SNY/PB EARLY MOCK DRAFT WITH CRAIG BUTTON
Ex-GM and scouting director makes his pick at No. 5
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Craig and I debate our way through the first five selections in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. His suggestion for the NYI is a tad interesting. Fun stuff.
80 Responses to SNY/PB EARLY MOCK DRAFT WITH CRAIG BUTTON
Ex-GM and scouting director makes his pick at No. 5
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No way the Devils pass on Larsson, I think the Isles take Murphy, they need a good defenseman in this draft. With the acquisition of Grabner, and development of Taveras, Moulson, Frans and Comeu,They can score goals now, it is a matter of keeping the puck out of there own net.
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Brian says:
Great video CB, some really interesting stuff and some good points by Button on Strome. No idea who I think the Isles should take at five but it’s fun to learn more about the players.
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Anthony says:
#2 don’t make sense. Murphy is an offensive defenseman, he’s not keeping the puck out of the net. Douggie Hamilton is your man if that’s your thought proccess…
I’d take Couturier; how do you pass up a 6’4″ center who’s a 100 pt scorer who also shuts down the other teams top player. That’s an NHL player, you can’t pass that up…
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2Bit says:
I NO way would I ever consider moving Tavares to the wing. I disagree with Craig’s thoughts on that. I believe JT will work on his overall game, but for example just because Grabner is a better two way player does that mean you move him to center? Nope. Not buying it.
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IslesNC says:
Very interesting points on Huberdeau and Strome. The former added 26 points and 13 goals in 15 playoff games this year, so it’s no surprise his stock might be rising to crack the top 3. As for Strome, I admit that I have only seen his YouTube highlights, but Strome seems to have a little Mike Bossy in him (yes, that’s blasphemy in Isles Country, but I did see Bossy’s entire career). Strome, like Bossy, has that predatory aspect when he has the puck, knows instinctively how to use defensemen to screen the goalie, and has an excellent hard shot. As Isles fans, we should be happy that we are going to see Nino on the Island next year, and either Huberdeau, Strome, Hamilton or Couturier added to the prospect stream.
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Strummer's Army says:
CB! CB! CB!
Great stuff.
I’ve looked at Button’s drafts since he started doing them for TV and he’s always way different then everyone else and not very accurate. I think even he admits Hubadreau is a high risk player who may not pan out. Also, not very big. Isles are loaded at forward and in goal but there is a gaping, screaming wound on defense. Isles don’t need a none physical and/or small player anywhere on the roster. Murphy & Bealueau get dropped from the draft board.
There is one player who is the ideal fit in that range and his name is Dougie Hamilton. Physical, huge, very good skater, fighter, loads of offense and a leader. Larsson wouldn’t be bad either but Hamilton is a better fit. After Garth secures Hamilton he should manuver to add the like of Seimens, Oleasak, and Murphy.
Keeping my eye on LW Kale Kessy (compared to Lucic) and Mitch Elliot in the later rounds.
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Jzimm says:
I’m still of the opinion that if Craig Button suggests you do something, for the sake of self-preservation, do something else!!! -The guy is lost!
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JT says:
Great job guys! This was facinating. Big scoring center vs. playmaking center. Always tempted to go for size, as it has been an issue for the Isles for a long time. Garth has his work cut out for him. Draft day will be interesting.
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dantheman says:
Draft another forward. Why not try and be among the best in the league in offensive firepower? There’s no such thing as too many goals. Try and get some more quality defensemen into the team in another way.
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Bryan says:
Trade the pick, get an nhl player on the ice next season.
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frank says:
You never have enough pass rushers
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Patrick says:
All due respect, Button loses credibility when he refers to Moulson as a center and neglects to mention Nielsen when analyzing the Isles up the middle.
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jisles says:
Not too big on Button! He picked Duschene over J.T in his 2009 redraft on TSN, and he dealt St.Louis and Savard for zip, but judging by what he said about Murphy, I guess he’s forgotten about his issues with smaller players (Perception here in Calgary). He has some good points and I’m not going to say he’s wrong about J.T on the wing because I don’t know how that would work out, but I’m glad Garth is making the pick and not Button.
