players from 1-6. I’d like Fowler, Gunny, or Connelly. Keep up the great work CB, should be exciting.
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Joe in Massapequa says:
Just hope for the stars to align and hockey Gods to do us a little favor. I would be estatic with any of the 5 that Mike mentioned. If the Isles magically get the number one pick the only thing that can go wrong would be passing on Hall or Senguin. That would be a virtually impossible scenario. Anyway tonight is very very big for us. Let us pray…
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The New Isles GM says:
A Guy Like This Could Give Our Second Power Play Unit A Boost And Take Some Weight Off Mark Streit and His Shot From The Point. However, I Would Still Rather Have The Forward, Preferably Hall For His Position And Speed. Either Way, It’s Going To Be A Good Draft.
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Sheppy says:
Obviously, I want the Isles to win the draft lottery so they can take Hall or Seguin (Hall would be my choice!). With that said, and assuming they stay at 5 (hopefully, they won’t fall), I’d like to see them get either Gudbrandson or Connolly. Gudbrandson would have to be the first choice of the two. I was initially scared off by Connolly’s injury, but I have read a lot about him. If he had been healthy, he could have been one of the top 2 or 3 players selected. Fowler would be a nice consolotation prize, but I am not as excited about him. I would only grab Fowler if both Gudbrandson and Connolly were gone by the time the Islanders pick.
By the way, the Russian factor scares me, but I like Tarasenko and think he could be a nice pick if the Islanders trade down. What about Kirill Kabanov in the second round?
Find a way to grab Dylan McIlrath! I am shocked that he is not receiving more press (although STRUMMERSARMY has posted on him a few times). He is a rare ultra tough and talented d-man. Our D is generally soft.
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Lorne Myers says:
Would love it if Fowler fell to us at 5th(assuming that is where we will most likely pick) We really need a franchise D-man.
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thepolishprince says:
I’m with Milbury Runied My life (#2). Any of the top 5 will be a good choice though I’m also leery of Conolly. I fear we’re getting bumped to #6 so I’m not watching the results live and will check after the lottery is over. I’d be real happy with Gudbradson.
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Joey303 says:
CB -I like your parenthesis (the real experts!). We will of course, know more after 8 tonite, but I can see Brian Burke needing to make a splash without a pick. If we pick 5th and Fowler and Gundbrason are gone – Isles 1st and 2nd from Ottawa for Schenn? I know it aint happening, but
Im trying to rebuild here
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Mad Pete says:
The Top 6 picks are going to get a great player. There are 3 very good offensive and 3 defensive talents. Connelly’s injuries are his downside. The Islanders need more offensive talent. They have pretty good defensive prospects in De Haan, Hamonic, etc., and already have Hillen, Macdonald, Streit. Outside of Martin who isn’t a goal scorer, we don’t have many offensive prosepects to get too excited about. We need Offense.
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jisles says:
If the isles are serious about making the playoffs next year then they have to trade this pick for a #1 dman and sign a big winger. Not neccesarrily a Kovulchuck but a solid veteran winger who can score. I think Toronto with no first round pick would be interested in trading for it. I would propose our #1 pick for Kaberle that would give us a legitimate #1 dman which would make streit even better. then the rest of our d hillen, mcdonal
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potvin rocks says:
I think that Fowler is second to Hall in the Islanders priority list. I was quite impressed with Fowler at the World Juniors, and believe that he would fit nicely on our blueline, esspecially partnered with Mark Striet. He could learn from him, and in all fairness to deHaan, Fowler would be our number 1 defenseman for years to come. Maybe our best drafted defenseman since Denis (Chara, McCabe, and Berard never developed as a number 1 as an Islander).
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PATRICK says:
I hope to get any of those top 5 in the draft. Good size and skill from most of them. I DO NOT WANT TO SEE US TRADE DOWN. There is no need to. We have plenty of people in cupboard now from the 08 draft. We need to stick to our spot and take one of these top 6 guys.
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John says:
Gudbranson, Connolly or Trade Down. Fowler has soft Dman written all over him, and I think this organization has plenty of finesse puck moving Dmen already. If we happen to stay at #5 and Connolly goes #3 and Gudbrandson goes #4 and a team is salivating for Fowler, trade for an established Top 6 forward (i.e. Jeff Carter or Bobby Ryan) or trade down to Atlanta and get their 2 #1′s and get a young Dman and a young forward. Let’s go Lottery.
