WITH THE FIFTH OVERALL PICK, THE ISLANDERS…
Three attractive, realistic options at the draft table
de Haan (left) plus Gudbranson would be big for the NYI
This is a one Comment per reader thread. Thank you.
As someone who would like to see championship-contending hockey in Uniondale in the nearish future, I was disappointed the Islanders’ 8% didn’t come through in the Draft Lottery last night.
As someone who writes about the team and the league, I was disappointed for another reason. It would have been fascinating to watch a pair of premier offensive talents in John Tavares and Taylor Hall grow together on Long Island. It would have been equally fascinating to see if the Islanders could flourish as a team and hold on to both players well past unrestricted free agency at age 26.
Of course, not only is that getting way too far ahead of ourselves, the point is now moot. The best thing that happened to the Islanders on Tuesday is that they didn’t slip back to sixth.
So the debate begins: what will the Islanders do with the fifth overall pick?
In order from most likely to least (or no chance at all)…
1. Stay at 5 and take the best available player. No matter how the first four shake out, the Islanders will have a multitude of terrific 18-year-olds to choose from with the fifth pick. One from the name-brand trio of defensemen Cam Fowler, Erik Gudbranson and Brandon Gormley, plus first-line wing prospect Brett Connolly, will be available.
Fowler and Connolly would be slight risk/huge upside home runs, game-changers if they pan out. Gudbranson is this year’s Luke Schenn – but better, because he hasn’t played an NHL game yet (if you know what I mean). Gormley is the safe bet, the buzz-free sure thing who will be a top-four defenseman.
The Islanders could also decline to go chalk. This is how it works. If one kid aces his psychological/hockey I.Q. exam, and Garth Snow and Charles Wang have a hunch about him, he will be an Islander. That’s what happened with the move down for Josh Bailey, with mixed results so far. That’s what happened with the move up for Calvin de Haan (promising, though very much tbd). That’s even what happened with John Tavares, you can be sure.
One thing you can also bank on: the Islanders will take the best available forward or defenseman. They are still not deep enough at either position to consider otherwise.
2. Trade down. If Seguin, Hall, Fowler and Gudbranson are gone by the time the Islanders bat fifth, and team medical staffers are squeamish over the medical reports on Connolly’s hip, there is an excellent chance of another Bailey bonanza.
Make no mistake: there will be at least a half-dozen teams desirous of one of the prospects at 5. The Islanders could acquire additional second and third round picks, depending on how far they are willing to move down. I do not see Snow moving past the tenth overall pick.
If the Islanders move to the 7-10 range, some of the youngsters in play for the Islanders would be Gormley, USA defenseman Derek Forbort or – you guessed it – Swiss cult hero Nino Niederreiter.
3. Trade up to 3 or 4. Same deal. Impeccable psych test + impressive meeting on Long Island = Snow pushing for a bold trade to make sure a Fowler, Connolly or Gudbranson does not leave his grasp. A move from 5 to 3 or 4 would not be cost-prohibitive for the Islanders.
4. Trade up to 1 or 2. Not happening. Edmonton and Boston will not give up the chance to draft Hall or Seguin. The Islanders do not have the assets to entice, nor can they afford to give up too much of the store.
“It’s an exciting time to be an Islanders fan,” said GM Garth Snow – always trying to sell tickets, always trying to sell something the rare times he issues a public statement - to Newsday after getting the fifth pick that comes with finishing in 26th place.
Not quite yet, sir. Just about every team in the league has prospects their fans can get excited about. The best teams in the East are going to stay that way a long time. After qualifying for the playoffs, Boston just got a lot better.
Nevertheless, the table is set for Snow to deliver. He has cap space. He has Andy Sutton’s $3 million to spend. He has an additional $6 mill in unessential unrestricted free agents freed up. And that’s all just to get to the salary cap floor. As he has said repeatedly for two years, Snow has the money to spend above and beyond to make his team better. Now he has the fifth overall pick in the 2010 NHL Draft.
The GM is not quite right. It should be an exciting time to be an Islanders fan. If he takes care of business at the NHL level between draft week and when most of the key trade and free agent activity subsides in mid-July, then there will be reason to be primed for 2010-11.
This is a one Comment per reader thread. Thank you.
166 Responses to WITH THE FIFTH OVERALL PICK, THE ISLANDERS…
Three attractive, realistic options at the draft table
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Dan says:
I would love to see a big young defenseman with upside on this team. Especially since Sutton is gone and it would be a great to see some youth at that position.
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Don’t get cute; take the best player on the board at #5 and take care of business in the open market with the free agent pool.
After a year where they treated STH like crap, I saw the Newsday quotes from Snow and he still makes me sick. Not making the playoffs this year was “unacceptable.” Wasn’t he just telling us we needed to be patient with the rebuild? What is it? Of all the people I know with season tickets, none are re-upping right now. Just put your $$$ where your mouths are and get to work.
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Bryan says:
Idk enough about these guys to make a pick, but i just don’t want them to drop down in the draft. I’d want either a creative winger or a big dman. This “should” be our last year in the lottery, make the most of it.
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Numbers65 in Ohio says:
Thanks for the reads. We are like kids in a candy store again! Gudbranson for D OR Nino Nieterieter for Offense! I hope snowjanks agrees!
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TuxTax says:
Priorities – a big fast skilled winger and a big fast solid defensman. I think Nino or Gudbranson. Time to play your game SnowJanks!
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JerseyIslander says:
I’m all for El Nino, or Gudbranson. I’m still unsure about Connelly, and I think thats who’s gonna be there for 5th. A trade up to grab Nieterieter AND a D man would be an awesome but improbable deal. I guess we will see what Snow can pull out of his keester… but at this point, he better be plugging these holes with some UFA’s…
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Brian says:
I agree CB, the Isles have needs at both D and forward. I think they should consider moving up if they fall in love with one of the defensemen. They certainly have the extra second and third round picks to do so.
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Jerky says:
I agree with your assessment CB. No way they can afford to trade up to 1 or 2. Question – if they choose to trade up to 3 or 4, who/what would they package for that pick (e.g., how steep would the price be)? Would FLA or CBJ take a player like Bergenheim along with our 5th pick or would it take a second rounder plus Bergie and our 5th? Assuming Gudbranson or whomever they target is not available when we pick, trading down may not be a bad thing if we can pick up another mid-late first rounder somehow. I’d rather they go all out this year and do whatever it takes to get two solid first rounders.
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rb says:
I’m for staying at 5 and taking the best available player.
Since one would expect Hal, Seguin, Fowler and Gudbranson to be gone, they’ve gotta be real sure on Connolly. And if they think Nino’s the real deal as a 30-35 goal scorer, you take him at 5 and don’t risk trading down. Some people have him at 7 anyway, and we already have the two no. 2s. Quality at this point, not quantity.
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Ari From Long Island says:
I say best player available…that is all
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Jzimm says:
I don’t necessarily have a problem with “getting cute” – I’m happy if we see Gudbranson, Connelly, Neidereitter, or even Fowler pulling a new/old Islander jersey over their heads and onto their backs.
My first choice is Erik Gudbranson
My close 2nd choice is (a clean bill of health) Brett Connelly.
My closeish 3rd choice is Nino Neidereitter.
I have little doubt that we’ll be excited with our new prospect. I don’t mind getting a little cute, but if it’s at the expense of those three players, it may not be worth it.
