THE NYI POINT BLANK DRAFT PRE-RAMBLE
Draft views and plans…and a sneak peak (?)
Party On, It’s Almost Friday: There is no need for drama, or sleepless nights. There may have been some posts of concern from readers during Wednesday’s live chat – one was particularly dramatic – but my advice would be to get to the Islanders’ Draft Party if you’re local, or sit home, have a beer or soft drink, and relax.
Charles Wang, Garth Snow, Ryan Jankowski and the people at the Islanders’ draft table are going to bring home at least one very talented teenager — at least one crucial piece to the slow and steady rebuild. At least one on Friday night. Saturday should be a good day, too.
As detailed earlier, they’ve worked hard for this day. They are prepared. At 5, they’re in a strong position to do any of a number of things. If they stick at 5, my hunch is you’re going to be very happy with the haul. Then the watch will be on to see if they move up. I would not shut off the draft after the 15th pick.
Sure, there’s a lot of work for Snow and management to do later in the summer. But this is the fun part. The draft picks may not be easy, but they are free. Like I said last year, consider a top-5 pick a reward for fans for sitting through a tough season. Enjoy it.
*
A reader asked in Comments yesterday if I would revise my draft mockery of a week ago. Now why the heck would I want to be wrong twice? LOL. I had Connolly at 3, Fowler at 4 and my pick for the Islanders at 5 was Erik Gudbranson. Don’t see the point in changing it now. That’s my official stance.
Unofficially…
Despite several signs and solid information that Cam Fowler would not last beyond the fourth pick, is it possible the Islanders get a crack at him at 5? And could they possibly pass? Yes and no I would hope not.
At some point in the draft, the Islanders will move up to get a player who aced their written and in-person evaluations. At another point, they will add draft picks. This is not being a wiseguy, nor going out on a limb. This is what the Islanders do, especially when Charles Wang is around.
*
Tavares All-Rookie: Before we go any further, congratulations to John Tavares on being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. This is a terrific honor for an impressive young man with an incredible future.
In response to a question during the live chat yesterday, I put John down for an additional ten goals for next season. Some fans are looking for a Stamkos sophomore season. I’m sure some of you have your own opinion.
*
The Gamble of 2008: The issue was brought up during the live chat Wednesday and I just did not have the time to go into it. My fondness for Josh Bailey has been written about in long posts and short ones on this site for the last two seasons. The only thing I cannot say unequivocally just two years after the move from 5 to 7 to 9 is that it was an overwhelming success for the Islanders.
It is simply too early. Just as it is too early to over-praise or write off any of the many intriguing prospects Ryan Jankowski and the scouting staff grabbed in that draft. The one argument I see from readers here and elsewhere – fans I have a great amount of respect for – is that because Bailey was given an NHL jersey for 141 games for a last-place team these last two years means the maneuver is a bonafide success. Just because now-20-year-old players drafted before and after him have not played in the NHL as much, or at all? Games played does not prove a point. Josh would not have made some of the other teams, at least during the first season.
Then comes the Kirill Petrov argument, the one that says the Islanders would have never drafted the mystery-tinged Russian without the bonus picks. That is quite possible; Jankowski has alluded to that once or twice. Still, it’s worth pointing out that Travis Hamonic was selected after Corey Trivino and Aaron Ness in the second round, Petrov after David Toews and Jyri Niemi in the third round. Point is, with the draft, you just never know.
Right now, the move looks good. From what I hear from fans, many wouldn’t trade Josh Bailey for anything. I’m just saying, let’s give it another two years.
*
Reader Kevin C. sent in this screen grab because he believes it reveals the Islanders’ new road white jersey:
*
Live Blogs on Draft Night and Day: I’ll be in Los Angeles until mid-day Saturday for the Draft, covering for AOL FanHouse. Since I will only be able to devote a part of my time to the Islanders’ draft decisions, I figure the best way to cover the day for Point Blank will be to keep running Live Blogs – one for Friday night, one for Saturday.