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Why would you ever trade a top 5 AND early second round pick for an overrated (at best top 4 D), who will be no better than Hamonic. Will NEVER and should NEVER happen!
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Pete says:
I’m not sold on any of these d-men, I still think we need to draft another high-end forward, preferably a center.
I was reading the latest ESPN and Mike Babcock and Dan Bylsma both agreed that 3 high-end centers is what seperates the contenders from the perpetual “one and out” teams.
It may seem like too many centers especially at this stage of the rebuild, but you can always put two on the same line, and still roll out another top center with the next line change. Pittsburgh had Crosby and Malkin yet ran up to the podium to draft Staal.
Tavares & Bailey/Nielsen are not enough for a playoff push, and with UFA’s not an option, the Isles need another top flight center as a huge piece of the rebuild.
Seguin would be ideal, but would require a miracle.
If I’m Snow, I trade down to 9 or 10 and target C Ryan Johansen (Nino’s skillful teammate in Portland).
My gut feeling is Fowler and Gudbranson will both be selected with the 3rd and 4th overall. We’ll be left with Connolly, Gormley, Nino and Johansen. If Johansen scouts well as potential top-flight center, let’s bring him aboard.
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Ethan K says:
Fowler is around 6’2″, 200 pounds. That makes him bigger than all of our current defensemen. The idea that he’s too soft for the Islanders makes me laugh. Sure, I’d prefer Gudbranson, but Fowler sounds to me like another Mark Streit. Teams have realized that if they block out Streit, it seriously hurts our PP. We NEED another quarterback, and Fowler can fill that role. I think that Fowler or Gudbranson will be available in the 5th spot, but if not, I really hope they don’t gamble on Connolly. I sense a long career of injuries for him, and last thing we need is another franchise player sitting on the sidelines all year.
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I forgot to add… get this trading with Toronto idea out of your heads… they traded three draft picks for one established player, and Burke said he would do it again in a heartbeat. He will certainly not do the opposite and trade 3 picks for Schenn… not that Schenn has been spectacular for them.
And the award for coolest name in the 2010 draft goes to: Brock Beukeboom!
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Don says:
Does anyone have information about Connolly’s hip issue? I don’t get a sense that it’s something chronic, and I haven’t heard any scouting report mention that – they seem treat it like a one off that has healed. Because to me, at 5, I would jump to take him or Nino.
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Strummer's Army says:
You cannot deny the talent of Fowler but Gudbranson still has more offensive game to develop, he fights, he hits, he skates very well, he’s a great passer, shot blocker, he intimidates, so he’s is my preference. Isles don’t have one physical d-man back there at the moment (I haven’t forgot Meyer) and only one coming Hamonic.
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Mario says:
I want Fowler!!!!!! D-men are hard to come by. He would slip right in.
Streit/Fowler
Hillen/Mcdonald
Meyer/Martinek -
Rob Queens says:
Fowler is gone at #3.. maybe slides to #4 at the very latest…
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Steve says:
Seguin, Hall, Gubrandson, Fowler, Connolly, Gormely.
Those are the 6 best prospects in this draft and we need one of them. I don’t care where we end up with the lottery tonight. We are in a good position. The talent level drops off after the first 2 fowards, but is pretty consistant in the 3-6 range. It’s true there is a bit more risk with Connolly’s injury, but if he plays well in the U-18, and the docs OK him, we have to assume he’s healthy. Gormely isn’t as safe as the other 2 D, but he is up there. I bet we end up with 1 of them. I do NOT want to see Garth trade down. I’d love for him to swap with Columbus.
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Rob (in Pgh) says:
In regard to Fowler vs. Gudbranson… I ask everyone to remember how many times this past season people were complaining that Isles were just too small and didn’t stand up for one another. Gudbranson is 6’3″, strong, and mean. He’s just the guy for the Isles specific needs.
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Angry Bill says:
If Connolly is available and the team is comfortable with his health status, I have no problem taking a forward in this draft. Prospect d-men can take a long time to develop. I would rather go after the next Chara or Boumester via free agency. Although I must say that Gudbranson does sound like a perfect fit for the isles.
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EAF says:
draft the NHL ready forward, sign UFA dmen on July 1st.