And who’s to say that Edmonton and Boston are necessarily sold on Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin? You just never know! (Just kidding)
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50 in 50 says:
Reading alot of comments here and in other threads I notice talk about Hall and Seguin and Fowler and possible trade ups or down depending. Does anyone else see the irony that we shot ourselves in the foot the last 3 weeks of the season. From a possible #2 pick we settle for 5th and are thankful we didn’t get bumped to 6th. Something is fundamentally wrong with this picture. Tampa tanked it and so did Columbus but in a way that no one could say a word. The Isles on the other hand stepped on the gas and prayed for a playoff miracle on Hempstead Turnpike. We can’t even get losing right Ughhh
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SINCITYISLESFAN says:
sad thing is we signed roloson in the wrong year, the sob was so good for us he cost us the number 1, we would have finished behind edmonton, without rolo, we just singed him a year too early, think if we had the number 1 or two pick this year, then sgned a rolo caliber goalie, i think we could be a 5 or 6 seed come playoff time, when snow traded sutton he gave up on the season, so he should have played biron a lot more, then our only debate would be who do we take hall or seguin
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Ron says:
It doesn’t matter who we draft they won’t come in and go 24-30-54 and lead the team in points like Tavares did.
If we don’t get a scoring winger, and add 2 top 4damn next season we will see same results. No playoffs and the 9th or 10th pick
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Frans Dish says:
I wish Connelly wasn’t such a high risk prospects with chronic groin problems. I’ve read and seen some highlights of him and he has some serious potential with raw talent almost comparable to the top two in the draft. However, you really can’t the risk with the 5th overall pick. Better off taking the “sure bet” with Gormely, assuming Gudbranson is off the board.
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MarkP says:
What players could potentially be NHL ready? I know Nino has only played one season in North America, but he has NHL size.
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Al L says:
We must be careful here. Connelly is a large, tremendously talented kid and shouldn’t be branded an injury prone risk,especially if he stands out in the upcoming World Junior Tournament and gets clearance from our Doctors. Stereotyping and making foolish conclusions are how significant mistakes are made.
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Johnnyjet says:
Nino Niederreiter will not be around at #7 pick CB.He is climbing a lot of draft boards. He has been a stud in the playoffs where it counts most as a 17 year old. He has size, speed and hands. Perfect for us. I’d take Gudbranson over Nino but I’m sure he will be gone by #5. I have Niederreiter ahead of injury prone Connolly and Gormley who reminds me of DeHaan.
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Jim M says:
IMO, the Islanders should select a forward at 5 whether it be Connolly or Niederreiter and Garth trades up for another pick in the first round in the 15 to 20 range to select a big Dman. Say, Dylan McIIrath? This kid really knows how to throw the body around and drop the gloves.
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I want a forward or Gudbrandson…
But wait…how is it an exciting time to be an Islanders fan?!?!
Prices went up
We’re not getting Hall
No clue what the deal is with DP
No clue what the deal is with the (expletive) Lighthouse
and I can go on and on.But it is a good time to be a point blank reader. This site is just the best. This is the only place I feel I’ll get to find out what I need.
CB – you’re outstanding, and now you’ll have to deal with us crazy fan losing our minds over what will happen on Draft Day. -
Matt says:
Isles will sign the typical low level FA’s this summer and draft one of the 3 defencemen. We will finish 27th next year and do the same thing all over again. This team will never contend, we will finally build a winner and Tavares at 26 will bolt to Toronto and leave us at the starting line again.
Over it
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Nick says:
Top 5 picks are gold in this league, especially for the Isles who are at a huge disadvantage in FA. Moving down shouldn’t even be an option. Evaluate the guys at the top and simply pick one. Sometimes this draft evaluation stuff gets nutty. Extra 2nd and 3rd round NHL draft picks are useless compared to a top-5 talent. We are getting close, but trading down would be a huge set-back to the never-ending rebuild. Use the pick!
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Jim Clark says: I am suppose to feel confident about the Islander’s crack medical team of Dr Howard, Dr Fine and Dr Howard evaluating Connolly’s hip?
Is the Toronto GM going to bloviate about getting Taylor Hall like him did last summer about John Taveras?
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Frankie D says:
Don’t dismiss Connolly. Look at what Marion Gaborik has accomplished in his career with chronic groin injury. This year turned out to be one of his healthiest.
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db says:
if connolly is healthy at the u18 tournament you draft him at 5 and never look back
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Chris R says:
Whatever Snow decides to do, I’ll be behind him. I’d rather see him make a move for Gudbranson, but I wouldn’t mind his he traded down for additional assets and grabbed Nino or Forbort in the process.
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Booten326 says:
I’m actually thinking Florida or Columbus is gonna pick Connolly, especially if he has a good tourney. I think he’s worth the so called risk. All I hear and read from what’s available is that he’d probably be in the discussion with Hall and Seguin had he not been injured and that’s pretty sick. The fact that he’s a winger and not undersized is awesome too. And if he isn’t available at 5, I’ll be the first to welcome Fowler or Gudbransson to the island! Can’t go wrong staying put at 5 in my eyes.
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Nobody says:
TB and Columbus s*ck, but tank? TB won it’s last two games and CBJ got a point in it’s last game against Detroit… Being a bad team is not equal to tanking
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Frank nyc says:
STAY AT 5! take the best available. We have enough picks (5 picks in the first 90) Either way the Islanders will get one of the top 3 forwards or one of the top 3 dMen. But no matter what they are going to get another good young player to add to a growing young core. I think next year REALLY will be exciting.
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Sheppy says:
I want, in this order, Gudbrandson, Connolly, and then Fowler. Fowler really does not excite me. We have enough of the cerebral types. Give me some heart and passion, to go along with toughness and talent = Gudbrandson. I fear he will be gone, though. Assuming he is, and also assuming Connolly has a good U18 tournament, he becomes the BPA. As the poster above said, he was being mentioned in the same breath as the top two guys. He had great stats in the few games he did play, but also had a phenomenal rookie year last season. Check out his highlights. He could be the real deal as next to Tavares (I am not sold on Okposo as a 1st line RW…he might be more of a stud 2nd liner…we’ll see).
Gormley? Steady…probably top four. Sounds like a possibly higher pedigree version of Andy McDonald. Maybe, he has more upside. Maybe McDonald comes back to earth and turns into the next Gervais. Gormley would be a good selection if they trade down. At 5 in the draft, we have to get a difference maker. You don’t have many chances to get a difference maker…and Gormley ain’t a difference maker. He is a solid d-man. No thanks at 5.
I think we are all in for some disappointment after July 1st. I don’t see this team signing two top d-men, a top six forward and some depth (fourth line) players. Can you imagine three top signings and a depth signing on this team next year? I can’t. I will be happy with Hamhuis or Volchenchov. The team that finished the season is the team that will be back with some minor tweaks:
1) One good free agent (e.g., Hamhuis)
2) Matt Martin makes the team
3) Gudbrandson, Connolly, or Fowler makes the team (although I would prefer that they are sent back to the juniors)
4) Depth forward (e.g., Eric Nystrom)
5) Some UFAs will be gone -
Madchef says:
Once Again, What Snow does at the draft will not batter for next years. I hope they stay at five and am sure they will get a future impact player. What makes or breaks next season will be like CB said what Snow does in Free agency and via draft to upgrade the D and Goal scoring Positions.(and back-up Goalie becuase can u realistically believe in DP ever again) Although Bailey has had mixed results so far is he still young enough where we cant be to critical of him yet?
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Lance79 says:
I don’t think anyone tanked including us. Also, I would maintain that the OT point against PIT was hardly a meaningless point – they boys with nothing at all to play for left it all on the ice to scrape away a point.
