First, ranking is just that, ranking. In a vast majority of the cases, high draft choices do Nothing. Do some prosper and become the impact players they are predicted to be? Certainly, but that is really the “exception” to the rule. Most of the time, first round picks either fall into obscurity or do not do a quarter of what they are expected to do in the NHL.

Secondly, we are not NHL scouts. We don’t go out there and spend the time watching players and figuring out if they are going to be a fit for a need on the team. We read what is presented in publications and on the internet, but we don’t spend hours upon hours watching and comparing them. Gary’s example of the Redwings is a great point on this score.

Thus, as a little flustered and surprised as I was at first, like Gary, I trust in the judgement of our organization. I am not one to necessarily put my opinions behind the “clout” of the “experts”, but from what I’ve read, it appears that the Islanders and their moves were not the laughing stock of the draft. What is now important to me is what we do after July 1.

After watching day two, I have to agree with your sentiment. Granted, I thought the Isles actually picking at #5 or moving up would have been waaay more shocking than the trades they made. When a team does what it has been doing these last 10+ yrs, normal should not even be closed to being expected. Expect the unexpected is what I say.

In addition, seeing what nice picks the scouting team has made the last couple of years especially in later rounds, I for one, put a lot of stock in what they see. IMO, the Isles had the best third round for any team, hands down.

Now to play the waiting game. I, for one, cannot wait til mid-July and mini-camp. Should be very exciting to watch the new draftees take the ice.

If you think this was such a ‘reach’… Just listen to John Buccigross’ comments… That alone should make what they did PERFECTLY clear. And he does NOT work for the Isles, so he can say exactly what he wants to.

Just look at Detroit. See that their MAJOR players are not first rounders. Pick number 220, 160, etc., all come from their scouting staff. This organization is lacking in depth. Yes, LACKING!

If you want to make moves to have am impact, at say, trading deadline, if you do not have enough people to fill the blanks.

Everyone is entitled to opinions, I begrudge no one of that. However, if people think that they are just doing this to put the team into another piece of disarray, is just as nuts as their thought process….

Let’s see what ‘depth’ we get today!

having said that, once we dropped to 7, Colin Wilson would have been a very good pick – even so, once we got to 9, Hodgson would have been a solid pick…we picked a guy that only 2 teams called prior to the draft. In spite of all the positive write ups all around the hockey nation about the kid, and the tragedy he draws inspiration from, the fact is he was a reach pick.

As a fan i wish him well…however I’m a little concerned that Garth stretched here for the sake of gathering picks. Hopefully his second day is more successful than the first.