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Grandpa Ray says:
#19-u need to add another big d man in there-way too small of a defense-sorry but one of those guys needs to go-id say meyer or a mac..martinek is big but not physical
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vukotaismyhero12 says:
Gundbranson is the guy we need…someone with size whos going to throw their body around.
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Keep in mind everyone also…d-man take more time to develop and come along…drew doughtery being the exception…if you can get 2 established d-man who could be guys to put up top 4 d-man minutes..i would do that instead
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That scout must have seen a lot of Fowler this season to say that. I wrote in a previous comment that Fowler is not as dominant as Hall in his OHL games. I can say this because I have seen it several times this year. I live in Windsor, Ontario, Canada and have been an Islander fan my whole life. I have seen about 10 Windsor games this year. Fowler takes shifts off and I’m not sure if it’s because he is bored with the competition or just lazy. Either way, it is not a good characteristic to have. Although, Fowler had a good WJC against the best players in the world, my only concern would be that once he gets comfortable in the NHL he will just cruise by and be nonexistent on certain nights. My hope is the Islanders draft Gudbranson. If they don’t get hime I would be happy with Connolly, Neiderreiter, or Tarasenko in that order.
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Vas says:
If I am the Snowman I am trying to get into the top 2. The team has 2 very solid defensive prospects and outside of Petrov they don’t have 1 top end forward prospect!
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dose says:
” …skating, quickness and moving the puck …”
if there’s one thing this team has at the ready it’s d-men in this category (streit,hillen, and soon de haaan.
that makes the more physical presence the right pick, and that’s gudbranson. and by the way, the kid is no herman munster. they say he can really skate and move the puck too. -
Richard Christy says:
I would be shocked if he was still around after the 3rd pick, but if he is, the team to get him would be very lucky. We definitely need a solid defenseman, I really think Gudbranson would be our best bet. We are in dire need of a player on D with a big body and a real mean streak.
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27Tonelli says:
If we dont win lottery, I want “El Nino” !
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Izzy Franchise says:
You all know that players aren’t being picked tonight right??
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Blizzard says: …If we had the opportunity to draft Fowler at 5 I would be very happy. I would love a top six forward though.
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Eric says:
Look the Islanders are not getting Cam Fowler. If they finish first they take Hall or Seguin. OTherwise they finishb 5th or 6th and he does not drop that far. It looks like Its ganna be Gudbranson, Gormley, or Connolly if the Islanders finish 5th or 6th. Lets just pray for no surprises like moving down. Might have not been a bad trade 2 years ago, but lets not get cute again.
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Doug says:
I can see Snow packaging this 1st round draft pick with maybe a Bergy and Hunter to trade for an established elite goal scorer. We’ll see how this all unfolds.. but I’m excited either way!
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Chris R says:
To be honest, If we aren’t called at No. 5, I’m going to be more worried than excited. No. 5 will be good, but with the isles history, Garth will probably trade down and grab Nino Neiteretter.
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Will C. says:
CB- Love how you throw gasoline on the Islander pick debate. Good stuff a couple days after the season is over. Lovin PB!!!!
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#27 Vic – Do you write for the hockey news? Because almost word for word, thats what they said about Fowler’s ranking dropping from 3. Bored with competition, etc…
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steve says:
unless the person is a total flake, draft talent. mike green isnt tough, anybody not want mike green. i dont see jack hillen dropping his gloves, and smashing guys into the boards, any problems with hillen. nick lidstrom hasn’t a history of violence. nope, good solid play, with incredible results. you can buy hard physical players who know their role is too bang bodies. guys who run the point on a power play, size up at 6’2″ 190 lbs as a teenager. yeah, i’ll suffer with that problem.
whomever we pick, these guys should all be real good players in the NHL. lets see whata tonite brings us. it be nice to argue over taylor or tyler if we win the golden ticket. -
Ari From Long Island says:
Guys, I don’t see what you’re arguing about…
If the Islanders win the lottery, its almost certain we will take either Hall (my pick) or Seguin.
If we stay at 5, we will take whoever is left of Gudbranson, Fowler, or Connolly
The only problem will be is if we are pushed back to 6…I will kill somebody if that happens!! Oh yeah, and no to Gormley….I really hope we would pick Connolly over Gormley if we had the 5th pick and the two were available!