As such, if it now takes us making a trade to land the #3 or #4 and if we consider a roster player for trade and the draft pick from the Sutton trade this kills multiple birds with one stone:
-We need to make a roster spot for at least one of Joensuu, Martin, Harmonic, de Haan, [our 2010 first rounder], what better way than to trade a current player who isn’t bound for free agency?
-Sutton was a goner this offseason if he didn’t go at the deadline, you take the pick you got for him and use it to trade up and you’re using an asset you otherwise wouldn’t have had.
-As CB mentioned above, we’ve got a boatload of cap space – that needs to get filled. If we trade up with FLA for example, we may take back a high salary in return. -
Jim S says:
Thank god we can put an end to hoping they lose so we can get high picks. The last two seasons have been tough.
I would like to see the Isles take who’s available at 5 with either Gudbranson, Connelly, or Fowler. From what I have read they all could make the Isles next year. I would love them to track Cabanov and see how far he drops. I’d be willing to give up 2011 fist rounder and something else to grab him in the teens if he’s there.
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Randy Wood's Porche says:
Gudbranson please, thank you.
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John says:
Draft Gudbranson at #5 or if he’s gone, trade back to #7 because I see Connolly, Gormley and Neiderreter in the same grouping. With 6 picks in the top 95, we need to stock our system with young forwards and dmen. Bottom line, this offseason is all about us signing a top 4 dman (Hamhuis, Volchenkov or Martin) and a 25-30 goal scorer (Torres, Frolov, Afinogenov to name a few – don’t think we will jump in the Marleau sweepstakes), bring Petrov into the fold and see what type of Dmen Hamonic, Dehaan and Ness (to name a few) truly are.
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Take the best player out of whoever is available whether its Fowler, Gudbranson or Connolly and don’t look back. I’d like a healthy Connolly because this team needs more skill and scoring more than anything. However, if Snow doesn’t sign some quality free agents to surround our young guys then this team will continue to go nowhere. Management has to show the fans and the current players that it is committed to winning and not the bottom line or else fans and players alike will jump ship when given the chance.
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Eastonhockey says:
Snow may say he is allowed to spend money but truth is he can’t. He just doesn’t want to say he is forced to spend minimum allowed by cba. No gm in sports spends
less then owner allows them to. -
MorDraftPicks says:
You know how I love picks….Trade down, get Nino + another second rounder then trade two 2nds and a 4th to move up to 15-17. Still would have a 2nd AND 3rd left
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bossy22 says:
I love the option of trading up to 3 or 4 and grabbing Fowler or Gudbranson. It would cost us a 2nd rnd, but I think its worth it
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schnip says:
Draft the best forward available at 5. Use everyone one of next picks on big D men. Draft ends, one of those D men hopefully turns into Chara (we got him late)and we are a playoff team for years on end.
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B says:
can the none playoff teams make trades while the playoffs are going on or no? im hoping for an impact player whoever we pick and a few big name guys come July 1st
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JayK says:
I don’t know why option #2 doesn’t include the possibility of trading down getting a real live good player back rather than more picks. We have loads of cap space; some other teams are near the max. Why wouldn’t we, in essence, trade the #5 and our cap space in return for their first round pick and a good player that they need to dump because of salary cap pressure? That’s definitely an option that could be considered. At least you know what you’re getting; even a #5 might not pan out. I can’t say I’m in favor of it without knowing what we’d get, but I think it’s a possibility.
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Kascycki's Krew says:
The difference between this year and last – is that we cannot bring one jersey with a player’s name already stenciled in. We have to wait for picks 1-4 to play out. Chris – what would the pricetag be to move up to the 3 or 4 slot ? If I knew what that was – I could evaluate this better. My intution here – would be to stay at 5 and try to trade up with a second round pick and perhaps another asset to move into the mid range first round like we did last year. Since we can only have 50 players under contract in the organization – I would trade 2 or 3 picks/prospects of appropriate value and package it with our second round pick to move up in the draft to get a pick somewhere between 9 and 15 – if we could make that happen. If we were to trade down – it would be to use those picks to send to a team who would deal us a veteran player that would be a salary cap victim elsewhere – where we could fit that player in. a lot of what we do is dependent on what others do this time.
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Rob (in Pgh) says:
I look at it like this: we do need players at every position but…
- Isles were tied for 20th in goals/game and have young stars in a core that is improving
- Isles were 28th in goals against/game and traded away one of their top 2 d-men at the deadline. They need size and grit on the bluelineThat’s why my number 1 choice would be Gudbranson and second is Fowler. Beyond those two it’s just whatever is left… either Gormley or maybe trade down for Niederreiter.
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Hoguefanclub says:
Skip Gormley. Fowler is a great talent, stop underrating this kid. I would have little reservation on Connelly. Trade down only if you can get Nino and trade back into first to grab another impact player. Otherwise sit at 5 and grab Connelly, Fowler, or Gudbranson. Can’t really screw this up if you tried.
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Ugly Roe In Massapequa says:
I know that everyone is entitled to their opinions, but with all due respect, the vast majority of fans on this board wanted Tavares over Duschene last year. Guess who had a better season? Guess who will probably have the better career?
I wonder how much pressure Wang and Snow felt last year to take Tavares based on the overwhelming and vocal desire of the fans. If they caved to the pressure, then shame on them. If they selected Tavares because they thought he was better than Duschene, then shame on them again.
I’m starting to think that whatever they do in the draft this year won’t matter. “Wait until next year” became “wait until next decade” which begat “wait until next century.” Well, we’re there already. What should we wait for now, armageddon?
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Hockey1919 says:
The Islanders need high end talent so now is no longer the time to trade down for multiple picks. No point trading up to 4 since they had the spot and fought to give it back. Besides, the team at 4 would only swap if they didn’t want the player the Isles targeted.
The one good thing is that the Islanders should be in the best position in the NHL to evalaute Connoly’s hip since they have the most experience dealing with hip problems, but then again that has had mixed results.
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Isles Fanatic says:
They need to take the best available player and not move down….
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Never easy being an Isles Fan says:
Okposo and JT make up a good start for a 1st line…We need one more elite forward, imho, but with that being said we are in desperate need of big men on defense…Regarding Garth saying he can spend $$$, how bout a little less talk and allot more action???
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UIF says:
judging solely on the quick clips they showed last night of the top 10…which obviously focus heavily on the very best these kids have to offer…outside of, what did we call it – TYTAYLCAM? – I thought Gudbranson and Niederreiter looked like players the Isles can use. Bit of size, and they use it to their advantage. I must have missed the Nino hype during the WJC, b/c I wasn’t sure who fans have been talking about, but I guess I’m on the bandwagon now. Size+skill=desperate need for the NYI, at both F and D.
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About trading down, I wouldn’t be as sure that it isn’t the thing to do. What if they can move back a couple of spots, get the guy they want (assuming they have several rated about the same) and be in better position to get another first round pick?…we do need quite a bit of help.
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Eric says:
I dont know why people are against Gormley. I dont know the severity of Connolly’s injury but if it is even 1% concern, I take Gormley. Lets not get cute. I really want Gudbranson and would see what the trade possibilities are to get him. Its a real shame we got that point, otherwise we would have our 6’4 dmen and we could just call it a day. Now we have to talk about different Scenerios. Give me a break. Lets try for Gudbranson and if not lets just take the best player available and call it a night.
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John says:
Take a pass on Connelly due to his injury. Even if doctors clear him, he is already proving to be injury prone. With these injuries, one always begets another. Look at Dipietro,Martinek,Bergenheim,Sutton. They get over one injury and then succomb to another. In the case of DeHaan, we wasnt injured until after we drafted him-just bad luck. So forget thsoe silly psych tests and take the best player available who doesnt have a serious injury yet.