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The new isles gm says:
Get out of here with this Ryan Strome stuff. Garth can’t possibly have his eye on this kid in the number 5 spot. The one interesting thing to hear is how Button said Garth n Co. Had their eye on Ryan Johansson but settled for Neidereider after CBJ picked Johansson at 4. Does this mean we go for the 6’4″ center Sean Couterier this year? Ever since Florida took Gudbrannson at 3 and Fowler slipped to 11, I have no doubt in my mind we’re in for another surprise this year. Still plenty of work to do b4 Garth makes his selection.
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LIT says:
I have been watching the Portland games lately and have been really impressed with Joseph Morrow.. I have not seen Ryan Murphy or Dougie Hamilton etc.. but Morrow is special..
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Mike L says:
Button’s mock draft lists Larsson at 6 and Couturier at 7. It’s hard for me to take his mock draft seriously, however I do appreciate his incite on prospects such as Strome. I’d be fine with any of the main prospects (Huberdeau, Strome, Murphy, Hamilton) with the pick.
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IrishIsle says:
Great piece there Chris.
Hopefully this is the last year we have a top 5 pick.
Seems like you are angling that the Isles should take a defenseman. Are you ready to do the Dougie?
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one thing for sure, when you have a dysfunctional cheap owner as director of scouting running the draft, there is no telling who the isles could pick. it could be a very good pick or a crazy pick like last year when they picked in the 7 th round a goalie who just played one period of hockey in one game where he played very poorly and never played one period of hockey, let alone one game this past season since the isles picked him.
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Mike in Wantagh says:
The more I listen to these mock drafts and scouting reports, the more i get the feeling that Larsson just might be available for the islanders at #5. he was a sure thing #1 pick about 4 months ago from what i heard back then….and now there are 4-6 names I have heard that could potentially go before him.
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THollinger says:
Mike Mckee, huge, physical left defenseman @ 6’5 230 is a sleeper pick rising who may still be around @ 50th pick
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Take Hamilton with first pick, big physical right D Connor Murphy with 2nd pick, and big lieft D Mike McKee with 50th pick. Maybe Joseph Labate with 65th pick. now we’re mean and physical
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Rob76 says:
we have to take a forward. Its hard for our team to lure high scoring forwards to the Island so why not take another forward. Defensemen take so long to develop and i actually like our defensive depth with a healthy Streit. I have been a big Couturier guy but i am getting big on Strome and Huberdeau. I’d also not be mad if we traded the pick for an established forward
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Brian says:
if larsson is available @ 5, there is no way garth can pass him over. the idea of having larsson playing with streit is too good for garth to pass up. that d-pairing could be one of the most dangerous d-pairings in the nhl. Streit is considered to be one of the best in the league and larsson is by far the most nhl ready d-man in the draft
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Ethan K says:
I can’t say I’ve seen any of these guys play, just highlights and a lot of reading and looking up statistics. I really think Couturier will haunt some teams in a few years for passing on him. I’m confident everyone in the top 7 picks or so will be top line forwards/top pairing defensemen. The 5th overall pick is actually a good spot to be in, because it’s the teams picking 1-4 who should be most nervous. Islanders will pick their favorite of whoever is left. Assuming we pick 5th, my choice would go: Larsson > Hamilton > Couturier > Huberdeau > Strome (Assuming Landeskog and Nugent-Hopkins won’t be there at 5th). I think Larsson is the big, physical, tough top pairing dman we need. Hamilton would be the next best, also a complete defenseman who can play any defensive role. If those defensemen are off the table, I take the 6’4″ reliable centerman who was the youngest player on Canada’s WJC team last year. This time last year he was considered to be number 1 overall material for the draft, and I don’t think he did anything to be moved down, just other people proved more this season.
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I like Strome the best too. He seems he’d fit the best on this team, and I do agree with whoever said he’s got that “predator” quality about him with the puck. I think that’s what JT needs most and be able to benefit most from.
Couturier sounds awesome on paper but I just don’t see him being a good fit.
I’d be happy with Hamilton but larsson -
David says:
Great stuff CB. Some points:
1) It’s Saint Johns Sea Dogs, not Sea wolf. Button should know the name if he’s in the business.