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LouD says:
The Windsor GM said ” But in today’s game, which is so much about skating, quickness and moving the puck,” I thought that line was very telling and hope people remember that when getting upset over the fact that we like to take mobile defensemen who may not be the biggest guys in the world. It’s great to have size but you need speed to catch up with some of these super fast forwards and not many big d-men have that.
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dack1972 says:
#22 I totally agree with you…for me Gudbranson is the logical choice… big, mean, captain of his team coached by Gilmour and of what i read about him he has a GREAT character. This is the guy i want.
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oops sorry it wasn’t 22…it was 28 that agreed with
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SCLI says:
Lets suppose we are unfortunate and get bumped to #6. Would it be an advantageous move for Snow to trade down to say #10 or #11. Pick up another 2nd rd pick and use our 1st round pick on Dylan McIlrath? What say you?
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DoubleW says:
CB – What are scouts saying about NHL readiness for the top 6 in the draft? Based again on recent history, I think the Islanders would have their first pick from 2010 playing in the NHL (too soon) this coming season a la Josh Bailey which was too soon.
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bergie20 says:
i would be very happy with fowler or gudbranson. both should be first pair d-men in the nhl. connolly’s injury scares me. the last thing we need is another chronic injury like dp’s.
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50 in 50 says:
Great ! Thanks to our recent run and possible Draft Selection I can’t return my Hall jersey.
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Donna says:
Reading between the lines I doubt the Isles will pick Fowler if he is available when they pick. The OHL scout and vic above indicated Folwer’s lack of consistent play etc.- -The Isles focus on character and tend to stay clear of head cases and I think they would do well to choose someone else in this talent heavy group.
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BC says:
While I would love to have Fowler being a major offensive force on our blue line for years to come, if I was able to choose between him and Gudbranson I would have to go with Gudbranson.
No one on our blue line, on the Islanders, in Bridgeport, or in the system is as big and as skilled as Gudbranson is. We already have guys like De Hann and Hamonic who are seen as more offensive defenseman, so is another offensive defenseman our biggest need, especially with the leadership of Streit. I think its important for our defense to have a top pairing guy who can bang like Sutton, but also play a top game positionally and help out on the offensive. Scouts say he may have untapped offensive potential, albeit less than Fowler. However his size, tenacity, and mobility make him to me the more appealing defenseman in the draft. -
Isles 420 says:
my dad told me we drafted dp 1st overall when we were 5th to last. so anything can happen
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Johnnyjet says:
Don’t be surprised if we pick Niederitter or Johansen with the 5 or 6 pick. These rookies in WHL are leading their team in the playoffs. I was very impressed with both. Tsn rankings have them flying up the charts as well. I have seen Fowler a couple of times on tv, while he is a good skater with skill, he does not have a hard shot and is a little soft.
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Mike L says:
I would support Snow taking one of the big 3 defensemen. Gudbranson and Fowler will probably go 3 and 4 which would leave us Gormley. Connelly is one of the most talented players but this team + a guy with injuries = disaster. Tarasenko is another top talent but I wouldn’t doubt the Russian factor with him. Niederreiter seems like a safe pick, but I’d rather trade down and get him.
I believe Brandon Gormley will wear the Isles jersey on June 25th (unless there’s a miracle and we win the lottery)
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IslesRock says:
More than two months to go to draft. For me, much to early to play the draft game, unless we win the lottery.
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Toby says:
Isles’ Country take on Dumb and Dumber->
Garth Snow: What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me… ending up together?
#1 Draft Pick (Tyler Seguin perhaps?): Well, Garth, that’s difficult to say. I mean, we don’t really…
Garth: Hit me with it! Just give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you, Tyler. The least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?
#1 Draft Pick: Not good.Garth: You mean, not good like eight out of a hundred?
#1 Draft Pick: I’d say more like one out of a million.
[pause]Garth: So you’re telling me there’s a chance… *YEAH!*
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I know I advocated for Ryan Johansen earlier, but my gut is that Snow will attempt to trade down into 7-10 range for Nino, and if he can’t do that, will select him with the 5th.
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Shremp Co 13 says:
i agree with 63, its gonna be Nino. Physical winger who can score. Connolly is too injury prone, and we all know how that turned out. I don’t think Snow is going to be too thrilled with Gormley, doesn’t sound like he gives a $hit on his player profile.