From what I’ve been told, other Islanders writers will be in Los Angeles – some sponsored by the team itself. Make sure to follow them. I’ll do my best to update, entertain and inform. Hopefully, you will join in.
Thanks for sticking with the site. Okay, off to LA…CB
61 Responses to THE NYI POINT BLANK DRAFT PRE-RAMBLE
Draft views and plans…and a sneak peak (?)
-
C.J. says:
Thanks CB. Enjoy Cally…. Let’s Go Sno-Janks and Let’s Go Islanders!!!
-
Jon in Chicago says:
I’ve never seen these kids play so I have no problem putting my trust in the Snow and the Islanders’ draft team, they know what they’re doing. I would, however, hope to see this team add a bonafide NHL player in the offseason. Flyers got Hamhuis, Atlanta got Byfuglien, Devils got Arnott. We need more than just 18-year-olds to get where we want to be.
-
Bobby Banton says:
Great read. Thanks CB
-
Will C. says:
CB-
GREAT coverage, however how can you drop the “someone contacted me about buying the team” and then not tell us. It’s like going to the bar with your boys and saying “HEY GUYS YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE WHO I HOOKED UP WITH LAST NIGHT…….NAH, on second thought I can’t tell ya.”
-You just broke man law brother!! Make it right! Who is interested!?!?!
-
I believe this is the most important offseason for the Isles in a long time. Management claims they want to make the playoffs this year and with many other Eastern teams already improving themselves, the Isles better do something that shows fans they are at least trying to speed up the process through a trade or free agency. Maybe Garth will have something up his sleeve at the draft. I’m anxious to see.
-
2Bit says:
Nice write up CB. I’m a LI transplant here in L.A. for 6 years. I was hoping to make it to the draft this Friday, but not sure I’ll be able to make it being I started a new night gig. However, I hope you enjoy your stay here & may I suggest a trip to Philippe’s to try the Original French Dip sandwich, if you like that sort of grub and never been there before.
As for Bailey, there’s one reason in which I can feel confident there is no doubt the move was a success. That reason is that most people were having/wanting us to pick Nikita Filatov. Where would we be now had we done that? But like you said it IS too early to tell. Is it possible Filatov grows up & one day lives up to his potential. I suppose so, but somehow I doubt it.
This is a very exciting Draft. Enjoy it!!
-
Safe trip CB…will you be able to catch any of the US vs. Ghana game though??
I really can’t live without this site it amazes me how much I check it and how it’s even taken precedence over my own site, e-mail, etc.Very excited about this draft, and as bad as I want a scoring forward…you cannot pass on Cam Fowler, can you?? This kid’s game seems obviously good. And rare.
So interested in the top 10 picks…I have my eye on Emerson Etem, and this McIlrath beast everyone keeps hyping. So much movement lately I wonder if it stalls during draft day. I feel it’s going to be out of control. But totally the right attitude, we should sit back and enjoy this!
-
RAMen says:
I’m fired up. Get er done SnowJanks!
-
Ethan K says:
Thanks for keeping us entertained, CB. Enjoy the trip.
Anyone know how long the first round takes, approximately?
-
Swan says:
Hey C.B. I’ll be at the draft in LA for Friday. Possible to drop by and say hi?
With all due respect to #7, Philippe’s is over-rated. Cole’s on 6th is far better in French Dip, adult drinks, and ambiance. They also claim to be the originator of the French Dip.
-
rb says:
As a NYI lifer, I cannot tell you how good that white jersey looks and can’t wait for its return. Very long overdue. Bravo!
Successful franchises with proud histories – Yanks, Habs, Wings, Celtics, Lakers – know the importance of having a connection to the past through the uniform. It helps helps set the standard for team expectations. That was the reason Bill Parcells’ first move taking over the Jets was to restore the Namath era uniform.
-
Strummer's Army says:
Big fan of Bailey’s who I feel will be the LW on the Tavares & Okposo line unless Connolley is drafted. Isles certainly didn’t miss out on anything in passing on Schenn or Filitov or anyone else picked before Josh. Schenn was overrated then and hasn’t been great in the league just OK, word is Tor might move him….Filitov…..well ya’ll know that story no production and back to Russian.
