INSIDE HOCKEY

As this long and grueling season comes to an end for the Islanders and their fans, the two positives that everyone can cling to are the development of the young Islanders and possibility of picking first or second in this year’s coming draft. While the Islanders traded down twice in last year’s draft before selecting Josh Bailey, it is very unlikely they will be trading down this year.

In all likelihood, the Islanders will have the first or second pick of this year’s draft and there is no shortage of talent for the team to choose from. Here is a look at five players who many scouts believe will be taken first in the 2009 NHL draft:

John Tavares: The center from the OHL is the player that most Islander fans want to see the team select. Most scouts agree that Tavares will go first in the draft after the incredible season he put together in London and his performance in the world Juniors this past year. What scouts love about Tavares is his composure and the ability to never panic under pressure. Tavares handles the puck very well and has shown the toughness to work down low. He has a very accurate shot and is a danger to score whenever he has the puck. That is something the Islanders desperately need, someone who attracts attention from multiple defenders which will then free up other players. There were rumors swirling around that Tavares would have
reservations about playing on Long Island but in a recent interview he made it clear that it wasn’t the case and he would be happy to play on the Island.

Victor Hedman: Undoubtedly the most talented defenseman to come out of this draft and a player that would fit well in Scott Gordon’s system. Hedman is known for his impressive skating ability and his offensive minded style of play. He would be very similar to a Mark Streit in that many scouts believe he could be the quarter back of the power play which is what Streit has done so well this past year for the Islanders. He has tremendous size and uses it very well which makes him very tough to beat on the defensive side as well. When scouts are asked to compare Hedman to a current NHL player the name Chris Pronger usually comes up.

Matt Duchene: Another center from the OHL with amazing offensive abilities. Scouts have said that he has one of the best shots in the entire OHL due to his strong hands. In an aggressive offensive system many scouts think Duchene could really flourish. He sometime passes too much instead of shooting which scouts say is a shame since he has a sniper type talent.

Jared Cowen: Another offensive defenseman although not as polished as Hedman. Some scouts say his physical skills need more work but he has good size and knows how to move the puck effectively. Whichever team selects him will be getting a defenseman they can build around.

Magnus Svensson-Paajarvi: A very talented left winger from Sweden that many scouts compare to Markus Naslund. Skating is one of his best attributes but has not yet developed any defensive skills to improve his overall game. He is definitely known more for his goal scoring than his physical play as well. The Islanders have many pressing needs heading into next season and just one player can’t fill them all but the skill and excitement that Tavares brings is what the Islanders need the most. His ability to create scoring chances by himself is something the Islanders desperately need and his amazing puck handling and scoring would help the Islanders draw more fans.

The Islanders also have the 30th pick in the draft, which they received as compensation from Ottawa in the Mike Comrie and Chris Campoli deal. The Islanders are in a great position to stock pile young talent in this draft which is how GM Garth Snow intends to make the Islanders champions once again. Whether the Islanders take one of these five players or someone else they should have a much more talented team come next fall.