New York Islanders Do The Right Thing by Selecting John Tavares

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

After almost 20 years of ineptitude, the New York Islanders finally have a bright future. Last night's first round draft pick of John Tavares was the right move for the franchise. There were a lot of questions going into the draft if in fact the Islanders would draft Tavares, or, one of the two other top picks, Victor Hedman or Matt Duschene.

Since the late 1980s, the Islanders have had a terrible history with their draft choices. Looking back at a few draft picks in this decade, there are some memorable flops. In 20003, they passed on all star players such as Zach Parise, Ryan Getzlaf, and Mike Richards to draft Robert Nilsson. In 2000, the Islanders selected Rick DiPietro as the number one pick.

The jury is still out on him. Can he play a full season? If he does not come  back from injury, Islander fans can cringe thinking the team passed on superstars Dany Heatly and Marian Gaborak to draft DiPietro!

The Islanders have not won a playoff series since 1993. And more shockingly, the 2008-2009 Islanders were the first team not to have 20 goal scorer in its history. The organization is doing the right thing and building with young players. There is a young nucleus that may be able to contend in a few years.

If he lives up to his resume, John Tavares may be able to save this franchise from moving out of Long Island in the same way that Sydney Crosby saved the Pittsburgh franchise.

As a long time Islanders fan, I see a bright future for the franchise. I haven't been able to say that for a long time.  The next step for this franchise is to get a new arena. This must happen for the franchise to be able to attract free agents to the Island. No one wants to play in the dump that is Nassau Coliseum. The team did the right thing last night. John Tavares is a New York Islander.

Fans rejoice!

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