Welcome to Day 2 of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft

Last night's spotty internet connection and lack of seating has given way to some new found space and bandwith. Things should get rolling pretty quickly as the Islanders hold court with the 31st, 56th, 91st, 122nd and 152nd. I'll be sharing the whole day with you so come in at your leisure and see what's going on Live at the Draft.

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The Readers Have Spoken!

We're a week and a half away from the NHL Draft and I'm starting to get myself ready for the journey up to Montreal. Gotta get that passport, switch my phone over to international service for a week, get the laptop batteries charged and my writing cap on. I'm getting pretty excited for the opportunity to be there.

I ran a poll last week and asked my readers (don't know exactly how many of you there are?) what they would like to see on Draft Night/Day.

Well, you've spoken and I've heard you. There will be a Live Blog on this site starting at 5:30 PM on Friday, June 26th, to coincide with the Versus coverage and give you guys an extra half an hour of talk time prior to the start of the TV coverage.

The boys and I, (Islesblogger Mike, TigerTrack Tom and Okposo.net Ken, in order below) will be walking the streets of Montreal and the Bell Centre doing as much video work as we can to give everyone an idea of the festivities. I'll let you guys know where and when all that will be available.

What a bunch of mugshots!

Lastly, with the 1st Round in full swing, I believe that we'll be calling in to both Hockey Night on Long Island and IslesNation (who I'm sure will be at the Draft Party in Uniondale) radio broadcasts to give even more up-to-date analysis and intelligence from the Draft floor. Be sure to tune in to one or both during the course of the 1st round.

For Day 2 of the Draft, make sure to tune back in here for the second Live Blog of the weekend starting around 9:30 AM as the 2nd Round gets under way. I'll be taking this one all the way to the end of the 7th round and keeping everyone abreast of the situation.

Keep an eye out for the reminders that I'm going to post starting this weekend on as many spots as I can (Twitter, IslanderMania, etc.) for the Live Blog's. Tell everyone you know to stop by it should be a lot of fun. Thanks for your support, I really do appreciate it. I'll catch up with you as soon as I can with some last minute material before the Draft.

For the time being, head over to LighthouseHockey.com and check out who Dom, Mike and I picked for the SBN Mock Draft. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

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It's Time for The Prediction

I've never been one to engage myself in the guessing game that is the Mock Draft. Unfortunately, with my exposure to the inner workings of the hockey culture with the New York Islanders, it has spawned a new-found understanding of the pundits. They are rarely correct in their assumptions of what a team will do but they are absolutely spot-on when it comes to evaluating prospects. So without further ado, I give you my attempt at being a pundit:

With the first selection in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, the New York Islanders select...John Tavares from the London Knights of Ontario Hockey League.

Yes, I know what you're thinking. Didn't you say that it was going to be Victor Hedman two months ago? I did say that, but that's what I believed Garth might do at the time. With just over two weeks to go before the Draft, I think it's time that I spoke my opinion about who I want for the Islanders coming out of this year's Draft.

Click the link to get the full listing of my Mock Draft.