2) If Garth and the Islanders were so high on Ryan Johansen last year, they are not going to pass on Couturier if he’s available at #5. Tall, 2-way player who can protect the puck AND put up points. Same mould as RJ.
3) No way Strome is going to go top 6. He will be in the category 6-10 imo. We need bigger players than him. Period.
4) Devils won’t pass on Larsson if he is there. They will play him with Tallinder if they get him. Not sure they will pick Murphy either. Couturier seems like an ideal NJD player.
5) Clearly Button hasn’t watched a lot of Islanders games last couple of years if he believe they will move Tavares to the wing. Not gonna happen and rightly so.
6) I would pick in this order (assuming RNH, Landeskog will be gone) Larsson/Couturier/Huberdeau/Hamilton. And as you say Chris, we will get a serious prospect thats for sure.
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sean says:
We need a big defenseman that is not afraid to throw his weight around: dougie Hamilton, I read what scouts said about his game in hockey news. If larsson is there I take him but Hamilton is a good choice.
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Billy the Kid says:
Button talking to just talk.
I was not impressed with his insight or opinions. Sure Huberdeau has moved up, but his reasons for taking Strome, the “excitement factor” are not bright. Strome may very well be top 5, but taking over center from Tavares while possible, is not likely. Garth has said that Tavares was drafted as a center and he is a center on this team. I do think Tavares would prosper on wing but I don’t see him being shifted for a Strome.
Button also had confusion over our players such as forgetting Nielsen and not considering that Bailey could wind up a 4th line center or a winger on a higher line.
We have had more intelligent interviews. -
Gary9-19-22 says:
I love Larsson… He’s the real deal…
My experience.. When everyone stops talking about someone, it means everyone loves him and will do anything in the hopes he drops down to them.
The Devils will take Larsson if available,, 100% gar-un-teed!!!!!
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Hollywood says:
Offense, this team could never have enough scoring forwards. Dmen can be had a later time.
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Bob E says:
i would be shocked to see larson fall to us. That would be no brainer.
there could be suprise but Nugent is going #1 no question. As much as the most talented dman skill wise we already have that. We need a big dman thats physical. Hamonic cant be only guy to do that for us.
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Al says:
Button may not be perfect, but he was entertaining and I’m sure all CB wanted was to get the draft conversation started. So I don’t get why people are ripping on Button because his record as a scouting director and GM is iffy and he made a few mistakes or said stuff you don’t agree with. Wow you guys, Garth Snow drafted tavares first. Anyone could have done that. You don’t think he has screwed up already? You think Nino Niederreiter is going to be great because he’s got 9 playoff goals playing against other kids smaller than him. Look what Skinner did at 18. Snow gave away a Conn Smythe trophy candidate for almost nothing. Make fun of Button, but Snow has not done anything but produce last place teams. Button helped build two teams that went deep into the playoffs. Some of you guys act like Button has no right to speak and we’ve got a genius running our team. We don’t.
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Brian G says:
More Offense the better, take a center again. Huberdeau, Strome, Courtier are the pick if they are even there.
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Richard says:
Good Interview…. I would have liked you to ask, why he thinks Doug Hamilton is gonna drop. In his mock draft he predicts him to go 14th.
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Mike says:
Thank you 33. I was going to write that last night when I saw the cocky comments from some fans here. What a joke. We should wait til Snow gets us to 8th place before we put him in the Hall of Fame and act like people like Button and Miller aren’t entitled to their opinions. Button is an experienced hockey man, give him that. We don’t have many. We don’t even have a scouting director.
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Kenny says:
Good interview, CB. I don’t agree with everything Button said, but at least someone is talking about the Islanders and talking about the draft. Appreciated.
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4theisles says:
If we pick up a forward, we better trade for an established D with size + a vet goalie if we expect to make the play-offs.
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DATW says:
The fail train starts at the 1:35 mark. If you want to be taken seriously, the least you can do is get the name of the team of the top #3 prospect you are talking about.
If Larsson is on the board at #4, Conte and Lou will be bum rushing the podium to announce the pick. They’ve picked several Swedes threw the past couple of years (Tedenby, Josefson and Urbom) and Larsson would be the next on the list if he’s actually available when we pick.