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Lorne says:
Please no trading down. Take the best player available. This year, I am all for a defensemen. As long as we draft Fowler, Gudbranson or Gormley, I will be happy with any one of those three.
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Shremp Co 13 says:
If we take Conolly that rounds out drafting forwards for now. We’re looking at Neilsen, Comeau, Okposo, Bailey, Tavares, Connolly, & Possibly Petrov as our top 6 not counting possible top 6 fwd free agent. With Shremp, Bergie, possibly Rhett or Moulson/Hunter sticking out our third line i’d say any picks we get after this is for D, or simply stock the shelf. Future really is bright.
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Mike in Bohemia says:
You guys just don’t get it. Garth is going to trade down and get the two best available goalies in the first round.
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Steve says:
I want us to pick the guy we want or make a move to get our man. I DON’T want to see Garth trade down for an extra 2nd rounder.
If we want Nino, take him with our pick. Enough of the cute stuff. We don’t need more fringe prospects. We already have enough of those plus we have extra picks in the 2nd and 3rd rounds. We need elite talent here, not depth.
I’m in the camp that thinks we should do whatever it takes to swap with Florida. Let’s give them a 2nd and both 3rds to move up. Hell, throw Bergie in the mix. 3rd liners are a dime a dozen. Go get the guy you want Garth.
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potvin rocks says:
I think that the Islanders could really make the playoffs next year if they trade up for number 2. If the Oilers take Seguin, the Isles would have to offer Boston their First rounder this year and next year plus Hunter or Comeau. If the Oilers take Hall it would be a little easier because of Boston’s depth at center. So their first rounder this year plus next years second and current winger.
If they end up picking 5th, I’d guess they would get either Connelly or Gromley.
I’d love to see them take Jack Campbell if he slips to the second round. -
Jethro09 says:
I want no part of the “Nino” nonsense. No gimmicks. The last time the Isles drafted a Swede and passed on a higher rated prospect it burned the team and still does to this day (Nilsson over Parise).
I say, stay at five, pick the best player available (Fowler, Gudbranson or Connolly, in that order. Don’t get cute by trading down to grab a lesser player because he scored well on some stupid written test. The last time I checked, the games are not played by guys sitting at desks with No. 2 pencils.
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jonsson3 says:
6’2″ 205 El Nino! Nice size! Just what we need! Bring the Swiss here. Already have an excellent swiss player here.
Let’s make it a pair!Saying that, only if Gudbranson is gone!
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joe says:
Just keep the pick where it is and take the best player on their scouting staff’s board.
I agree, the Isles can say how great the future is until he’s blue in the face. We’ll see. Fact is, their are a dozen other teams that can the same thing. Look at Tampa’s situation….. you going to say the Isles have a better future than them? Maybe they do, maybe they don’t. Even Edmonton? With Hall coming along and also the star of the 2009-2010 WJC (forgot his name), are we so certain the Isles have a better future than that team?
Like I said, Garth can preach about this tremendous future. Well, he better be right, or he’ll be yesterday’s news very fast.
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@Jethro: Not to split hairs but Nino is Swiss. And no to situations are the same.
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Phil from Switzerland says:
El Nino is no Swede! He is Swiss! Big difference!
I would go forward: Connolly or Niederreiter. It’s easier to pick up talent and size on defence through free agency than first line forward material.
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4theisles says:
The picture may change before the draft and today’s evaluation of the talent after #1 and #2 will probably change with
further tourniments and medical updates. I believe that’s how Snow is thinking. In otherwords he would likely make different choices on draft day then now even with the same names there. -
battfist says:
CB-any chance you can get Streits opinion on Nino?
I say take El Nino at 5. Why? Well he can score…plays with grit…has size…and has played well against tough competition (6G-4A WJC). The kicker-he barely made this draft with his age-17. The question to you Chris-would he be a top 3 pick next year if wasnt eligible for this years draft?
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Tim F. says:
Just draft Connolly, and then sign him and his bad hip to a 15 year contract. What could go wrong?
Re: the cap floor, the Isles have to pay Yashin almost $4.8 million next year, which will help keep them above the floor. The real question is ownership’s wilingness to spend some real money and get measurably above the floor. I’m still not convinced this will happen.
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Scott S. from Long Beach says:
Fantastic article CB. Great read this morning…
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Staten Islander says:
3 things–
No to Connolly, we don’t need another player that we’re always going to worry about getting injured
No to ANY Russians
And PLEASE, for the love of GOD and by all that is holy, NO GOALIES!
Just stay at 5 and don’t get cute
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Blizzard says: Well here we go again. Not a professional scout but like the idea of a top six forward who has some skills to grow and play with JT.
Chicago: Toews, Kane
Washington: Ovechkin, Semin
Pittsburgh: Cindy, Malkinyou get the idea. Of course D men are crucial too. WOuld like Fowler or Grubransen.
But even more criticle than this draft for the playoffs next year whichi is our aim is who Snow signs and for that matter doesnt. Its a make or break year for Snow as far as Im concerned.
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LouD says:
I’m tired of hearing how the Islanders don’t have prospects like otther teams. The fact of the matter is if you put all of our kids down in the minors and replace them with free agents then people would be gushing about all of our prospects in the minors. We are a team who is developing it’s prospects in the NHL unfortunate as that may be.
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Brother Rat says:
Love seeing the El Nino fan club expand! Nino’s not only Swiss, but he’s big (largest F prospect in the top 10) and has a year of Canadian junior hockey under his belt, something Nilsson, Joensuu, Nokelainen, Chernykh, Figren, Tunik and most our recent Euro draft picks had not. Nino’s year has been dominant in Portland and had some very clutch goals for a Swiss (?!) world juniors team (as many points as Kirill Petrov, in fact).
If we trade up to 3-4, fine: Gudbranson and Fowler are my preferences. After that, trade down for El Nino. Hopp Schwyz! Outside of a top D man that can step in the NHL in 1-2 years, like Fowler/Gudbranson, I don’t want a 3-4 year D prospect; with our depth issues, I’d rather have a F that can step on the team within 1-2.
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Stumpy32 says:
It’s such a difficult position for Snowjanks to be in because whether we take a forward or defenseman depends highly on what is realistic for us to shoot for come FA time, and even that is a huge crapshoot. And beyond that, what exactly is management willing to do in FA? Without any semblance of a plan in place for where we will be in 5 years, how can they even think of putting together a budget that involves long-term contracts with high payouts?
I personally believe a stud defenseman would be most beneficial to us, simply because a forward is always easier to find in FA than a stud D-man. If we get that guy, we have a real core to work with here…Hillen, the pick, AMac, Streit…that’s 2 top quality lines. Every year, there are tons of guys in FA that score 25-30 goals. More than that, not so much, but none of the guys we’re going after have potential for much more than that.
If I were them, draft a D-man at #5, sign a couple 25-30 goal scorers for 3-ish years, and pray that one of your top goalie prospects or Munroe can spell Roli as the backup next year. We’re not that far away from being a #5-6 seed in the East…a few wins here and there, a few less blown 3rd period leads, how far are we from Boston, Philly, and Montreal?
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Rich says:
man…coming back in that last game against the penguins really F’ed us…If we didn’t get the point we’d be sitting at 4 and would have a definite shot at either Gudbranson or Fowler instead of hoping that one of them slips to us…sucks…IMO this draft has 3 tiers…the 2 stud Fowards, then the 2 stud Dmen, then the rest of the pack…lucky us that we have the first pick of the third tier…
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(Sim)ple says:
None of this trading down stuff. If they love Gudbranson and need to trade up, then I’m all for it. But if 1-4 is Hall, Seguin, Fowler, and Gudbranson then draw a line in the sand and pick the best player available. Connolly or Nino would suffice.