Cannot wait to celebrate the Isles picking Gudbranson and McIlrath on Friday!
If Gudbranson and Fowler were both there at 5 I take Gudbranson becuase Fowler is soft and a liability in the defensive zone. Gudbranson has no glaring weaknesses to his game and just provides more value overall.
-
isles6 says:
At the end of the post, you say thanks for sticking with the site, youhave that backwards, thank you for doing it, and maintaining your interest in doing it. We all realize that it is not your primary job, but to we Islander fans’ there is no better place to go for information. It is why we all loyally check the site several times a day, even in the off season.
-
John T. - Halifax, NS says:
#13 Strummer, you hit the nail on the head regarding Filatov. I remember how *ticked off* so many fans were when we passed and traded down that year. People were LIVID we didnt take Filatov. Now who’s laughing?? Now for Schenn??? Hmmm well, D men take time to develop. I think hes a good D man, just needs more time. I dont see the Leafs losing him.
#6 I totally agree. This is a huge offseason for the Islanders. And yes, they need to show fans this year just how big their balls are and bring in one or two fairly big names via Free Agency or trade. We need to make some kind of splash to tell everyone that its the Islanders time to make a move up the standings and not be a pushover anymore. I know we need just about everything, but what we really need some scoring on the wings.
Either way, very excited about the draft. Looking to see how things shape up.
-
billy says:
decisions,decisions,decisions.
I think best case scenario we get fowler or gudbranson.
But because a trade down is prob inevitable, theres a bunch of guys who seem worth it like burmistrov,johansen,el nino etc.
No idea what to do, but fowler compares to leetch, which to me is something that you can’t pass up.
This could be our D soon:
streit hamonic
de haan fowler/gudbranson
hillen macdonald
I’m drooling haha -
Madchef says:
Gubranson is the most coveted pick for us on friday but if Fowler falss well you have to be happy with that. He has been written up well, and maybe his defense is lacking but the speed and scoring ability well there is no denying it. I still dont seeing us make a big splash in UFA’s this year since the crop is small, we dont overpay, and next year has a better list of UFA’s. Only thing I see is a trade for Versteeg but those odds got smaller IMO after yesterdays trade. Feel like the draft is going to be the best part of our offseason….hope i am wrong
-
Have a safe trip. I’ll be at the party with (hopefully) many, many others waiting and wondering. “Who we getting?? Who we getting??” And thinking I’m not going to get my wish.
-
bossy22 says:
The perfect night would look like this:
#5 pick the Isles take Gadbranson.
Snow moves a few picks and end up with another pick around 20. Selects a promising forward. Then..the icing on the cake is a trade annoucement letting the world know that we just traded for Versteeg. -
Chris in DC says:
I just read in the Toronto Sun that an offer of a late first-rounder and a prospect could be on the table for Versteeg. I don’t see Snow giving up that much for him, nor do I think he should. If the Hawks don’t lower their demands for Versteeg, I don’t see him coming to the Isles. Situations like this, I’d rather Snow keep valued picks. I’d give a second-rounder for Versteeg, but that’s about it.
-
Spartiarti RVC says:
CB thanks your primer for this years draft has been incredible.
I agree, Isles will get a top tier prospect in this draft. It would be incredible to see them move up and get another late 1st rounder.
-
Thanks C.B. I don’t know how I would make it through summer without you! Good luck to the Isles and all of our fans, here’s hoping for a successful and memorable draft. See you there!
-
orngfan says:
i dont see how grudbranson isn’t the first defenseman taken in this draft. maybe we get lucky and fowler & connolly go before we draft and then grud is ours but I foresee him being the first d-man picked. Lets just pray the islanders dont mess this up I really dont want to see us trade backwards!
-
bcarey says:
My goodness. That jersey is so schnaz.
