In a few hours, the New York Islanders will be the proud employer of what they think is the best young hockey player in the world.

Who will it be?

I’ve maintained my stance for the past few months by saying that John Tavares may not end up the best player of this draft, but as of right now, he’s the right player for the Islanders. Predicted to be a 40-goal scorer, he’s exactly what the Islanders need.

Last night, I was having a conversation with Islanders super fan Roger Farina and he believed that Tavares coming to Long Island will also fuel the Lighthouse Project. While I agree that Tavares will create the biggest initial buzz, which will help the project, I have a small difference of opinion.

As long as whoever the Islanders draft performs well and looks like someone the team can build around, it will help fuel the Islanders plans for a new building. In the end, that buzz will last much longer than any name recognition Tavares has already.

Simply put, Tavares or whoever the Isles draft needs a Calder Trophy that first year, with the Islanders getting out of the cellar. The playoffs aren’t a concern yet, but hanging in the mix for as long as they can would be a pleasant surprise. He also needs to make the players around him step up his game as well. If he can do that, then the Islanders win regardless of who it is they draft today.

Isles GM Garth Snow said a few days ago that he’s always had a good idea of who he was going to pick and the last few months just confirmed it.

Time to put your money where your mouth is buddy.

In the immortal words of professional wrestling legend Steve “Sting” Borden, “It’s Show Time Folks!”

Posted under Offseason 2009