Islanders sign Tavares

July 15, 2009   ·   Derek Felix   ·   Jump to comments

It’s finally official. The John Tavares Era has started on Long Island. It was bound to happen soon with him taking part in Islander mini-camp this week in Syosset.

The Islanders inked the No.1 overall selection to a three-year entry level contract earlier today. Here’s part of the press release off the New York Islander team site:

Tavares, a native of Oakville, Ontario, played in 247 career Ontario Hockey League games over four seasons, compiling 215 goals and 218 assists for 433 points. His 215 tallies surpassed Peter Lee’s former OHL record of 214 goals, which Lee held for 33 years. In 2007, Tavares was named the Canadian Hockey League Player of the Year, after breaking the OHL record for goals in a season with 72, a milestone previously held by Wayne Gretzky. Tavares played in 38 career OHL playoff games, recording 20 goals and 36 assists for a total of 56 points.

In 2008-09, the 19 year-old center split time with Oshawa and London pacing the OHL (Ontario Hockey League) with 58 goals and 104 points. That included a jaw dropping 32 goals and 18 assists totaling 50 points in 24 contests after being traded to the Knights. He finished ninth in playoff scoring with 10 goals and 11 helpers for 21 points.

“I’m excited to officially become a part of the New York Islanders organization and begin my professional career this upcoming season,” said  an excited Tavares, who also led Canada to a fifth consecutive WJC championship, posting seven goals and eight assists for 15 points to win tournament MVP.  “I look forward to joining the Islanders and be part of a team that’s ultimate goal is to bring the Stanley Cup back to Long Island.”

In leading Canada to back-to-back gold medals, he concluded with a tournament record 12 goals and eight helpers for 20 points. The 12 markers tie him with Eric Lindros and Jeff Carter for most in a career.

“It’s an exciting time for the Islanders organization as we develop our young talent into a contender,” said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow.  “John provides another important piece to help us achieve our ultimate goal of winning a Stanley Cup.”

On June 26 in Montreal, Snow finally broke his two month long silence tabbing Tavares with the first overall pick. It was the fourth time in franchise history the Islanders had the No.1 overall pick. The list includes Hall of Fame defenseman Denis Potvin (1973), starting netminder Rick DiPietro (2000) and forward Billy Harris (1972) in their inaugural season.

Koskinen signed: That wasn’t the only news. The club recently came to terms on a three-year entry level deal with second round pick Mikko Koskinen. They selected the Finnish goalie 31st overall last month.

He’s played the last two seasons for the Espo Blues in the Finnish Elite League including an impressive 17-9-7 record with a 1.91 GAA and .932 save percentage in 2008-09.

Getting him signed so quickly along with the recent two-year deal handed out to 40 year-old vet Dwayne Roloson might be an indication that DiPietro is still a question mark to start the upcoming season. The Isles also drafted Swedish goalie Anders Nilsson in the third round.