-
battfist says:
Bailey
1st season-played scare
2nd season-played nervous3rd season-plays with confidence…
-
Eric says:
I want Fowler. Offensive, puck moving defensemen that can quarterback a powerplay of the caliber of Doughty, Duncan Keith are extremely hard to find. Cant say Fowler will be as good, but when you are the most coveted defensemen of this draft for the past 6 months and have been listed to go #3 since then, its hard to pass up. If Fowler is still available at 5 and the Islanders do not pick him up, well that would just be horrible wouldnt it be! I do not expect him to be there, because like I said he has been expected to be the first defensemen taken for some time now and at #3. Seems like Florida really loves Connolly. I think columbus takes Fowler, but lets pray they think they have enough puck moving defensemen and want to get size. Then we can scoop up Fowler. That would be awesome and people will be saying how the Islanders got the steal of the draft at 5. I would be happy with Gudbranson though. He seems like a good, smart kid, and hes big and I have heard his offense is underrated and actually good. Anyway I have not seen either play and I am no scout, but I never pass up on a defensemen that might have the ability to get 70 pts like a Mike Green, Keither, Doughty.
-
vukotaismyhero12 says:
CB, do you think there is a chance that Florida may go a little of the board looking for a forward, since I feel with the trade they just made they are looking for more of a forward? I think they may have interest in the russian kid Burmistov
-
#10,Ethan K, The first round can be seen on Versus, if you get that wherever you are, and they have it slotted for two hours on the TV Guide Channel. For what its worth, I am hoping for a slight drop back to grab NINO and a slight move up to grab MCILRATH. Prolific goal scorer plus a ferocious wrecking ball d man, I’m all in for that.
-
StevieL says:
Better enjoy Friday night because hopefully this will be the last year for quite a while that we are picking in the top 5!I would expect improvement will put us in the 12 to 20 pick neighborhood next year!
Also I can’t bash Filatov. If the isles had drafted him, he would never have seen a day of minor league hockey. He would have been the “face” of the new Isles, been first line and first unit power play! There would have been tremendous pressure, just like Bailey, to get him on the ice right away! Columbus just didn’t work for Filatov, but to call his career over would be a huge mistake!! -
Steven says:
If either Fowler or Gudbranson goes #3, move up Garth. Get the other one.
-
thepolishprince says:
If Gudbranson and Fowler are both gone please don’t move up to 4 (too pricey) or take Connoly (damaged goods). I’d be ok with Gormley at 5 if Garth goes with D or a trade back. what the heck do I know though. What time does the draft start?
-
john says:
Why do I have this feeling that the Islanders will have all this cash to spend and no one to spend it on. To satisfy my offseason, the Isles will sign Z. Michalek, trade for Kris Versteed, draft Erik Gudbrnason and acquire either another top 4 dman and top 6 forward. With the team already raising prices, relying solely on the draft won’t cut it.
-
Ray says:
Have a good trip CB!!! Bring Back Gudbranson and Kabanov
-
With Big Buff Gone no chance the Hawks Part with Versteeg Now.DAMN!!! It was to good to be true. The east is only getting stronger
-
Jeff says:
We need offense! First choice would be Connolly and next would be Fowler.
-
Shremp Co 13 says:
ok watching world cup soccer only fuels my need for hockey of any form. this draft has me excited !
-
Pat says:
If Fowler falls to 5 you have to take him!! You can always sign a defensive defensemen (Ex: Anton Volchenkov) but a FAST skater with excellent vision and offensive skills those are really hard to come by.. Remember scouts say Gudbranson and Gormley are potentially excellent all around players but no one associates the tag “potential all star” with them only Fowler.
-
Hock says:
That picture of Garth and Tavares is not my favorite, but I do wonder what they were laughing at.
I hope Chris is correct in saying that we will be happy Friday night.
I do not expect anything earth shattering in the FA market or via trade for us. It’s just what I have come to expect. However, a good draft and a few solid (maybe not overly exciting) trades or FA pick ups could keep us on the course for a successful rebuild.
