Strome big part of Islander New Era

John Tavares is the centerpiece. Perhaps Ryan Strome is the Robin to Tavares' Batman for the Islanders as another New Era kicks off this summer with the pivotal new arena vote for Long Island. Much of the franchise's future depends upon it if owner Charles Wang is to keep a team that once won four consecutive Stanley Cups (1980-83).

When former No.1 pick Kyle Okposo subbed for Garth Snow and made the fifth overall selection of Strome official, it allowed Islander fans to dream of a potential dynamic duo that could steer the struggling franchise back to respectability. Even if Snow swung and missed on Christian Ehrhoff before recouping a fourth round pick from Buffalo, who now has less than 24 hours to sign this year's version of Dan Hamhuis, the Islander GM is taking his best shot- willing to roll the dice to bolster his club's chances of returning to the postseason in '11-12.

While he focuses on upgrading the current roster, Snow and Isles' brass went for skill in 18 year-old Strome, who is a crafty center with the kind of playmaking capabilities the club has lacked. After only playing 27 games with the Niagara Ice Dogs after coming over in a trade from the Barrie Colts, the Missisauga Ontario native exploded with 33 goals and 73 assists totaling 106 points over 65 contests in the OHL (Ontario Hockey League). He also went 6-6-12 in the playoffs, boosting his stock to the point where the Islanders chose him over Sean Couturier, who fell to the Flyers at No.8. Even better, Strome is familiar with Tavares, who he trains with.

"I work out with John, and he already called me as soon as it happened, I couldn't be happier. I have a guy to mentor me through the summer. I see him every day. I think I'm in a very good situation," Tavares' thrilled future teammate said of getting the chance to play with his buddy.

Like I said, I couldn't be happier with the situation, and I'm just excited to get things started.

Will Tavares/Strome become Sakic/Forsberg, Lecavalier/Richards, Crosby/Malkin, Datsyuk/Zetterberg? That's the level of excitement Islander fans have for their newest draft pick, who hopefully will make the transformation sooner and be part of a nucleus that also features Nino Neiderreiter, who has a good chance of making the team next year.

"They're a young team. They've got a ton of assets. I want to grow with the team, and I want to win a championship. I know I'm young saying that, but that's what you want to do. You want to build from the ground up and that's what New York's doing, and I hope to contribute to that."

Strome enjoyed much success last season that it made one ponder what the biggest difference was.

"I think just confidence in the second-year round. I worked really hard in the summer. I credit that to athlete training center where I work out with John, obviously. I came back with a ton of comments. I got the ball rolling early, and just tried to keep it rolling through the whole season. I mean, confidence is such a big thing in hockey, and that's what I tried to do."

With the Islanders continuing to build around Tavares, Okposo, Matt Moulson, Michael Grabner, Blake Comeau and Josh Bailey up front, overlooked is a blueline that features Travis Hamonic, Andrew MacDonald and anchor Mark Streit, who will return with future pieces in Calvin de haan and Matt Donovan, who should only bolster the back end for years to come. With Al Montoya recovering from surgery and Rick DiPietro fresh for the Fall, it should allow the organization to show patience with Kevin Poulin and Mikko Koskinen, who both got valuable experience in '10-11.

The club also has plenty of room if they decide to add a free agent when noon rolls around tomorrow. Snow does have to re-sign Group II's Comeau and Bailey, who also might be used as trade bait- depending on how they view the former '08 first rounder. Jack Hillen, Ty Wishart, Jesse Joensuu, Dylan Reese, Jeremy Colliton and Michael Haley are also restricteds they must decide on. Radek Martinek is likely done while enforcer Zenon Konopka should receive interest on the market.

Certainly, the pieces are in place for this New Era that hopefully will include a new arena, ensuring the Islanders' home off the Meadowbrook. There's plenty for Islander fans to look forward to and too much at stake.


2011 ISLANDERS DRAFT

Rd    Overall    Pos     Name    
1      5th           C        Ryan Strome
2      34th         D        Scott Mayfield
2      50th         C        Johan Sundstrom
3      63rd         D       Andrei Pedan
4      95th         D        Robbie Russo
5      125th       LW     John Persson
5      127th       D        Brenden Kitchton
7      185th       C        Mitchell Theoret

NYR Draft Party recap: Emotional time remembering Boogaard, Miller tabbed/Grachev dealt

It's been a while since I got the chance to post. Just been quite busy lately. A lot's happened over the course of five days, including the 2011 NHL Draft completed last weekend in St. Paul. While Adam Larsson was falling into the Devils' lap and the Islanders tabbing scoring center Ryan Strome fifth, it was a bit of a longer wait for True Blue fans crammed into at SNAP Sports Bar on 8th Avenue and 14th where the Rangers hosted a Draft Party for Friday's first round.

We made the trip along with the bro, friend and Dad and greeted rabid Blueshirt fans, who were pumped for festivities that included guest appearances from former picks Dylan McIlrath, Christian Thomas and Carl Hagelin. The trio all were superb signing everything and greeting everyone. It was MC'd by team PA announcer Joe Tolleson, who looked thrilled to be there. :P Hey. It wasn't a big place. So, he was basically stuck in a corner with helpful Rangers PR assistants, who handed out sheets for Ranger Trivia pertaining to the draft. Despite the chaotic scene, that had many standing including yours truly, it was a fun time had by all. From our section 411, the comical Chris, Big Mikey were there along with Bob, who rocked our favorite Ranger jersey Petr Prucha. If only I could upload the pics. There also were some other cool fans, including two women with enough pins for a Ranger army. Plus one of the cooler dudes John, who started what else but a "Let's Go Rangers," chant as our turn finally came.