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Glens says:
@ 5 take the BPA,IMHO.
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UIF says:
Interesting interview, but I hope they take Couturier. I don’t think he’ll even be available at 5 though. When all is said and done, and the players that have shown some recent flash are evaluated, I think one of top-three teams takes the big center that has shown what he can do for a longer time and can play in all three zones.
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Fred says:
Snow should just ask himself, what would Bill Torrey do?
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nyifan72 says:
We will take Strome at 5 because it’s the right pick.
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joe b says:
Islanders fans making fun of a former GM because he accidentally said Seawolves instead of Sea Dogs. Come on. This guy has seen these players more than you and probably more than Snow, who never leaves Wang’s side in his suite.
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Terry says:
Couturier is definitely gonna be there at 5. Bank on it. What we don’t know is are the Islanders gonna take him.
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Sean says:
1. nugent-hopkins is a lock
2. huberdeau
3. landeskog
4. Larsson to the Devils – too bad we lost the lottery
5. that leaves us with strome, hamilton, murphy and couturier. we’ll get a very good prospect. I think they’ll take strome. maybe garth will move back and take the pressure off himself again -
newman says:
Take the best forward avail. Strome or Couturier
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Bruce says:
Another May, another year where Isles fans are excited about finishing 27th and think they know more than people like Button.
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BryanG says:
Thanks for the video CB. I look forward to stuff like this into the summer. Thanks for the effort. Who do you think we should take at 5?
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Tim says:
Either of the Niagara kids, Strome or Hamilton. Coutuirer is years away if he ever pans out.
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Petey Pete says:
If Larsson is there at 5, it would be very hard to defend Garth Snow if he takes anyone else. How often do the Isles get a chance to draft the TOP DEFENSEMAN IN THE DRAFT. Especially someone who’s still in the conversation for First Overall and likely the most NHL-ready of the d-men.
In the likely event he gets taken by Colorado or New Jersey, I would like to see the Isles draft Couturier, Huberdeau or Strome and go with a bonafide 2nd line center, because Bailey isn’t cutting it. Not exactly sold on Murphy (too small) or Hamilton (not good value at 5th overall). I just pray Snow doesn’t recreate “Nilsson vs Parise” (easily the most traumatic draft scene in Islander memory) by passing on Larsson for another d-man.
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talented size( 6″4″ centerman). im tired of watching bigger teams in the East pound us into submission each week. larsson shouldnt be there, too bad. other then that, draft the best player available. i have never read about a GM complaining about having too many talented prospects in junior, or the ahl. you draft talent, you sign free agents to fill needs, and you trade surplus talent( deal from strength).
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Rich says:
It still bothers me that we got bumped from the 4 spot. IMO there is a clear drop off between the top 4 prospects and the second 4 prospects. Huberdeau is my favorite prospect in the draft and I believe he would be the best fit for this team. He’s got a good frame at 6’1” and will fill it out as he matures. He’s got highlight reel skills on offense and most importantly has played wing ALL SEASON and would be a perfect fit to ride shot gun with Tavares when he reaches the NHL. It kills me that hes boosted his stock into the top 4 as we were bumped out of it.
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Oye Comeau Va says:
It all depends on what the scouts are telling Snow. If Strome is who they like, then trade back a couple of spots, add another pick, and use that pick (along with others to get into the mid 1st round and draft a bid D man like Siemens or Oleksiak.
Otherwise, stick in the 5 spot and take the best D man available (whether it’s a falling Larsson, Hamilton, or Murphy).
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bryan says:
I know we need size but I just love the talent and game breaker potential of both strome and Murphy! Any way we can get another top ten pick and get both.
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doc says:
I believe that falling to the 5 spot could be a blessing in disguise. The right player could fall right to them.
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Frans Dish says:
1. Edmonton: Ryan Nugent Hopkins
2. Colorado: Gabriel Landeskog
3. Florida: Sean Couturier
4. NJD: Dougie Hamilton
5. NYI: Adam LarssonThis is how I see it panning out, maybe switch 4 with 5 but, I can’t see Florida picking another blue chip prospect defensemen with already drafting Kulikov and Gudbranson back to back years.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
Agree with Glens (#40). If there is a player available whom they consider head and shoulders above the rest, he’s the pick, regardless of position (W, C or D.