We all hope the team takes the next step, but reality is that we are still a good distance from being a serious cup contender, especially with spending constraints. We’re not exactly at the point where we are putting the cherry on top (i.e., Butch Goring) to go all the way. Smart and steady!!!
-
Les Beaver says:
I’m still pulling for Connolly because I think this team needs goals more than anything. Gudbrandson would be my 2nd choice. After that, I don’t have an opinion.
One thing I do look forward to is the time when the draft is just another day instead of something we really count on for the Isles…
-
gary9-19-22 says:
I WANT THAT JERSEY>>>> Time to retire the Billy Smith I’ve owned since 1982…
The day it comes out I’m getting a #21!!!
-
False Rumor says:
Nice Okposo jersey in that background, i noticed it on the video too before i saw that post. Although we knew what it was going to look like, it still surpasses all expectations.
-
Numbers65 in Ohio says:
YES #25, I agree, Columbus (Hitchcock) was not the right situation for Filatov. He would have definately been a star on LI. Columbus was kicking but until he left. Maybe knowing there was a young gun ready to take a spot kept alot of the other guys on their toes to keep their spot. Whatever happened the situation in Columbus hurt a few young players.
-
David Volek says:
Great article CB……….I for one think Josh Bailey is a great hockey player. The kid can stick handle in a phone booth……..
-
Alan says:
I read that Gord Miller of TSN said the word on the street is that FLA will be drafting Gudbranson — sorry to everyone that doesn’t want Gormley. The Islanders may not have a choice.
-
Why would the Isles take Gormely, if Gubranson is gone they should take connolly or Fowler no? I don’t see how they dont get one of those three tomorrow night unless well, they dont want any of them. I expect Bailey to really take some strides on wing this year. He was pretty impressive at stretches and before he got hurt.
-
Kidrock says:
Draft week every year makes me proud to be an islander fan. The rest of the year? Eh…
-
19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Have a safe trip CB … and have fun too. You’re right that this is a fun time of year… and it’s free too.
Every single draft I am filled with hope and promise … then of course looking back on a lot of the drafts I can say a bit disappointed … but as you’ve said CB … We really have to wait and see.
I’ll repeat myself once again … ever since the NHL went to an 18 year old draft it’s be more of a crap shoot. I firmly believe that the draft should be open for players that will be 19 years old before Opening Night.
An exceptional player rider can be executed for an 18 year old player once per team. That player must be 18 years old also by Opening Night.
I remember reading an article in TSN the year the draft was reduced to 7 rounds that stated over 90% of players drafted in the first 7 rounds didn’t see even 1 shift of NHL action by their 20th birthday, so that it wasn’t really a big deal.
I think the big deal is the effort teams put into the science of evaluating players that are mostly 16 and 17 y/o’s for the better part of the scouting process. One extra year will make that a more concise science, and will be better for the better players.
-
Gary says:
gormley will be an isles—my prediction
-
SCLI says:
“at least one crucial piece to the slow and steady rebuild”
Yes indeed. How true. Oh, so, SLOW!!! But steady as a Rock. By the time Snow finishes his SLOW And STEADY rebuild, we’ll need to find another “D” man to replace Striet! Bailey, Schremp and JT will facing URFA. Tamby will need just one more year to come into his own. Calvin DeHann’s weight will be up to 179 lbs, but chronic shoulder problems will prevent him from Debuting in his 1st NHL game. Weight will be eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame. And the team will be relocated to Queens. But have no fear. Ricky will still be under contract!!!! And with a little luck we’ll be in contention to draft a franchise goalie with our #1 overall pick. Slow speed ahead. Steady boys. Dont rock the ship. -
Unless connolly has a real hip issue, i dont see how Florida will pass on him. Especially given the fact that they just traded horton. Also I think its telling that connelly didnt visit the isles. Perhaps he was told by a team that he would be chosen by them……..Florida? It makes sense….