1. New York Islanders-John Tavares C, London Knights, OHL
--I still have my doubts that Garth isn’t just playing everyone for fools and will take JT at #1. Let’s all just hope for the best. Let’s be honest, the Isles could use the scoring and even if he doesn’t turn into Crosby #2, it’s 20-30 goals you didn’t have last year.
2. Tampa Bay Lightning-Victor Hedman D, MODO, SEL
--This is no consolation prize. A generational d-man with size, speed and skill, nothing else need be said. You can’t really say much else except for the fact that the Lightning lucked out and will have a solid blueline starting next season with this young man.
3. Colorado Avalanche-Matt Duchene, Brampton Battalion C, OHL
--Give the kid billed as the next “Stevie Y” a little time to develop with Uncle Joe.
4. Atlanta Thrashers-Evander Kane, Vancouver Giants C, WHL
--Kovi+Kane=Whatever winger on the left side you want. Might project better as a winger. At that point, any center will do. Good strength and size for his age.
5. Los Angeles Kings-Magnus Paajarvi-Svensson LW, Timra, SEL
--Another highly-skilled forward to go along with their stable of already highly-skilled forwards. Could be a game-breaker.
6. Phoenix Coyotes-Dmitry Kulikov D, Drummondville Voltigeurs, QMJHL
--Stock has really been on the rise of late and is a complete defensive workhorse. He will be rewarded for a lot of hard work during the Memorial Cup.
7. Toronto Maple Leafs-Brayden Schenn C, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
--With Burke not able to acquire any higher slot and subsequently Tavares, taking the younger Schenn is no slouchy trade-off.
8. Dallas Stars-Jared Cowen D, Spokane Chiefs, WHL
--Coming off a knee injury that kept him out the majority of last season, the big d-man rebounds and will be a huge asset to the Lone Stars. Think Derian Hatcher.
9. Ottawa Senators-John Moore D, Chicago Steel, USHL
--Arguably the best skater in the draft and by far the best American d-man.
10. Edmonton Oilers-Zack Kassian RW, Peterborough Petes, OHL
--Rough and tumble winger fills a need for the Oilers who need to get tougher.
11. Nashville Predators-Oliver Ekman-Larsson D, Leksands, Swe-2
--Slick Swedish d-man who snuck up on everybody. Will be an impact player once he matures.
12. Minnesota Wild-Jordan Schroeder RW, US-NTDP U18
--Although small in size, Schroeder makes up for it with speed and skill; good fit.
13. Buffalo Sabres-Ryan Ellis D, Windsor Spitfires, OHL
--Ellis is the ideal replacement for Brian Campbell. Quick, skilled and a good first pass, combine to make this smallish d-man a real high-quality pick at this spot.
14. Florida Panthers-Simon Despres D, St. John Sea Dogs, QMJHL
--Can anyone say “JayBo’s replacement”? Despres is a smooth-skating offensive d-man with good size. Within 2 years he will be a solid NHLer.
15. Anaheim Ducks-Carter Ashton RW, Lethbridge Hurricanes, WHL
--Follows the model of large man with skills that Anaheim has built on since Brian Burke was the GM.
16. Columbus Blue Jackets-Scott Glennie RW, Brandon Wheat Kings, WHL
--A goal scorer, period. Will definitely vie for a spot in the Jackets top 6.
17. St. Louis Blues-Jacob Josefson C, Djurgarden, SEL
--The Blues have always had good luck with Euro imports. Josefson should not be a disappointment as he will grow to be a solid center.
18. Montreal Canadiens-Nazem Kadri C, London Knights, OHL
--After putting up a good showing in the OHL Playoffs, Kadri will get a ride to Les Habitants due to his great hand-eye, complete package and willingness to bleed Bleu, Blanc et. Rouge.
19. New York Rangers-Peter Holland C, Guelph Storm, OHL
--Gifted two-way center that will help solidify the top 9 in the Big Apple. He’s been compared to Tomas Holmstrom for his penchant for standing in front.
20. Calgary Flames-Jordan Caron C, Rimouski Oceanic, QMJHL
--Size and hands. He should be a really good fit in an already strong offense in Alberta.
21. Philadelphia Flyers-Nick Leddy D, Eden Prarie Rams, MN-HS
--After stealing Sbisa late in the 1st Round last year, the Flyers continue picking up sleeper d-men in this year’s Draft starting with “Mr. Hockey 2009”.
22. Vancouver Canucks-Kyle Palmieri RW/C, US-NTDP U18
--With the Sedins possibly on the way out, Palmieri will provide some scoring punch for the Canucks to aide Ryan Kesler.
23. New Jersey Devils-Landon Ferraro RW, Red Deer Rebels, WHL
--Let the trend continue. The Devils have found success with Parise. How could it hurt to take yet another Islander by association?
24. Washington Capitals-Tim Erixon D, Skelleftea, SEL
--A glaring deficiency arose during the playoffs, namely defense. Pair Erixon with Green on the PP and give him ample minutes at even-strength. It also helps that Karl Alzner, the Caps top D prospect, will be with the big team next year.
25. Boston Bruins-Chris Krieder LW, Andover Academy, MA-HS
--While not playing the most competitive hockey out there, Krieder has managed to impress just about everybody. Had a fantastic Combine.
26. New York Islanders (from San Jose)-David Rundblad D, Skelleftea, SEL
--Skilled Swede with good puck-moving abilities. Should fit right in after one more year in the SEL.
27. Carolina Hurricanes-Louis LeBlanc C, Omaha Lancers, USHL
--The Hurricanes just didn’t have the scoring power to overcome the Penguins in the Conference Finals. LeBlanc should be able to help.
28. Chicago Blackhawks-Jeremy Morin C, US-NTDP U18
--Who doesn’t want more good American players coming from the NTDP? They seem to be producing some solid players these days.
29. Detroit Red Wings-Calvin de Haan D, Oshawa Generals, OHL
--Ever heard of Brian Rafalski? Well, what’s wrong with bringing in a point-per-game younger version?
30. Pittsburgh Penguins-Drew Shore C, US-NTDP U18
--Good size and skill but will need some college seasoning. Will fit right in a couple of years down the road.

Let me know what you think in the Comments section.

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So Much Going On...I Just Had to Write About It

It's getting to be that time sports fans. Baseball is in full swing, NFL players will start reporting to training camp, the NBA Finals are looming, the U.S. Open is coming to Bethpage Black (drool...), but best of all, the NHL Stanley Cup Finals between the Wings and Pens has been scheduled and the Draft is a mere month away. I just love the way sports in America encompasses an entire year of gladitorial combat and emotion. It's plain awesome.