Then, if possible, trade extra picks we have (2nd and 3rd or whatever it takes) to move up to mid-late 1st round and get Mcllrath.
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bergie20 says:
i think we’ll trade down to 3 for either gudbranson or fowler. i think florida wants connolly who they should still be able to take at 5 since i think cbj will go for a d-man.
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Macch says:
After reading the comments here i’m thrilled that the pick is not up to you people YIKES… Enough with the NINO man crushes. He’s got a cool nickname and he’s Swiss and so is Mark Streit so he must be awesome, my god. I’ve seen him play many a time. He’ll be at best a second liner, but a third liner for sure. He’s a grinder.
There is no way the Isles can afford to pass on Connolly, Gudbranson or Fowler. They have elite potential.
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Steve K says:
Dear Garth Snow & Charlie:
#1) Only move up in the draft, now down (if you don’t have to give too much up). Take the best player available regardless of position.
#2) Spend some goddamn money and get a good forward free agent and a good defensive free agent.
Simple, right?
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Nyslefan says:
I’d be happy with Fowler, Grudbranson, or Connolly. Actually, if his hip is actually OK, Connolly might be best as someone to play alongside JT. Since a #1 or #2 pick is clearly not in the cards, I think the real difference-maker for the Islanders will be the UFA market. What Snow does there will decide if we have a chance at making the playoffs (and maybe winning a round) or saying “next year” yet again!
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the real JD says:
With the 5th pick it better be…..
Gudbranson or Nino.This team needs to do the following:
Add size – Nino/Gudbranson do that
Play on the edge- both Gudbranson and Nino play spirited inspired relentless brand of hockey
Upgrade talent level- which both players do. -
Pete says:
Realistic wishlist:
1) D Erik Gudbranson
2) LW Nino Niederreiter
3) C Ryan JohansenIf we don’t take one of these 3 with the #5, I’ll be VERY disappointed.
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John says:
the most important and germane part of CB’s thorough analysis was his fly-by at the salary cap numbers and the islanders’ need to spend come free-agent time. any intelligent fan is going to realize that simply washing sutton’s and weight’s salary with acquisitions will be seen as another ruse. earlier this week i received a call from my season-ticket rep, a very nice person trying to do his job by getting me to re-up. i told him no way until i see them spend come FA-time and do so to the point that they are no longer scraping the floor of the nhl cap minimum. the islanders have to spend to make this a viable rebuild. they need two scoring, veteran, still-youngish wings, a pair of established d-men and a bust-noses enforcer. that means deploying money. talk all they want about ryan smyth as an indication ownership will open its wallets. but even though the intention to sign smyth was purportedly there they never did sign ryan so they essentially never did spend the money. the time has come to lay the cash down and stop being seen as a franchise looking to get by on as diminutive a payroll as the nhl will allow. when management realizes and truly grasps the notion that the only way they get their way with the town of hempstead is to have a winning team then we’re off to the races. the local politicians will get crushed by the voters when wang rattles his sabre if and only if he has a winning team (POPULAR) as leverage. the isles run the risk of getting swallowed by NY’s winter sports teams over the next year of two. the nets are going to be better with their brooklyn russian billionaire, the knicks will have lebron and the rangers will always retool enough to keep the spotlight shining. it’s now or never for the islanders. open up the coffers on july 1 and see what happens when a winning (POPULAR) team plays on LI.
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Chris says:
Honestly, I don’t know enough about any of these players to make the call. Signing Rollie and a few of those late season surges almost put us in a tough spot. From what I’ve read, we should get a solid player at 5.
Unless they sign some big time FA’s (unlikely), we’ll be drafting 5-10 position next year. Just good enough to miss the playoffs and just good enough so that we don’t get the big fishes at the top of the draft.
With so many questions surrounding the on-ice and off-ice Islanders situations, it should make for an interesting summer here at IPB.
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Arbour Day says:
Larry Brooks is right with his article last weekend. Every non playoff team should have an equal chance to win the lottery. That would avoid any tanking possibilities. That being said, no one on this site really knows what they are talking about with these draft picks. Just take the best player available.
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we are in desperate need of a big nasty mean defenseman hopefully we will NOT take a finesse 5’11″ puck moving d-man who stands around when he needs to be knocking someone over. Then we can get rid of the tragedy known as Gervais
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Mario says:
I want Nino Niederreiter!!!!!!! I just wanna keep saying his name. Seriously, If we lose out on the top 4 picks by not moving up I would want Nino.
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EAF says:
enough drafting 5’10″ – 185lb players
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JtorBust says:
We have to take the best available player at 5 and do whatever we need to do to get another mid round pick and add McIlrath. Who cares about 2nd or 3rd round picks , they usually never even make the team. I really feel like this is the last year to save this team , only so much a fan can take.
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Richard Christy says:
I really love Gudbranson, but I am (a little at least) confident that the Islanders will indeed grab the player they think will benefit the team the most. I don’t know how I feel about them moving down but if they are certain they can grab a solid player between 6-9 then go for it. Connolly would be a great pick especially at number 5 but like everybody else who knows about the lasting effects of his injury. The u18 tournament should help clear things up. Either way I am pretty excited, we didn’t get number 1 or 2, but the future looks bright. Ideally, we can get some solid UFAs, and what is going on with Petrov? If he signs, that would be a nice bonus as well.
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Donald says:
Connolly or Nino in my opinion. Yeah we need toughness, but we need scorers more. Connolly’s hip must be proven to be a one off, I don’t think it is a chronic thing…plus he’s 17, not 34 and I am sure will heal just fine.
Nino is a good choice too, but even with his size, strength and skating attributes, there’s no way he would play at the NHL level this season whereas Connolly might be able to.
I don’t see the Isles going after a big name UFA BUT I could see them spending those dollars to get Petrov over here. He fits the youth movement and would be a better spend of the dollar IMO.
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steve1510 says:
hey CB, question for you…….at #5 gub and connolly are still there, medical staff says connolly is fine…..who do YOU pick?
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I don’t see why it is a must that a draft pick play this year. Given a choice between a pick that would play this year and be good, and a guy that would play next year and be very good, it’s a no-brainer to me. Tavares and Stamkos were both very good-great prospects, and both put up <25 goals in their first years. Lesser prospects will probably put up lesser numbers, so I don’t know what sort of draft savior people are expecting in year one. Just pick the guy that will become the best player in the opinion of the scouts, imo…whether the guy played or not in 2010-11 will be inconsequential 3-5 years down the road when he’s really hitting his stride.
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I find it interesting that you can be disappointed that the Isles 8% didn’t come through in the draft to nail the top pick. Last I checked, the NHL controls the draft. I understand what you mean when you say it, CB, but there is a power in language; one that helps (among other things) to fuel the strange behavior of Islander fans.
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JP91 says:
I’ve only read up briefly on some of these prospects, but assuming we are not trading up, I’m all for Nino. The guy seems like he’s full of energy and has size and strength, exactly what we need. He pretty much seems like a bigger and more offensively talented version of Bergenheim…
LET’S GO ISLANDERS!!!!!
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Gary9-19-22 says:
ONE WORD!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Gudbranson. We need size, size and more size. Package this kid with Streit-Hillen-deHaan and we have legitimate top 4 pairings. MacDonald and Myers are then in their correct roles.
Bye bye Bruno… good cook, bad d-man
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James says:
Who can say with Garth? He’s shown he’ll trade up, trade down, whatever to get “his” guy. But outside of Tavares, the Isles have no top flight talent. He should take the best player available at five.