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JtorBust says:
Please not another soft d man in Gorley and no trading down. How about we trade up and get another first round pick? We need some bangers end of story.
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Isles08025 says:
If Islanders or the Wild are not in the #5 slot and CBJ’s are, ODDS of #1 = 36%
If #4 is NOT Atlanta, ODDS of #1 = 40%
If #3 is NOT Carolina, ODDS of #1 = 56%
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Jethro09 says:
I would love for Fowler to be an Islander, provided the Isles don’t win the draft lottery. If the Isles pick #5, I will keep my fingers crossed that Fowler or Gudbranson drop to them.
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Mark P says:
#57 Don’t let the stats fool you, Hamonic is known as a shutdown defender…who is physical…..but he is not afraid of the puck like Brendan Witt….We would have a tough D with Travis and Gubranson on the same team.
That said: We should pick the player with the most sound XRAY and MRI of the Hips, Knees, and Back.
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Quez says:
If Fowler is there @ #5, Garth is gonna get swamped with trade offers. Maybe he moves down a few spots and picks up another 2nd rounder, giving us 3. It would be nice to walk away with Nino, and McIlrath and/or Kabanov.
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hale78 says:
i trust our scouts…it doesn’t matter anyways..whomever we draft people will be all negative about it..that you can take to the bank
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JtorBust: Gormley isn’t the most physical D-man, but I’ve seen him play and he is very good in his own zone. He plays against and shutdowns other teams top players because he is smart and positions himself well. He may not make a huge hit like Phanuef or Sutton, but he will not get caught out of position either. His game is more like Lidstrom or Bouwmeester.
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Hock says:
Would be interesting to know how Fowler or some of these other D-men compare to Hedman…..Anybody?
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@Hock: Fowler is better than Hedman.Gormley could drop all the way to 7,8 or 9th he’s that overrated. Forget about Fowler, he’s going 3rd after Hall and Seguin. Gudbranson or Connelly will go 4-5. If the Isles stay at 5 they should pick Gund or Connelly, anything else is typical Islanders over-thinking.
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smith31 says:
I’ve purchased a live chicken to sacrifice at 8PM this evening. I have named him “Oleg”.
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303Joe says:
My 1st choice Gudbranson 2nd choice Fowler. I want no part of Connolly why does an 18 yr. old kid already have hip issues. No thank you.
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Mike from Sarasota says:
Hoguefanclub, I don’t think Fowler would rank higher than Hedman. Not fromwhat I’ve read. And he’s also not in the same class with Doughty, Bogosian, or Pietrangelo.
And yes he is soft. He has zero physicality to his game. It’s just not part of his makeup and that is fine. But with Streit, de Haan, Hillen, AMac, Katic, Kohn, Ness etc.. it would be nice to draft a defenceman that can skate, yes, but also brings an element of physical play. You know, those two things are not mutually exclusive. You can be a good skater and physical.
If the Isles are not lucky enough to win the right to draft Hall or Seguin, I’d pass on Fowler.
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Not sure I understand, what is typical islander overthinking that seems like a clear mistake?
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Agree 100% on Connolly, 303Joe.
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#74, that’s really funny
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Interesting dilemma w/ Fowler if he’s available. Like # 76 said, we have a ton of similar style D-Man. Though I think Fowler’s been getting too much criticism about his soft play. I watched 3 full games of his at the WJC & it wasn’t an issue there. He had no problem removing the puck carrier from the puck when the opposing forward tried to skate by him on the wall. It was amazing to see how smooth & refined he is. I thought he was even more Defensively sound than A.Pietrangelo. I thought Fowler, Hamonic & Pietrangelo were clearly the three best 2-way d-man there. It is extremely rare that you can find a draft eligible dman who always makes the perfect 1st pass out of the D’ Zone & never coughs up the puck & never is out of position. He looked smooth as silk out there & knew how to QB a PP. Gudbranson is clearly the type of D-Man we need but if I was picking for any other NHL team, I’d pick Fowler. With this dilemma we are better off taking a Forward: either Connolly or Niederreiter.
