Season Preview: John Tavares

John Tavares

Position: Center
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 201 lbs
Birthdate: September 20, 1991 (20 years old)
Birthplace: Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Acquired: Draft - Round 1, 1st Overall, 2009 NHL Entry Draft

2010-2011 Team: New York Islanders
2010-2011 Stats: 79 G, 29 G, 38 A, 67 P, 53 PIM
2011-2012 Team: New York Islanders
Team Role: Top Line Center

Last year: Tavares started the season somewhat slowly after a solid rookie campaign, in which he looked extremely frustrated during the Isles massive losing streak. However, after a fight with Atlanta's Alexander Burmistrov, Tavares and the Islanders started to play much better. Averaging close to a point a game for the rest of the season, Tavares finished with 29 goals and 67 points. Tavares was then named to the Canadian World Championship team, where he was able to compile 5 goals and 4 assists in just 7 games. Throughout the course of the season, Tavares showed the potential that many hockey pundits knew he had. As he got more acclimated with the league and more confident with his skill, Tavares started to produce at a very high level. One of his best skills was making his linemates better, as P.A. Parenteau contributed with a 53 point season and Matt Moulson with another 30-goal campaign.

Expectations: Tavares started the new season by signing a six-year extension with the Islanders that begins in the 2012-13 season, keeping him part of the Islanders organization until at least 2019. Tavares was also recently named an alternate captain of the team, joining a leadership team of Mark Streit, Kyle Okposo, Steve Staios, and Brian Rolston. He will be expected to lead the team in points for the third consecutive season, while refining many aspects of his game to become a complete player. Given Tavares' work ethic and determination to win, this seems likely. Now the face of the franchise, Tavares will be expected to take the next step as he continues his path of becoming one of the true young stars the NHL has to offer. Luckily for the Isles, they can call him their own for the next seven seasons.

Projections: GP 81 - 35 G - 42 A - 77 P

Thoughts: 

CH: Thus far, Tavares has really taken amazing strides as he evolves from OHL prodigy and #1 overall pick to NHL superstar. This season is when I believe we will truly start to see how good this player will be for a very long time. During pre-season, everything about his game looked better, especially his skating. We all know Tavares knows how to score. His offensive ability and awareness is off the charts, including his vision (one of his most underrated qualities). If he is able to refine his defensive and transition game, the NHL should watch out. Tavares is now much bigger than he was as a rookie, which was both expected and necessary for him to take the next step. Once he combines everything he has learned over the past few years with both his improved strength on and off-the puck and his incredible skill, the Islanders could be looking at an absolute force in the league.

AT: Tavares has really turned into everything this team could have possibly hoped he can be, and that's only in his second season after scoring 67 points. Going into his junior year, he's going to be expected to at least hit the 70 point mark if not far surpass it. Tavares is such a special player in that he truly works the hell out of any aspect of his game he knows he was lacking. For the first two years everyone commented on his skating abilities, yet in pre-season it looked as if he was Michael Grabner Jr. His hockey sense is Gretzky-esque, his vision on the ice is among the best in the league and he has the hands and accuracy to become a 40 goal scorer very, very soon. Tavares is an all around player who is becoming a superstar in this league, and he's someone who has more character than most players you'll meet. He is the headliner of this franchise, and he's done everything in his power to earn it.

News: Isles Name Four Alternate Captains

As reported by ESPN's Katie Strang earlier, the Islanders have named four alternate captains for the 2011-12 season: John Tavares, Kyle Okposo, Brian Rolston, and Steve Staios. The alternates will switch off between home and away games.

CH: Going with a mix of veterans and younger players, the Islanders made sound choices for the rest of the leadership team this season. With a total of two defensemen and three forwards, all position and age demographics are represented. This will mark the third season Kyle Okposo will wear the "A" for the Islanders, and that should continue for the foreseeable future. Okposo was originally thought to unquestionably be the next captain of the team. However, with other young guys taking leadership roles on the team, that may be a little less likely.