With all the activity going on, I just had to mention a few things before I got into the meat of my Draft ideas:

• Congrats to Justin Bourne for a successful, albeit extremely long stay in Phoenix. I hope you get the job, man. Also, I can't forget his fiancee, Brianna Gillies, who absolutely wowed her interviewers and was offered a job at one of the top neurological institutes in the country. Best of luck to both you!



• Twitter G-ddess, @Dani3boyz, hosted a get together known as a TweetUp at Croxley Ale House in Farmingdale and Dee Karl, the 7th Woman, made an appearance. I just got word on Twitter that Dani actually made her goal from all the generous contributions of Twitter hockey fans and will be in Montreal along with the Blog Box Boys for the Draft! You have no idea how awesome hockey fans are until you witness something like that happen in front of your eyes. Congrats, Dani! I can't wait to see everyone up there.



• Apparently, the Islanders bloggers will be well repped in Montreal on June 26th, as BD Gallof also throws his hat into the ring.



• Don't forget to get your FREE ticket to the Islanders Draft Party. Despite the fact that I won't be in Uniondale and rather Nordes de Lignes, make sure you get to the Draft Party. It should be a great experience this year, JT included (hopefully).

Some Draft Ideas...

I want to get a feel for how my readers would like us to cover the Draft. We've kicked around a few ideas and I'm looking for some feedback. Vote in the poll at the top of the site for the idea or ideas you like the best and we'll see if we can pull them off.

Don't be bashful if you have an idea about what or how you'd like something covered. Leave a Comment and share your thoughts.

Sorry BD, it was too awesome not to steal. In Garth We Trust!

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The Truth: What I Think Will Happen on June 26, 2009

Now that I've taken my turn at "Armchair GM", I think it's time to explain what will almost certainly happen on June 26, 2009 when the 2009 NHL Entry Draft begins. Let's begin with where the Isles will be slotted in this year's Draft:

Round 1

• 1st Overall (Won in the 2009 Draft Lottery)


• 26th Overall (UPDATED (4/25/09): San Jose's Draft Pick-acquired in Chris Campoli trade. Conditional on where San Jose finishes in the 2009 Stanley Cup Playoffs)

Round 2

• 31st Overall


• 37th Overall (Acquired at 2008 Draft from Toronto in the 5-7-9 move)


• 60th Overall (Acquired from the Bruins in Ben Walter trade)

Round 3

• 62nd Overall


• 84th Overall (UPDATED (4/25/09): Acquired in Bill Guerin trade, Penguins won their 1st round matchup against the Flyers)

Round 4

• 92nd Overall

Round 5

• 122nd Overall

Round 6

• 152nd Overall

Round 7

• 182nd Overall

Note: The reason for the disparity after Round 2 is due to the pick (47th overall) that was awarded to the Rangers in the wake of the Alexei Cherepanov tragedy.

So what are the Islanders going to do with all these draft picks? Well frankly, I can't tell you how everything will shake out by the time the 2nd Round starts but I can tell you what will happen in the 1st Round.

I've been running the poll above for a week and a half and most resoundingly, fans of this website have voted in favor of drafting John Tavares (89% at the time of this post to be exact). I'm here to let you know.......YOU MIGHT BE DISAPPOINTED!

If my feelings about Garth and the way he operates are correct, then Islanders fans might be calling for his head after he announces the 1st Overall Selection. I'm predicting this today, two months in advance. Garth Snow, with the Islanders #1 Draft pick will select....Victor Hedman.



Ever since the conference call after the Draft Lottery, I've had this inkling that Garth was leaning towards the hulking defenseman over the prolific sniper. I believe that Garth endorses the old adage, "Defense Wins Championships" and it's something that will heavily influence his decision. If the scouts leading up to the Entry Draft are correct then it will be John Tavares who goes with the top selection. However, I have a feeling Garth will defy the experts on this one.

If this scenario doesn't play out as I predicted with Hedman going 1st overall and it is Tavares (or another forward such as Matt Duchene) that claims the top spot, as many Islanders fans hope, then look for the Islanders to utilize that late first rounder (from the Campoli trade) and one or two of the three second round picks to move into the 15-18 range. I'd love to see Simon Despres in an Isles sweater in the future if they can grab him around there. He's a good skater with great size and solid nasty streak. He could be very interesting if the Islanders choose the more traditional route of selecting the consensus best player available.

In some respects, I hope that I'm wrong. In others, I wouldn't be terribly disappointed with drafting a defenseman that could basically do it all with size and speed. However, at the end of the day, it's not my decision and it's going to be two long months waiting for June 26, 2009 to come around.

(Photo courtesy of Victor Hedman's Wikipedia Page)

For Questions, Comments or Draft Day Decisions either Leave a Comment at the link at the bottom of the post or e-mail me at DougD84@optonline.net

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