A top flight defenseman with size would be nice to go along with (eventually) Hamonic, de Haan, Donovan, Ness, et al.
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a REAL hockey fan says:
.. Is anyone still “HAPPY” with that dopey-silly-meaningless point in the last game against Pitt? I would like to have that #4 pick now Arrrrgh
.. Draft the best player available especially if Gudabranson is around, i like a kid who plays with a *edge and spirit*. Maybe a future Chris Pronger, a player with a lil attitude and skill, HELL YEAAA!! — Scoring would be great as well, this is a very good draft, lets get the best player at #5 who still could be a really impact type player!
.. Lets tremember the Isles improved by 20+ pts this season and played alot more competitve and good hockey. (that swoon before the allstart break killed us) but overall they played ALOT better this yr
.. Alot of young players on the roster/in the minors/juniors, Garth and company need to add at least 1 (i would love 2 but ill take one) REALLY GOOD bluechip top notch Free agent! that would go a looong way!
.. I am still so p!ssed at that late meaningless goal against the Pens, i almost threw my remote at the TV! Im NOT joking, i was angry lol
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SCLI says:
Fowler, Gudbranson or Connolly, Which ever one is available. Not much else to say. Pretty much a no brainier. Anything else is over thinking or foolishness.
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Grandpa Ray says:
What washed up over 40 player is garth gonna go sign this year and make captain? guerin(love him but past his prime), next year weight…? dont do it again garth!
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isle5 says:
Use next years draft for trades if possible. All reports out of Canada say next year is weak. Let’s make it happen this year. Then cherry pick the rite UFA’s if needed to tweak the team. I can’t wait for the Draft Party. Lets show up like last year & welcome whoever we get.
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cjzimm says:
With the overall situation of the Islanders organization, the last few years I have been in favor of drafting for more offense over defense. The thinking being that we should groom a core group of forwards. Hopefully they turn into high end offensive talents that would not cost as much as acquiring high end offensive talent on the free agent market. Not too mention that high end offensive talent may not pick LI as a place to sign right now. Then use the free agent market to sign above average defensive talent (ala Mark Streit).
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@Wang & Snow, Bailey is not a pos. That’s crazy. He is a very good player already and he is 20. This really should have been his rookie year. He was juggled around on each line and played responsible defense (was one of only a few to be a plus) and had 16 goals. Not bad. pos? He has nice speed and a good shot. he’s finding his way. Next year he should progress with regular ice time and a better understanding. No reason to think 20-25 goals and 50 pts.
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Mike Manhasset says:
It is going to be comical when Connolly plays well at the WJC and half this board’s opinions change. Lets wait until after the WJC before declaring that Connolly is injury prone and we must stay away at #5
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John says:
Since development of defenseman seems to take longer than forwards, and since we are now entering year 3 of the “5″ year plan, it might be best to take the best available FORWARD and then concentrate those fund$ towards getting defenseman in the FA market. So I take Nino with that pick (assuming we’re sketchy on Connolly’s injuries)
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Vas says:
#3 is straight on the money! Take the best at #5 or try to get to 3 and SPEND some DAMN money! I have heard Snow say that players are not worth what they are getting which may be true! However, they are still getting it while you sit with your pud in your hand! BTW was Jon Sim worth 3 years and 3 mil. I don’t think so!
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bobice says:
Mike manhasset – couldnt agree anymore. thats why i still think florida will end up grabbing connoly leaving us gudbranson or fowler
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When will we be able to see Connolly at the WJC, I thought that only happens once a year during December?
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dose says:
#96 has it right. gudbranson compliments the rest of the d-corps really well. if he’s still there at #5, which i think would be surprising, grab him. if you’re pretty sure he’s gonna go before that, try to move up. that kid appears to be precisely what they need most.
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Dan says:
Picks #1 and #2 are givens although we are not sure who goes where. #3,#4 are still up in the air although Fowler and Gudbranson are the expected picks. We have holes on O & D so just pick the best player available. As Bob McKensie (?) said on the draft show last night that Connelly is still ranked #5 from his scouts list and the kid was hurt almost the whole season. I would gather that either no one had a great year to replace him or the kid is really talented. I will support whoever they pick because they are my team and Ryan J is the scout and I am just a fan.
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GE of GN says:
Agree Frans # 108, would love to see some of these kids in action at the WJC, including Nino, Connolly and Gudbranson.
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Sorry meant U18 World Champs, not WJC
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C.J. says:
No trade back. This team does not need depth, it needs stars and talent.
Preference would be a dman:
-hulking, mobile Dman
-puck moving, offensive DmanYou can never have too many of either.
That said, if both Gudbranson and Fowler are gone (as many expect — and yes, I’d certainly throw in a 2nd+ to move up a draft slot or two), I’m okay swinging for the fences here and taking Connolly (provided he appears medically sound).
1st line winger/sniper…. um, yes please.
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@Wang & Snow will blow said;….”What UFA that has ANY talent would sign with the Islanders? Name ONE PLAYER.” Uh, hmmm, Mark Streit, Matt Moulson (30 goals), Dwayne Roloson…and about Bailey,a POS? Really? Are you kidding me? OK, now back to draft talk…:)
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thepolishprince says:
Have faith people. The BPA at the #5 slot will be wearing an Isles Sweater at the draft. Potential sniper or potential top 4 d man; either way the Isles will go home with a solid prospect.
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Spartiarti RVC says:
I agree, you draft best available.
Clearly Seguin and hall not an option. that like us trading the #1 away last year.What do isles need most. A big talent LW and Hard Hitting Dman. So that makes it easy. Gudbranson, Fowler or Connelly if they fall to us. Nino we can likely trade back for if needed.
Gormley makes no sense. He is talented smooth skating dman. We dont need that. We have Streit, DeHaan, and Hillen that do that for us.
To Pass on Connelly b/c he Injured makes no sense. He is just a kid. Had he not been hurt scout say he would be clear #3. If falls to you at #5 you take him.
Isles are overstocked on Centers and Goalies
CB – do you think their is possibility that isles trade #5 pick to acquire an established NHL stud Dman (ie Karbele).
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IsleFan73 says:
Wow, $9 million just to get to cap floor. One would think they have to be active in FA signings or trades. I would try to sign Sutton for one year or another big defense men, get a big power forward in a trade, a depth free agent-with size- give Matt Martin a shot, and take the best player with the 5th pick.
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Bossyisgreat says:
Take the best prospect..PERIOD!.
I’d trade this year and next years #1 pick with Boston. If they truly feel they are going to make the playoffs this upcoming season then you get rid of next years pick, because, from what I’ve read, there are no real high end guys in it.
Forget about teams taking Hunter/Bergy combo. Both of them are middle of the road, 3rd line grinders that you can get cheap in the FA market. Let’s be real, if Toronto offered you their #1 and John Mitchel would you do it? -
JSExpress says:
I would like to see the Isles stand pat with the 5th pick and take the best player available. I’m leery about Garth always trading up, down, sideways and drafting off the board. We are not strong enough as an organization to take risks like that year in and out. Obviously, bringing in some suitable FA talent will be paramount as well.
And to all of those in the Nino Nice fan club, what are you going to do if he ends up with the Rags?
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mtbnj says:
this is the time where Garth needs to earn his title. He passed up on some really good talent in the later rounds last year for a ton of goalies. JT pick does not count. That was a no brainer. Garth had BETTER make some moves (plural) to get this team to the playoffs next year. Otherwise I say CAN HIM.
