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I honestly don't think anyone knows, but I will tell you this....
The leaks out of Long Island all are pointing the same way. Hedman.
Now, unless we are being misled, and it is HIGHLY possible, everyone who talks to people that I talk to are saying the same thing about the Isles first pick. Hedman.
While Hedman may indeed be the best player available, he may be Chris Pronger after all, I am just amazed at how much leaning there is away from Tavares. It's all about: Hedman.
Even the scouts are acting oddly when it comes to Tavares. They are saying that they aren't so sure on him anymore with comparisons to Jason Spezza (who ain't bad), Pat Faloon and Alexandre Daigle...I think this is simply a case of "Paralysis by Analysis." Everyone has seen Tavares play too many games and the guy, due to his birthdate, played basically a year too many in the O.
Tavares is THE REAL DEAL, plus he carries with it something else the Isles are dreadfully missing in my opinion...Star Power.
I was at the last draft and I remember how crafty Garth was...Continually moving down and gathering huge amounts of picks along the way. I was also in Columbus this year where they feel Filotov may be one of the best Russians, in terms of North American appeal on and off the ice, that we will ever see. It will take years to see how the Isles draft was. Garth could still be found to be a genius or a fool...
But Seriously. This is Tavares. This stretches beyond Garth Snow. This has GOT to be a Charles Wang decision. This is a VERY real chance to save his franchise. Don't think for a second that Charles hasn't noticed that they are building a building in Pittsburgh right now that should have an 87 on the side of it. We have seen this play before.
As great as it to get the next Pronger, as much as Pronger may be a top ten "Playoff Series Factor," still the Isle MUST look Macro here. They must.
I can't help but feel that this is posturing and that Tavares will be an Islander. I can't imagine it going any other way. I see no reason for the Isles to leak anything, so all the Hedman stuff is suspicious on that level as well.
We all know Toronto's desire for Tavares or Hedman. If the Isles pass on Tavares things will get very interesting between Tampa and Toronto. It is a situation where Tampa can't help but win...I mean worst case scenario you have Tavares/Stamkos!
One thing that is certain, it will be dramatic. I feel it will be the most dramatic draft in NHL history. Imagine all the scenarios...
So I have 2 questions for you.
#1 What would you do?
#2 What will Garth do?
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