Was a CB the most glaring need for the NYG? No, but the Prince was rated way higher than anyone else on the board.
If the menu is relatively equal, the pick is the best player at what NYI consider to be their biggest need.
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BanGarth says:
Outside the box reinvent the wheel morons will take the smallest defenseman they can find because it appears that is all we want on d. Take someone who can run people over please , we get knocked around too much. I am all for moving JT to wing , would let him concentrate on scoring more and he only hangs out on the right side of the net anyway. The guy who sits behind the net with the long colorful clown hair and the jersey he hasn t washed since 1986 is the head of scouting.
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Big Van Vader says:
If Larsson is there, you take him and have another cornerstone for the franchise. However, and let’s not forget, Snow and his tests that they give all these prospects before the draft. I
“believe” that if Larsson is there at 5, the Isles grab him no matter what. But you just can’t ignore/forget the Isles process for determining who “best” fits their mold. I know we “shouldn’t” give up on Bailey just yet as that would be the Milbury way, but if you have a chance to trade him to get a second first rounder or to a team that needs cap relief for a solid vet NHLer, do you do it? -
James from Swindles says:
Interesting discussion, and along with the ISS and CSB rankings, it would appear that, outside of Nugent-Hopkins and Landeskog going in the top three, there’s a growing field of upper echelon prospects and no clear-cut consensus on who’s going to be selected where.
Therefore, it would appear that at #5, the Isles will have a variety of forwards and defensemen to pick from (say, three of Couturier, Strome, Huberdeau, Larsson, Murphy, and Hamilton).
All things being equal, my preference would be for the Isles to draft a stud defenseman, preferably one with size. The Isles have a burgeoning core of young forwards, but their abundance of mediocrity and lack of depth on the blue line was severely exposed this past season.
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shlo says:
It looks like we cant go wrong with anybody that will be available at 5.
Some will like it some will not. It will be interesting… -
Sidd Finch says:
Would another series of step down trades surprise anyone at this point? If there are enough names left on the board the Isles covet at 5, step down to 8, pick up an early 2nd and a developing prospect. Johansen was early at 4 last year and Fowler slipped to 11, prjected top 3. Don’t be shocked by a blockbuster or a shocker before the Isles pick, you just can’t tell. As for defensive d-men, they can always be had later. Big Z was a pretty late pick if I do recall. I just hope the formula the Isles are using is about to take shape.
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Westchester says:
Douggie Hamilton Please.
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PotvinRocks says:
I would love to see the Islanders end up with Larsson but I think he is going to Colorado. And has everyone notice how good Victor Hedman has played this playoffs?
Which is why I am hoping that the Isles go off the board for Strome. But Tavares work in the D zone is way to good to move him to wing. So I think that they make Strome a winger.
Looking forward to the draft. As I told a Devil friend of mine, this is our playoffs. -
i’d like to draft adam larsson but I dont envision that kind of drop for him, in which case i’d like to draft dougie hamilton!
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Bryan says:
I would draft a forward with the pick. I’d be happy with Strome, Couturier, or Huberdeau assumimg the other top forwards are gone. After that first pick, I would make a play to get back into the first and get a big dman. If it costs too much to do that, then just draft defense with the rest of the picks and hope a couple pan out. I could see Strome being big for JT, Strome seems a little similiar to Jeff Skinner and he and JT have been playing well together in the Worlds.
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streit02 says:
Should be the most interesting draft in years. I really feel the move from 4th to 5th hurt the Isles more than people think. To me, this draft is all about complimenting Tavares.
1. Tavares should stay at center. I thought he was better suited for the wing early on, but hes played 2 yrs as center and it wouldnt make sense to move him now. He also looked like Pavel Bure on that end to end rush in the worlds.
2. For arguments sake if the Isles take a forward it will most likely be either Couturier, Huberdeau or Strome who are all centers. Huberdau and Strome seem like more of a candidate to fit as a winger if they try to pair either with JT.