-
UIF says:
How is Fowler considered soft and a D liability now? I only saw him in the WJC, but I’d say he was easily USA’s best defenseman. Extremely poised in his own zone even with superior Canadian forwards bearing down on him. In fact, I was more impressed with his D than O in that tournament. Oh well, maybe the WJC was the exception not the norm and I’m wrong.
-
Jerky says:
Alan (#44) – I’m seeing the same thing. Most mock drafts have been updated within the past 24 hours to reflect Florida taking Gudbranson with their #3 pick and Fowler going 4th. We’re generally expected to select Connolly or Gormley by most. If that’s how it plays out tomorrow there has to be a 50/50 shot of Snow moving the pick in hopes we can get a second first rounder out of it and come away with one solid forward (Nino, Etem or Johanson, although Johanson is a center) and one solid D prospect (McIlrath, Forbort or Tinordi).
-
John says:
If the Isles can get Connolly and then have the Russian Krill fall to them, they should all head to Vegas for the rest of the draft. That being said, Wang & Co have to pick them and that’s always a gamble.
-
Big Van Vader says:
I just don’t see any way that Florida and the BJ’s pass on Gudbranson and Fowler. We’re be left at #5, and every fan in the Colisseum will be on pins and needles wondering what our team will do. Keep and pick, trade up or down, trade for immediate help? No surprise since selecting Tavares last year wasn’t a layup either.
This should be good…..
-
Jerky, that’s the way I see it playing out….unless there is some decisive and reassuring info on Connolly’s hip, in which case Florida (or Columbus) may take him. And then we get a good D-man fall in our lap.
-
“No surprise since selecting Tavares last year wasn’t a layup either.”
JT was Snows pick from day one. The reporters, fans and bloggers were the ones who had a different spin on things. Otherwise the draft would have been BOOOORRRING.
-
Darren says:
Garth again alseep at the wheel.How the hell do the Isles stand pat year after year and do nothing to improve the teams chances of @ least making the playoffs.I mean do all you fans honestly think that the Isles have improved over ANY eastern conf team that has made the playoffs.I think not.Our big pick will be Gormley,our big free agent acquisition will be Sutton and we’ll all be sick to our stomaches yet again!!I’m so tired of missing out on these trades,to acquire young PROVEN talent.Would that not accelerate the friggn’ rebuild already.This team has more excuses than B.P.If Guds gone they better trade down.We need NHL caliber players and lots of them.Or be bold and pick the player you want @ the 5 slot.Who cares what the fans think,thats never stopped the Isles before!Very,very dissappointed in Isles management.Sorry for rant everyone.
-
pat devlin says:
Here is what i think the Isles should do. Trade pick #5 down to around 10-12 that will get them at least a second rounder in return. Then draft Dylan Mcilrath (CSS #17). He is a tank with great defensive ability and a pretty good shot too. He is what the team needs all in one package, minus the goal tending. He is 6ft 4 a tough guy who sticks up for teammates and a defenseman.
-
Diane says:
That picture makes me laugh every time!
-
I haven’t seen anything that says Gormley projects to be a better player than Connolly, Fowler or Gudbranson … why would wa have to pick Gorms if Gudsy or Connolly is gone? Fowler is a good defensive player. I have not seen any negative thing about his defensive game except for here.
Fowler is not a bruising defenseman, but he covers his zone very well, and is a good positional player. He also has very good speed and great hands. His passing is top notch and he even has a shot. As he fills out I think the physical part of his game will improve … but it’s not his thang.
My order of selection is Gudbranson, Connolly or Fowler … based on the fact the Isles need a big physical d-man first, Connolly stud scorer with a “?” on health and Fowler is an upgrade over deHann, but we already have a few offensive minded d-men in the system.
-
Oh someone asked what Garth and John were laughing at in the picture. Garth made some remark about John improving his golf game… I think.
Thanks CB for your tireless work covering the draft for fanhouse and for us here on PB. Chat was great as well and appreciate you answering myquestions. Can’t wait to crack open a cold one Friday night and watch the results come in. Enjoy LA… And good luck getting some quotes from Garth.