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Ethan K says:
I think Neiderreiter or will go around the 8 spot. If the Isles don’t get who they want 5th (Fowler/Gudbranson, I’d trade down ONCE, just once, to around the 7 or 8 pick and grab him. Take second round pick or a third and fourth to move down. If he’s not available when they trade down, get the next best player on the wish list (Gormley/Forbert).
My top pick is Gudbranson, followed by Fowler, and then Neiderreiter. I think they should try to trade up for another first round pick, and get one potential top-6 forward and one very solid defenseman. If I were Snow and Co., if I don’t end up with one of the top 2 defensemen, I trade down to snag Neiderreiter, and trade up to get Dylan McIlrath. 6’5″ 215 lbs, right handed shot, good shut down defenseman who fights a ton.
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geduffer says:
D-FENCE, D-FENCE!
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Mike from Sarasota says:
If Gudbranson is not there at #5, I would trade down and draft Forbort.
Connolly has elite skill, yes. But at age 17 he also has a chronic condition to a joint that is vital to skating. I don’t think the Isles can afford to roll the dice on him.
Ultimately this off-season will be judged by what (if any) FA’s the Isles sign. And what (if any) players are acquired via trade. Another season at the cap-floor is not acceptable.
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Andre says:
I think Isles have to go for Connolly assuming his medical records indicate his injury won’t be a chronic problem. He has the most upside and will be scoring threat to take pressure of Tavares. We can get a shut down defenseman through free agency (Volchenkov) or trade (Regher).
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nobody on (#114): You point to Roloson and Moulson as two solid UFAs that signed with us. Ok…Roloson was 39 and probably wasn’t offered a two-year deal from anyone else. Had you even heard of the name “Matt Moulson” prior to opening night last October? I agree with Streit, but we gave a guy who wasn’t known to be a great defensive D-man a 5-year deal. Sure, we got really lucky on that…but that just means we’re going to have to completely overpay in money and years to get anyone. We all know that already.
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Barry says:
Skill,skill,skill,quality,quality,quality. I say 3 times because we need those attributes added to this team over everything else. A nice big defenseman would be nice, but not at the expense over a potential a skilled forward.
With that being said I believe one of Connolly or Neideretter will be available. If gubrandson is and fowler are gone one of those players will be fine. I believe others mentioned connolly is playing in the under 18 tournament. If he’s the real deal the isles should jump on home. Saying that he may even go 3rd. I believe unless connoly blows the scouts away,gubrandson will go 4th after fowler anyway.
Isles will get a very solid player either way. I don’t believe trading down is the right move as quality over quantity should be snowjanks plan.
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JoeRiverside says:
Let’s not over-think it..My take:
- Take Best Available Player (Skill & Attitude).
- There are too many holes to focus only on offense or defense.
- Pick best player even if they’re not NHL ready next year (We’re not winnig the cup next year)
- Do not trade down or up.With 5 picks in the first 3 rounds, the Isles have increased the chances of picking up a couple quality NHL prospects (because after the first 10 picks, it’s really a crapshoot)
JoeRiverside -
YabbaDabbaDooDoo says:
Put down Charlie’s chalk!
Enough of Wang’s pseudo-science hunches!
Simply choose from the consensus 2-3 best available players remaining at #5.
And while I’m at it, could someone please explain to me why an organization preaching patience and extolling the virtues of building through the draft would sign 2 veteran goalies to short-term contracts thereby artificially and temporarily inflating the team point total during a critical strong draft year?
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Irish Isle says:
If Fowler is still there at #5, Garth better RUN to the podium and announce his selection. I am really not that sold on Gudbranson, I heard he is out of position alot, which has me worried. If the medical staff is convinced that his hip injury is not a problem, then take him. If they have any qualms then I would not mind seeing a trade back, and get some assets. On the Offense side I would love to see him target Ryan Johansen whose stock seems to be rising.
CB, how costly would it be to trade back into the first round again? Would you have any qualms about trading our first round pick from 2011? And if the Isles are able to trade back into the first round I hope they go opposidte of what they drafted. Ideally I am looking at McIlraith on D or Watson as a forward.
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Hoser14 says:
If Fowler and Gudbranson are gone, I wouldn’t waste the 5th spot on someone with hip problems like Connolly or on some smurf like Granlund.
Please no Mike Rupp reaches, trade the pick down and hope to grab a big size d-man like the 6’4″ Forbert or McIlrath.
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richie66 says:
Trade our #5 and next years #1 for this years #1 or #2…yes Im smoking something
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Chris in DC says:
I like what #84 said (Arbour Day).
I think most folks on this site haven’t a clue what the players in the upcoming draft are about.
Just draft the best available at #5.
I get a feeling some on this page are getting swirled up in hype — particularly about this Nino cat. You want to draft him cause you like his name?? Nuh-uh.
Draft the best player on the board at the time and move on. -
enough with the Nino crushes! Passing up on Gudbransson, Fowler or Connolly would be foolish.
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Stumpy #32 — you maybe don’t have to overpay if you’re one of the only teams that can afford a certain UFA because you’ve got the cap space, and other teams don’t. This strong of comments about who to sign and what might be available for the most part makes no reference at all to the cap and how that might effect trades, free agent availability. It’s such a huge part of what teams do, but it isn’t getting referenced here.
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Peter says:
Gudbranson please…if Mr.Snow trades down for extra picks, Dylan McIlrath would be great. Add some snarl to the defence!
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I got a theory about this Nino guy — the Rangers are going to draft him at #10 cause they like his name and buy into the hype, and he’s gonna turn into one of their many busts (a la Hugh Jessiman, Pavel Brendl, etc.).
I hope the Isles pick the best at #5 (sounds like either Connolly, Gudbranson or Fowler), and let the others pick at the rest. -
dan says:
gudbranson or fowler, I don’t care as long as we get the BPA (hopefully it will be a defensman)
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TradeUp says:
Why no mention about the Isles drafting Tarasenko? From the draft rankings I have seen, he has consistently been in the top 6. If Hall, Seguin, Fowler, and Gudbranson are taken and we fear Connolly’s health, why not go with Tarasenko? He doesn’t seem to have the flight risk of Kabanov or the potential attitude problem.
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i wish we discuss playoffs not the # 5 draft pick
we are all islanders!
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1972 means I'm Old says:
Let’s trade all the draft picks for a new arena in NYC.
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Jerry says:
According to Bob McKenzie, the scouts say Tarasenko can dominate a game then not even show up for the next tw or three. PASS!
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Connolly!!!
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nyislanders93 says:
Trading up to the 3 or 4 slot to get Fowler or Gudbranson should be the top priority. Giving up a 2nd round pick or a little more would be well worth it when a HUGE need is getting filled for years to come. At 5th overall, Gormley just doesn’t seem in the same class as Fowler or Gudbranson and Connolly is a risk because of his injury. If trading up can’t be arranged, trading down to either pick up Nino Niederreiter or Derek Forbort would be smart. Moving into the mid to late first round with a combination of these picks and one of our two second round picks would also hopefully be an option.
The only problem with picking Niederreiter would be how so many fans both on IPB and off would misspell his name every day, the same way they do with our franchise player, John Tavares.
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Mike L says:
Stop grouping Gormley with A-mac, Hillen, and De Haan. He is better defensively than all 3. Gormley is just as underrated as Niederreiter is overrated. If you want a big winger then sign Evgeny Artyukhin for cheap. I think Isles fans would pass on drafting Nik Lidstrom if they had the chance because he doesnt have muscle. Stop underrating Gormely and comparing him to others we have on the team/in the system because he is different.
