Three days till the NHL draft. Who goes #1?

[inthebrain]

I think despite the Red Line report having Duchesne at #1 all the experts have come full circle and placed Tavares at #1. I think at this point that goes undisputed.

Now it's just a matter of who the Isles pick and how the Avs and Tampa follow up. The Isles given the state of the system are not drafting from a position of strength which is kinda frustrating. You'd like to be able to draft on talent alone but the person they select is going to get thrown to the wolves. This team needs bodies given the lack of talent, difficult time filling holes with UFAs and a few leaving via Free Agency.

As much as I want Tavares I think they are gonna select Duchesne due to the intangibles. Given the Newsday reports it appears some in the Isles org think this guy has the stuff to survive a team that's going to struggle for a few more seasons.

I hope they don't pick Hedman. Drafting a D first overall tends to be a waste in todays NHL. You can hit with those in any round (Streit was drafted 9th and Lidstrom and Chara in the third). Still I wonder what Tampa will do should the Isles take Hedman? They are all set at center for many years and in dire need of D.

[Forkboy]

1. The only time to draft a D in the first round is if you absolutely need him.

I agree it's generally a waste of time.

I think Tavares goes to the Island. He came right out and said "I want to be an Islander" so I think he knows the situation the team is in and can handle a couple of rough years. I'd skip Hedmen, draft Tavares, and fill D holes with a solid journeyman or four.

Duschesne is Colorado bound, and Tampa will get what they want with Hedmen. Colorado could surprise and take Hedmen, but I doubt it. I could be wrong.

[inthebrain]

2. Tampa needs D

Although i wonder if the Isles deal them Witt, Streit or Sutton along with the 26th to grab that pick.

Snow and Jankowski have stated that they really like two of the top three. I think the one they pick is the one they feel is best equipped to handle the struggles of a rebuilding team.

Colorado has need of competent D like Hedman although you expect Tampa to grab him. I still think Tampa with Vinny and St Louis make a play to go for it.

[MrSlayer]

3. Tavares goes number one.

The Isles need offensive star power and this kid has it. He'll put people in seats. I'd love to see them swing a trade to grab the number two pick as well but as I said before it's a shame Espo isn't in charge in Tampa anymore, it will be no small task to do that.

[inthebrain]

5. I hope

If they pass on JT I'll probably be upset about it but I am willing to wait and see before passing judgement.

The Isles are still in a position where they need bodies. That kinda sucks cause who they pick is jumping right in right away. If things were better maybe could drop down, draft Magnus Pajaaraav and got players and picks in return.

[Upton]

4. The Islanders are just talking

Tavares, like you pointed out, is rated the #1 prospect by virtually all the experts, they'd be foolish to pass him up.

Anyway, if they don't take him, that so called "sold out" Islander draft party might riot. Plus, the Islanders are having trouble drawing, they don't need to alienate their fan base anymore than they already have.

[inthebrain]

6. Less than 24 hours to go

doubt I'm gonna sleep tonight.

[Forkboy]

7. lol...that's hardcore.

:)

[inthebrain]

8. LOL

16 years of suffering to finally have a shot at a bona fide future hall of famer.

We get Tavares it's like the healing is complete from that terrible Turgeon trade. The Isles fans and franchise never recovered from that.

I'm just really excited.