Sunday, March 15, 2009

The Great Debate: Tavares/Hedman

13 games. That's all that remains of the Islanders 2008-09 campaign. It's been a tough one for all of us in Islanders country, with the injury bug making its permanent residence out on Hempstead Turnpike in Uniondale, with the pain of being a last place team, and with the dark shadow of a possible move to Kansas City looming over the team.

That being said, there is reason for Islander fans to be optimistic...

There are two sides to every coin. The glass is half full. Every cloud has a silver lining. These are all things that fans should realize about finishing dead last in the standings this year. While the Islander fans have suffered through a year of bad losses, injuries, and for the most part, mediocrity at best, things will begin to look up this year. Even with the lottery system in place for the NHL draft, should the Isles end the season with the least amount of points, they will be guaranteed the chance to draft one of two potential franchise players: the record-breaking center from the Ontario Hockey League, John Tavares, or the stud defenseman from MoDo in Sweden, Victor Hedman.

The two have been competing for the honor of being the first overall draft pick this year, and given the Islanders situation, either one would be welcomed with open arms. With this in mind, one question remains: Who do the Islanders draft?

Tavares: John Tavares has been talked about since he was sixteen, being considerd the best offensive prospect to enter the draft since Sidney Crosby. His 72 goals in the 2006-07 season is the OHL record for most goals in a season, topping even the Great One, Wayne Gretzky.

Why shoud the Islanders draft him? For starters, someone like Tavares can put fans in seats, something that the Islanders have had trouble doing for the past few years. On the ice, Tavares could combine with Isles rookie Kyle Okposo to have one of the freshest young offensive tandums, which could rival those of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Towes in Chicago, Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown in Los Angeles, and perhaps one day, Evgenni Malkin and Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh.

Hedman
: The 6'7, 225 lb Victor Hedman is easily the best defensive prospect in this years draft. His combination of size and speed is what sets him apart from all competition at his position. His strong play at his position has warranted comparisons to players like Niklas Lidstrom and Chris Pronger.

Why should the Islanders draft him? In the post lockout NHL, defense has become increasingly important. It is no coincidence the past three Stanley Cup Champions have has well above average defenses. Teams who want to compete need to build their teams from the goal line out, and with the chronic injuries of Rick DiPietro, the Islanders need to compensate their lack of steady goaltending with solid defense.

Prediction: While both players would fit in easily with the young Islanders roster, the Islanders need more help on defense. With blossoming players such as Kyle Okposo, Sean Bergenheim, Blake Comeau, and Josh Bailey, the Islanders very well may be set at the forward position for years to come.

However, the Islanders defense, with few exceptions, needs a big boost. Brendan Witt isn't getting any younger, Radek Martinek is very injury prone, and players like Freddy Meyer, Bruno Gervais, and Jack Hillen lack the size that many feel the Islanders desperately need.

In short, don't look into the "Tavares hype" ans automatically assume that he is the perfect fit for the Islanders. He will be a very good NHL player, there is no denying that, but as almost any hockey coah will tell you, "defense wins". Victor Hedman can give the Islanders that boost on the blueline which may lift them to the next level.

1 comment:

SvL009 said...

I think Tavares will be the best fit for the Islanders if they get the opportunity to choose. I say this for two reasons. One, it's easier to find a great defenseman than a great goal scorer. Two, Tavares is a man that you build a team around. Also, with Okposo and Bailey (among others) these kids would easily have great chemistry off the ice, which will definitely have an affect to their on ice chemistry.