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Brett says:
It’s either Gudbranson, Fowler or Connolly, anything else is fail. Connolly if playing this year would have challened for number, and lets not forget our plethora of high end talent on the wings
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27Tonelli says:
We are taking ” El Nino” ! (Streit Influenced)
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islesfan999 says:
The New York Islanders will select either Connoly or Gormley.
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Alex says:
We already drafted one Connolly at number 5 who has been injured much of his career, we don’t need another one…
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Barney Stinson says:
I’m hesitant to take a player with known injury issues after the DiPietro fiasco. I know, it’s different, but we already have one perpetually injured guy in DP, and what seems like absolutely horrible luck with injuries.
Go with someone who doesn’t have injury problems to start with.
Suit up.
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Joey303 says:
Can this guy McIlrath actually play, or because everyone has seen his you tube fights, hes so popular?
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John from ATL says:
If the Isles don’t move up; Hall, Seguin, Fowler and Gudbranson will all be taken before they pick at 5. Therefore, if it’s possible to move up to 3 or 4 they should try and do it. Other than JT, KO, Bailey, Moulson, de Haan, and Hamonic anyone plus picks should be available. Not sure how much it would take.
The #5 pick, plus they second round pick and a midrange NHLer (Comeau, Bergy, Schremp, Hillen etc.) would be worth getting Fowler or Gudbranson.But, I don’t see this happening.
If they pick at 5 and the above top four are gone, I’m for taking Connolly. They will have the U-18 tournament this month and the Combines next month to evaluate him and review any medical. If it doesn’t look good than take Niederreiter.
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miket239 says:
the 5 pick should be kept. why complicate matters? let something, possibly, fall into our laps so to speak this time around. imo it should be a Defenseman. party on Garth!
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Jim says:
I’m no draft expert but based on what I’ve read it seems that we don’t need to trade up or down. Just draft the best available at number 5. At that point there could be a sniper available or a big hulking d-man. Both of which we could use. Please Garth don’t try anything stupid.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Well … it’s been said many times before … Picking an 18 year old at the draft is a crap shoot …. I just want the best odds possible.
Tyler / Taylor are just about 1:1 odds on being impact players … But as you’ve so accurately point out CB … Not going to happen … so moving on.
The 2nd tier goodies … Connolly, Gudbranson and Fowler … How sure thing are they to be top pair d-man, 1st line wing material?
The Isles need much better than average … I think after seeing KO two full seasons we can hole him as a 2nd tier first line winger. He’s still developing … so perhaps he can develop a 30 something goal ceiling … That would be great.
Bailey … mad passing skills … average finishing … decent skater … but not going to fake anyone out of his skates and make epic plays.
Tavares … A tale of Hot … Cold and Warm for his rookie year. I’m not disappointed in him … I think next season with a full offseason of NHL training and full season of practice he’ll only get better …
Defense? Who do we have in the kiddie coprs that is going to be our Mike Green? That’s right … no one … so maybe we should do something about it.
As an offensive player I always like the sexy forward pick … but this offseason I’m leaning playmaking / good in own zone defenseman … Gudbranson. That’s my pick right now.
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hathead68 says:
Connolly, Gudbranson, Fowler… whichever one is available to us. If Connolly is available (assuming his hip problem isn’t chronic, and he has a good u18 tournament), then he is my first choice. We still need more offense badly. I think we have a shot at one of big, mobile, physical dmen Stephen Johns or Jared Tinordi with our 2nd rd pick, even if we had to offer our late 2nd rounder to get it done. If Connelly is gone , I would be thrilled to grab Gudbranson. Fowler next. #5 overall should still bring us a stud.
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It seems as though we have alot of experts and clarvouants here both medically and in talent evaluation. How many people here have actually seen any of these kids play or know the exact nature and extent of Connolly’s injuries? Raise your hands,please! Nobody??? Look! Central scouting can be right,or wrong about projections,but at least the particpants have seen these kids play. There is a reason that the Swiss kid is rated between 7-10,and Connelly is,given good health 3rd. There evidently is a significant talent disparity. The only reason some have moved Brett down is related more to ‘QUESTIONABLE’health AT THIS POINT IN TIME!!! We will know more about Connolly AFTER his performance in the upcoming tournament and futher medical investigation. This kid Nino seems to have become quite popular because of the sound of his name. What other basis do any of us have to rate him a top 5 pick? Sit tight and let this play out!!
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Rob76 says:
I think I’d take a flier on Connolly. Last year i was 110% in favor of taking JT over VH or MD. This year i do not feel as strongly about my opinion. I just feel that Connolly’s upside is much higher than the other defenseman. I also feel like we can bring in some D-Men in Free Agency. If Connolly is healthy than i dont think we can pass him up – if available of course.
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StevieL says:
I really think that if Connelly tears it up in the upcoming junior tournament, he will be gone by 5, leaving us with one of the big D to choose from. If that is the case , the #5 pick gets more valuable and Garth may trade down and try to grab Nino.
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Blizzard says:
…..I am really liking the prospect of drafting Connolly. If he goes and we get a shot at Fowler or Grudbransen so be it. I really hope Snow does not trade up for more second rounders.
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Stevei L (158): The #5 pick gets more valuable for a reason… and thus, you make the pick at that point: Fowler or Gudbranson.
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va says:
Garth traded down for Bailey because the cupboard was empty and he wanted some decent prospects. This year is different, no need to move down to 7 or 9. We have a glaring hole on our power play, no puck moving defenseman, with the exception of Streit. If Streit gets hurt, we are toast. Take Gormley or Fowler. Put them on the left side opposite Streit and let’s improve our powe play ranking, this is the biggest concern that must be addressed right now.
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CB you had wrote about Calle Ridderwall as an invitee to camp this summer which he really appreciated (I think his cousin? Stefan who is in the system already which would give the isles a bit of an edge although it still comes down to money in the end. They listed him as a top ten college hockey free agent. The sharks sign 3 of these FA and the NYR signed one. Could there be another Jack Hillen type in there. Still need a FA NHL Player signed this offseason but the college route might be another way to go.
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DoubleW says:
staying at 5 is a good thing…not that dropping from 5 to 6 would have been bad…what would have been bad was if boston dropped from 2 to 3. Bad for boston anyways. I think the way to go is the Prince of Prince George! I see huge upside with him.
That being said Gudbranson lools a lot like Dion Phaneuf did in junior, hits, fights, can play on the power play. I am just not sure he will be around at 5 -
Vrinqueens says:
Snow says he has the money to spend but he won’t, Wang is taking to much of a beating as per Bettman to invest on making this team better.
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Strummer's Army says:
Best fit not named Hall or Sequin is Gudbranson, if it isn’t cost prohibitive to move up to ensure you get him do so.
Chris Botta, do any of the teams picking 2-4 have salary cap issues? Boston right might want to shed payroll?
I’m not so much in favor of a trade down this year. Honestly, I rather seem them use picks in rounds 4-7 and any non-essential assets to either gain additional draft picks, prospects or players.
It is interesting Snow has to spend 9 million to get to the cap floor alone. I said I’ll believe Snow will spend money on FA’s when he does but this year to extent he has to. Let us pray there aren’t Jon Sim types or he doesn’t give Martinek a 7 year extension.
Hopefully the Isles will start a gorilla style counter-intelligence campaign to really hype up Connolley, Fowler, Gromley and Mr. Gudbranson will be sitting there at 5.
I LOVE THIS SITE!
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admin says:
Comments thread closed. See you tomorrow…CB
I’m just thrilled we didn’t drop to 6. That was my mantra going in, and, well, I’m disappointed we didn’t win the lottery (figuratively and literally), but I have faith in Garth, I really do.