As the smoking cigar son of a gun made his way up there along with Gordie Clark, a special guest also went up to the podium to say a few words about his brother. In the second emotional scene of the night, Aaron Boogaard spoke about how much Derek Boogaard meant. Whether he donned the Wild #24 or the Rangers #94, he always made time for the little people off the ice, who needed it. The Boogey Man was a fan favorite in Minnesota and got a warm reception like the one he received along with the infamous "Boos" when our team returned to play the Wild during the season. It was in that moment that we all were united, quietly watching and listening to every word Aaron said about his brother. That's when the hockey community is at its best. Very strong and supportive. Kudos go out to Kevin of The NYR Blog for making special Boogey t-shirts with all proceeds going to one of Boogaard's charities. He raised over a thousand dollars. Tremendous job!

Sometimes, it's not always about super fans like Dancin' Larry, who made the rounds in future captain Ryan Callahan's jersey as if he was some rockstar. Sometimes, it's about emotional moments like when troll Gary Bettman brought out former top Draft Chief Scout E.J. McGuire's family to begin the proceedings. There stood his wife and two kids honoring their husband/father who put so much into the game of hockey, making it better for us to follow. Only the good die young. So, this Draft was unlike others with more sentiment attached before Ryan Nugent-Hopkins went first to Edmonton and Gabriel Landeskog second to Colorado with Florida selecting Jonathan Huberdeau. Bettman also paid homage to former part-time Calgary owner Harley Hotchkiss, who passed at the age of 83 a couple of days prior to that night. It's in these moments that our commish is at his best. Whatever you make think of him, he knows how to handle such heartbreaking news.

In a 75-minute span leading up to our pick, three people in our sport were remembered. We all took part, honoring them the best we could. As our selection was finally made with Clark opting for the leading point getter in Team USA's 18-U gold medal J.T. Miller, cheers went up for the Ohio kid who's attending hockey power North Dakota this Fall. An exciting moment for any 18 year-old on a special day.

"It's an unbelievable honor, an original six team, a great state to play in. It will be great to hopefully play there soon," a pleased Miller said. "I was a little shocked. I only had one meeting with them. So I wasn't really expecting it. But getting my name called was the best thing in the world, and I couldn't thank them enough."

Miller also discussed what he expects to work on this summer.

"I have to get a little stronger and faster and be able to play with some men out there. I have to work out in the off-season and play this next year in North Dakota and see what happens there. ... I'm going to get stronger, I guess, probably conditioning, getting in a little better shape so I can last a little longer with the stronger guys, to be able to compete at my best and be successful doing it."

Miller is listed as a center/left wing, which definitely is a team need. In 56 games in the USHL, Miller totaled 50 points (15-35-50) before pacing the gold medal winning Team USA with 13 points at the World U-18's. He was ranked 23rd among North American skaters. Now, he'll get to play for one of the best college programs that's produced current Devil tandem Zach Parise and Travis Zajac. Definitely encouraging for Garden Faithful.

Slated for only four picks with none until Round 4, Glen Sather worked the phones and dealt prospect Evgeny Grachev to St. Louis for their third round pick, which turned into Notre Dame bound Steven Fogarty. The 72nd overall pick is a 6-2, 194-pound center who possesses playmaking capabilities and sound defensive skills. It sounds like a potential steal. The Minnesota native starred for high school Edina Hornets, notching 47 points (23-24-47) over 24 games. Slats discussed many things in a rare conference call afterwards, including why he parted with Grachev, who was once thought of in high regard. Indicating that the former '09 third rounder wanted a change and that the Blues were the one team that expressed interest, Sather admitted that he had shopped Grachev for a while. He noted that they felt he was coming along slowly in their system, which saw the talented Russian shift to center and improve gradually in his second pro year at Connecticut. They liked Fogarty, who sounds like a better fit but weren't down on Grach. Just felt it was best to move forward and give him a fresh start. He'll get to see familiar face Vladimir Tarashenko, who the Blues are hoping for big things from. Best wishes to Grach.

The other Ranger picks are as follows:

C Michael St. Croix 4th Rd (106th)
RW Shane McColgan 5th Rd (134th)
D Samuel Noreau 5th Rd (136th)
D Peter Ceresnak 6th Rd (172nd)

We'll have more details on those and the rest of the Devils, Islanders and Sabres picks in what amounts to a busy weekend with the unofficial NHL Holiday July 1 on Friday. From the looks of it, Jaromir Jagr could be returning for one last hurrah in Pittsburgh. He was rumored to be close to a one-year deal between $1.4 million and 2 M. There has been plenty of activity with the Islanders sending a fourth round pick to Vancouver for the negotiating rights to defenseman Christian Ehrhoff, in hopes of convincing him to stay on Long Island. Our take is that he'll bolt for Detroit, which makes sense due to Brian Rafalski's retirement. The Brad Richards Watch is on with the Rangers expected to be the frontrunner after buying out former captain Chris Drury earlier today. Certainly a bittersweet day for one of the classiest Rangers, who always acquitted himself well despite a slew of injuries. Wishing Captain Clutch best of luck moving forward.

I'll have more including some fun filled FA predictions sometime tomorrow. Stay tuned.

One other note from the Draft Party. Apparently, I made TV on MSG during our pick. Dad caught it on the tube, which of course I missed even when it was replayed. I don't really care. But that's cool. Haha. Overall, it was nice to meet other fans along with familiar faces amidst chaos. I only wish more fans could've been involved instead of it limited to just people 21-and-over. I guess that's what happens with the Renovation and on a Friday night in the city. Hope to do it again next year!