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@Sarasota Mike, actually he has been compared to Doughty. I’m no expert and I know he has his detractors, but he has many more proponents. The one I’m scared of is Gormley he has bust written all over him
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Hockey2219 says:
Fowler is supposed to be an excellent offensive prospect from the blueline, but I think the best scenario for the Isles if they remain at #5 is to land Erik Gudbranson. They need a large physical defenseman that can play a nasty game when necessary. We already have offensively talented prospects on the blueline with Calvin de Haan. We should definitely be more in the the market for a Gubdranson than a Fowler, that being said if Erik is gone and Cam is available I would be happy to have him as an Islander.
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If we somehow manage to get either Fowler or Gubrandson, I’d jump over the moon.
Me thinks we’re gonna get “stuck” deciding between Gormely or Connolly, Both of which have flaws.
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Lance79 says:
I like Fowler as part of a generational plan to succeed Streit as our QB. I’m actually hoping for Gudbranson b/c barring a big surprise in 4 hours, Columbus will draft Fowler leaving Gudbranson for us (FLA will take Connolly either at 3 or wherever they get bumped/trade down to).
Also, a 6’2 guy who isn’t physical is a bit of a surprise and won’t solve our toughness issue even if he’s bigger than a lot of the current dmen. Vladimir Malakhov was bigger than our current dmen but he was hardly what I’d call tough.
If we got him, would we pair him with Hillen to complement Hillen’s speed in case he gets too risky?
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Schultz39 says:
Aim to draft a good forward, address the defense in free agency. We already have some good young dman now coming up the ranks in DeHaan and Hamonic. Couple that with Hillen and AMac we have a good young defensive corps that needs to grow and be complimented with a tough stay-at-home dman.
We are lean organizationally with scoring up front – I like Connolly.
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Trade our best d-man for what would be a forward and not get a D-man back? what? that’s silly.
is it 8pm yet?
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Boston would laugh at us for weeks….
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Izzy its only silly if Boston goes for it! Not a chance. 32 year old Streit for a 19 yr old franchise player. Bruins would have to be out of their minds.
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I suppose so. BTW..I want no part of Connolly.
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Izzy, I can understand your reluctance. But I’m sure there have been and will be hundreds of test done on him before draft day. Have no fear, we’re winning the draft.
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sorry I mean Lottery
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JOEY303- I would love to write for the Hockey News but I didn’t see that article where they quoted what I said. There must be some smart people writing for them. They see the same thing I do. I’m not sure if they got out to 10 games this year like I did.
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I’m gonna see Fowler and Seguin play this Thursday. I have season tickets I share with a buddy.
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Jzimm says:
Here are my deductions:
1) If we win the Lottery, take Hall, but I won’t be upset with Seguin.
2) If we stay put at 5, I’d love Gudbranson above anyone else, but wouldn’t scowl at Fowler or Connelly.
3) If we slip back to 6, I would be more than happy with Connelly.
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billy says:
fowler would be a great pickup but if he’s 18 and has attitude issues, that can be resolved with maturity or a big reason to stay away.
If we somehow magically win the lottery, we take Hall and the rebuild is done.
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John from ATL says:
First of all here’s to getting lucky tonight and pulling out the #1 pick.
Now reality: The Isles will probable stay put at #5. Seguin and Hall will go 1-2, with Fowler and Gudbranson likely to follow at 3-4.
However the wild card in this draft is obviously Connolly. It’s clear he belongs in the discussion since he’s ranked 3rd and hasn’t even played much this year.
It will be interesting to see if Fla or Columbus take him before the Isles pick 5th. That would leave either Fowler or Gudbranson.
I would gladly take Fowler over anyone other than Hall and Seguin but I don’t see him still being there at 5. Gudbranson has me excited though. Go to the NHL web site and watch his draft intro video. This kids got monster “Pronger” written all over him. Anyway with the #5 pick I think the Isles just need to hold on to the pick and see who falls into their lap. -
Irish Isle says:
Fowler is the guy we want. He is not affraid of contact, positionally sound, skates like the wind, makes beautiful passes out of the zone.
Also to those who say we are set on d with A-Mac and Hillen: they had good seasons, but are not top pair D-Men, which Fowler is.
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Hockeymad says:
I’d take a forward first: NINO NIEDERREITER – for a change let’s try a good sized euro with some jam in his game. He showed very well for the Swiss during the WJC this year.
he seems like he would be a real nice fit for us