John Tavares: Seek and Destroy

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Now that all the hype surrounding this projected superstar has died down somewhat and he has landed in the quagmire that is Long Island, how long is that smile going to last and who is going to protect him?

The only name I see on the Isles roster is that of Tim Jackman, who led the team in penalty minutes and hits last year. Behind him you’ve got Brendan Witt with 94 PIM’s and the numbers just drop off after that.

Teams will step on the ice against the lowly Isles, Lock and Load and target Johnny boy with his 6-foot, 195 pound frame, which better be durable.

Maybe it’s the air on the island, but it seems players are injury prone there and Tavares better keep his head up. Last year the Isles looked like an AHL team for a good part of the season.

The problem is while his head is up, he’s going to be looking to either pick up a pass or feed one and he is going to feel as though nuclear winter has landed and he is all alone.

My bet is Tavares doesn’t play a whole season due to an injury, because he’s got no one to protect him and no one to play with.

Good luck Johnny boy, hope ya like rehabbing!

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