3. I am very enticed seeing a John Tavares and SEan Couturier 1-2 punch at center. With Couturier’s size and 2-way play he can be a perfect compliment to a point scoring machine John TAvares. Not to mention Couturier has boat loads of talent as well and wouldnt have to carry that “franchise” tag on his back like some earlier may thought he would have.
4. This is where Josh Bailey comes into play. He could be a huge trade chip that brings another valuable asset back. Whether it be a dman or a linemate for JT. Plus, theres a pretty good chance whoever we draft wont be on the team next year so Bailey will still have another year to prove himself or atleast boost his trade value. Obviously, this is depending on if the Isles take a center, but it caught me off guard and was very interesting to hear Button say the Isles were big on Ryan Johansen (who is a center) last year. If that’s the case they shouldnt be hesitant at all to select a center this year.
Final Thought: No way would i pass up Couturier for Strome. Only way i draft D is if Larsson slips to us. Ideal situation=Trade up and grab Landeskog. -
Didnt realize that was so long, but 4got one thing. Dont be surprised if the Isles trade down or push hard to move up and grab Sven Bartschi. His stock has risen so much a move up is a very unlikely scenario.
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JoeG. says:
Garth is clueless. Cam Fowler fell in our laps last year and he passed. He will go off the board because that is the Islander way. It really doesnt pay to get excited with the TOP prospects because garth will pick someone who is ranked mid first round.
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All this talk about Bailey, I’m amazed by it. We know what the situation is but let’s all just relax. Look at Comeau finally coming into his own. We forget he’s older then Bailey. Everyone calm down and let the combine take place, we’re not scouts…let the staff do their job. We’ve done well in the past few drafts….I think we all need a beer and relax a bit.
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JoeG- How can you bash Snow for passing on Fowler? He was expected to go 4th or 5th and then fell all the way to 12th. That tells me something since 7 other GMs opted to pass over him as well. Yes he had a nice offensive season, but to finish -25 on a playoff team that scored only 9 less goals at even strength than allowed, is weak.
Plus, Nino was ranked 5th best NHL prospect by THN. I think it’s a little too early to bash Garth, and 7 other GMs about that decision.
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#70 Fowler dropped because despite his offense and size, his defensive game may never be very good and he is allergic to contact. He’s a very soft player and not what the Isles need to go to battle with. Nino is more the type of player you want on your side.
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Wedgie says:
I guarantee who ever the Devils take at #4 will be awesome and our pick will not pan out. This reeks of Scott Niedermeyer and Scott Lachance back in the day. The lottery is absolute BS and if it wasn’t it would be shown on TV. @68 Bailey has no trade value he stinks. Would love Courtier, but I’m sure the Devils will take him. When was the last time (if ever) the Isles had a big center?
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Blizzard says: I do not agree with Button. Tavares should not be moved to wing. His play making and passing skills are under rated. Everyone is so stuck with making JT a 50 goal scorer. I would rather him have 35 to 40 with 60 assists.
Strom should be drafted only if he is deemed best available player.
Larsson if available IMO.
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Pilonfan says:
Don’t pick the smurf defensmen PLEASE!! And trade Bailly and maybe Okiposo before September. I’m watching the playoffs and our core is softer then my pillow..it would get eaten alive in the playoffs. Every shift guys are elbowing, punching, our entire grit is 4th liners. Cant survive in playoffs like that. Tavares and Grabner are keepers, so okiposo and Bailly have to go!! For some Grit!
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jerry says:
SEE #11. Right on brother! Fact is Isles cant get a top FA. Trade the pick and force a star to play on the Island.
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#76: Trade Okposo for grit?
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take the best available player in the draft that fits your needs. yes we all love scoring..but offense alone does not win any cups..defense and goaltending..look at the capitals with all their skilled players. swept in second round, no heart or passion or defense from that team. beaten by a team, committed to defense. defense wins championships.
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Lean Cugine says:
I’ll take anyone who is at least 6’4-235lbs.
Ahhh the annual rite of the New York Islanders draft pick! Decisions, decisions…. Which player will help most to ensure that next season this team picks again between 3 and 7 overall?
The Answer: Who Cares?!