A perfect example of this is the role that John Tavares has taken with the team. There is no doubt that Tavares is the face of the franchise. He is the Islanders' best player. He also has an incredible work ethic and is mature beyond his years. The fact that he was named alternate captain this year should have been a no-brainer. Between Tavares and Okposo, the Islanders will have two prominent leaders on the team for a long time.

Of course, the leadership team could not be complete without veterans taking active roles as well. Even though he has only been here a few weeks, Steve Staios is a fantastic choice for a letter. He is a very respected veteran that has the on-ice fire to be a captain, which is a nice change of pace from the mostly laid back demeanor of Tavares and Okposo (though they have shown fire when it's been necessary). Combine them with Brian Rolston, and the team will have five players (including captain Mark Streit) who the league respects.

One final point that gets undermined is the respect of the officiating staff. Guys like Zenon Konopka were ignored by the referees because of their style of play. With Streit, Okposo, Tavares, Rolston, and Staios, the Islanders have respected players to talk to the referees when necessary. Include the influence they have in the locker room, and it shows why the team made good choices for the captains this season.

AT: Couldn't have asked for a better group of guys to wear the A's to join the best possible choice for the C in leading this Islander team. You have Tavares and Okposo, two young players who are major parts of this core representing the youth movement, and then you have Staios and Rolston, two grizzled veterans who know their way in and out of this league and have a lot of respect amongst referees and fellow players alike. Of all the things the Islanders have done this offseason, choosing their new captain and assistant captains has been one test they've passed with flying colors.

Over the long run, yes, either Tavares or Okposo will be the captain. For now, having them as A's to continue learning the process of being a leader in the NHL is the best way to go.

Breaking News: John Tavares Signs 6 year, $33m Extension

As we had heard rumored last night, John Tavares has officially signed a 6 year extension with the Islanders worth an average cap hit of $5.5m. The contract is slightly backloaded, paying 4m the first year, 5m the second, and 6 m the last 4. NHL.com has the official story up now.

AT: Well, what else can you say besides what we stated last night? John Tavares is the key piece this franchise is going to rely on to return to the playoffs, he is the biggest part of the rebuild and now he has shown that he is dedicated to this franchise amidst swirling rumors about relocation. There is not much you can say about Tavares that hasn't already been said by the majority of Islander fans already. We needed someone of his caliber to come to Long Island, and we got it. But not only that, we received a player of true character as well. Not only did he sign the extension this summer as compared to us going through a Doughty-esque tribulation next summer, but he signed the deal at an absolute bargain for Charles Wang. A 5.5m cap hit is an outstanding deal for a player that will almost definitely eclipse 70 points and possibly 80 this year if his play continues at the rate it's going. For all sides - management and Tavares and his agent - this was a great moment.

CH: Oh man. This is absolutely wonderful no matter how you slice it. John Tavares has said for three years this is where he wants to be, and if you didn't believe him - well, you don't really have a choice now. The former #1 pick will be an Islander for the next seven seasons (this year plus his new contract), showing the rest of the league that Long Island may not be so bad after all. This gives the Islanders somewhat of a credibility jolt and gives the fanbase something they can really cheer about. Thus far, Tavares has been everything the Isles have expected and more. He has really taken to this organization, the same way that the great Islanders of past years have. It's clear the crest on the front means a lot to John, as there is little doubt he potentially left some money on the table here.

The contract itself is a steal, but really it's the irrelevant part of it. Tavares means so much to this franchise that any amount of money would be worth it at this junction, so getting him at a cap hit of only $5.5 million is unbelieveable. There is little doubt Tavares will eclipse that value by 28 years old.

As far as the captaincy goes, I am absolutely on board with giving it to Tavares now. Before today, I thought Streit should have been the guy. But when you take a look at it, you just had the centerpiece of the rebuild sign on long term cutting into his UFA years. He loves the organization, the community, and his teammates. He has the drive of a champion and the ability of an elite player in the game. He encompasses what it means to be an Islander at the ripe age of 21. You get long-term stability - the last Islander captain to last more than 3 seasons was Patrick Flatley. This is the guy to lead you to the next level. Let him take the reigns and run with it. It's Tavares' time, and it's Tavares' team.

Rumor: John Tavares Extension Soon?

New Isles Newsday beat writer Arthur Staple is reporting that John Tavares, the Islanders #1 overall pick in 2009 and leading scorer the past two seasons, is expected to sign a long term deal this week that would start when his entry level contract expires after the season. Staple indicates it is in the 5-6 year range.

AT: What fantastic news if this is true (and it seems to be), for so many reasons. First and foremost, it will keep one of the most talented players to hit Long Island in a decade right here on Long Island where he belongs for years and years to come. He is the cornerstone of the rebuild and will be a quintessential part of our return to the playoffs and dominance. Secondly, it shows that a phenomenal talent such as Tavares loves it on Long Island and loves playing here, regardless of the uncertainty in the air surrounding a new arena/possible relocation elsewhere in the NY Metro area. If this deal happens (and when the Isles own beat writer for Long Island's biggest newspaper is indicating it will.. it most likely will), it would be a huge PR jump for the Islanders who need it so desperately right now after an offseason that has been criticized by so many. This perhaps might be a precursor to Tavares getting the C, although quotes from the Isles management seem to indicate otherwise. I'll be praying this gets done soon, and ordering my Tavares jersey a month afterwards.


CH: Just an unbelievable surprise last night. Now, obviously it's not done yet, but this is a legitimate rumor by a legitimate source. John Tavares is the Islanders franchise at this point, and to get him locked up a year before his ELC expires would be a coup - especially when you consider that Tavares is on the verge of breaking out. It will surely be interesting what the terms of the contract look like, but given that Tavares' presence on the team is essentially priceless in terms of importance, it shouldn't matter all too much. If this is a long term deal, it means Tavares will be the third Islander player to sign past 2015 over the offseason, which should tell you all you need to know about the man. We can talk in superlatives all we want, but this is nothing short of great news. Get it done and it becomes outstanding hews.

Draft: Islanders Select Ryan Strome With 5th Overall Pick

Tonight at the NHL Draft, the New York Islanders selected Niagara IceDogs center Ryan Strome with the 5th overall pick. Strome is a 6'0" 175 pound center, who shoots right, and had 31 goals and 106 points for Niagara in the Ontario Hockey League last season. 

Strome joins Nino Niederreiter, Brock Nelson, John Tavares, Calvin de Haan, Josh Bailey, and Kyle Okposo as first round picks made by the Islanders since 2006.

New York Islanders

CH: I predicted this pick, and I absolutely love it. Strome is a very talented center who has outstanding skills, speed, and shot. He is more of a playmaker than center, and should slide in as the second line center for years to come unless the Islanders move him to right wing. If they move him to the wing, he will be a perfect complement to John Tavares, as not only to their styles complement each other well, but they shoot on opposite sides meaning set-ups will come fairly easy for these two.

Strome knows John Tavares and Matt Moulson from their training in the Mississauga/Oakdale area in Ontario. General Manager Garth Snow said that Tavares gave Strome a great scouting report, which helped his cause. Strome seemed genuinely excited to be picked by the Islanders in his interview with James Duthie, which leads me to believe that Tavares and Moulson told him great things about the organization.

As far as the future goes, Strome is not physically ready for the NHL. I believe the Islanders learned their lesson with Josh Bailey, so I would be absolutely shocked to see Strome in the NHL next season. It's possible that we may not even see him until 2013-14. That said, his potential is outstanding because of his skillset, so it will absolutely be worth the wait. The only downside on Strome is his physicality, but he will have time to grow into his body to make a seamless transition to the NHL.

Next year, Strome will be a leader on the IceDogs and should be an absolute lock for the Canadian World Junior Championship U-20 team. He does have things to work on, but given the amount of character this player has, I'm confident he will improve on the assets that he's lacking a little in.

The Islanders now have one of the top-5 prospect pools in the NHL, and that's not being a homer. Corey Pronman from Hockey Prospectus even suggested the Islanders may have the best prospect line in the NHL. This was an outstanding pick by the New York Islanders as the rebuild is finally ready to take the next step.

AT: I wanted one of Strome, Couturier or Hamilton. I got one. Extremely pleased with this pick. Strome will either be the 2nd line center (imagine the speed of him + Grabner) behind Tavares or will slot in on right wing to feed JT and Matt Moulson. He fits right into organizational need of a playmaker and a sniper and will definitely go back to an already stacked Niagara team. I see little reason that he could or should make the NHL next year. He needs to add some weight and refine his skills a bit and ensure us that this year was not a fluke. With everything we've seen, I can definitely say it was not.

Strome joins an abundance of centers in the Isles organization. Tavares, Bailey, Nielsen, Nelson, Cizikas, Lee, Ullstrom and Strome create a huge influx of organizational depth that should last for years. One of which (most likely Ullstrom or Nelson) can always be expendable as well.

The Islanders will have four more picks in the top 100 tomorrow, including two second round picks (34 and 50), one third round pick (63), and one fourth round pick (94).

Draft: Countdown #9 - Ryan Strome

9. Ryan Strome

Position: Center
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs
Shoots: R
DOB: July 11th, 1993
Nationality: Canadian
2010-2011 Team: Niagara IceDogs
League: Ontario Hockey League
Stats: 65 GP - 33 G - 73 A - 106 P - 82 PIM
Playoffs: 14 GP - 6 G - 6 A - 12 P - 19 PIM

CH: Strome is one of my favorite prospects in the top 10 of the draft this year. To start, he is a righty shot, which will complement Tavares well on the second line. It means there would be more flexibility to put other guys on the wings depending on their preference. It also would allow them to play the same PP line on opposite sides. Strome is a very creative player who has been on the rise for quite some time now. After 14 points and 27 points respectively in his first two years playing for Barrie and Niagara in the OHL, he burst on the scene with 106 points this year and just under a PPG in the playoffs.

Strome, who just turned 18, would absolutely need another year of seasoning in the OHL. Niagara was a good team this year and they should be again next year. This situation reminds me a bit of the Josh Bailey situation in 2008. Bailey was an up-and-coming riser for the Windsor Spitfires who was rushed into the NHL. Obviously, we all know he has struggled in the NHL since then. Strome, who is only 5'11" and 170 pounds has room and time to grow. He'll need to fill out more before he reaches the NHL level full time, but his skill and talent are undeniable. He should be a top 6 player for a very long time.

As far as the Islanders go, he is certainly on their radar. Strome was brought onto Long Island over the weekend for a visit with the team. He did an interview with Chris Botta where you can listen to here. He seems like a high character guy who would fit right into the current locker room, especially because he is friendly with John Tavares. If the Islanders decide they want to go with a center, he certainly is a viable option at 5. If they think he'll be around at 7-8, it's possible he'll be around there too, but not much after that. Still, if developed correctly (and he will be if the Isles take him after the Bailey fiasco), the Islanders will end up very happy with Ryan Strome in their organization.

AT: Strome is one who I would be completely happy with being taken at 5. A dynamic talent and very skilled playmaker, Strome would create a magnificent 1-2 punch down the center for the Isles. The wings can be filled out, but having Strome and JT down the center could and most likely would create a huge offensive outburst in a year's time after another year in juniors. As mentioned, putting him back in juniors is the wisest route after the Bailey experiment went so wrong. He had a huge jump in points (much like Huberdeau) and there's no harm for sending him back to the O for another year. One scout commented that Strome seemed tired out by the end of Niagara's run. That doesn't worry me too much. Stamina is something that gets better over time and can be increased. I would be ecstatic seeing a dynamic talent like Strome in our organization.

Most likely to be drafted: 4-9