Hockey Now's NHL Draft Countdown: DAY 30

1st-ranked prospect: John Tavares

Team: London, OHL
Position: Centre
Shoots: Left
Height: 6-0
Weight: 195 pounds
Born: September 20, 1990
Hometown: Oakville, ON, CAN
ISS Ranking: 1st overall
Central Scouting Ranking: 1st among N.A. skaters

Photo: Jana Chytilova

John Tavares is easily the most hyped player in this year’s draft, and with phenomenal performances year after year in the OHL and World Jr. Championships, it’s easy to see why.
Tavares has the offensive skill set that most players can only dream of, he plays with a high level of excitement and intensity that is sure to make him one of the most exciting attractions in the NHL for many years to come.
Tavares has four incredible OHL seasons under his belt that have elevated him to being one of the greatest Junior players of all-time. Last season, Tavares led the league in goals with 58 in 56 games, to go along with 46 assists and a total of 104 points. With three straight 100-point seasons in the OHL, Tavares surpassed the OHL record for most all-time goals scored with a total of 215 in 247 games.
In 2007, Tavares was named the CHL Player of the Year after breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record for most goals by a 16-year-old, scoring a total of 72 goals. The year before that, Tavares made his OHL debut as a 15-year-old with “exceptional player” status, and didn’t disappoint as he won the 2006 CHL Rookie of the Year.
On the world stage, John Tavares has dazzled many with back-to-back gold medal performances in 2008 and 2009 at the World Jr. Championships. In 2009, he played on the top line for Team Canada and put up a total of eight goals, seven assists and 15 points. The eight goals improved his all-time total to 12, tying him with Eric Lindros and Jeff Carter for most career goals by a Canadian at the World Jr. Championships.

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1st pick in 2009: New York Islanders

TEAM NEEDS
The New York Islanders have been raking in prospects year after year and are perhaps just one more away from finally climbing out of the cellar of the NHL. With the top pick in this year’s strong draft, the Islanders will no doubt be an improved team whether they choose to build around offensive stud John Tavares, or defensive powerhouse Victor Hedman. With the addition of a few veterans in the locker room, these young stars could potentially turn the Islanders into a great team for many years to come.

NOTABLE PICKS THIS DECADE
Kyle Okposo (2006, 7th); Chris Campoli (2004, 227th); Robert Nilsson (2003, 15th); Rick DiPietro (2000, 1st); Raffi Torres (2000, 5th); Tim Connolly (1999, 5th); Taylor Pyatt (1999, 8th)

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1st pick in 1999: Patrick Stefan, C (ATL)

Photo: www.thehockeywriters.com

NHL TOTALS
64 G, 124 A, 188 P, 455 GP, 158 PIM

BEST SEASON
2003/2004 – Atlanta Thrashers (NHL) 14 G, 26 A, 40 P, 82 GP, 26 PIM

WHERE IS HE NOW?
Bern (Swiss-A)

Hockey Now’s Jordan Chong will be profiling a top prospect every day leading up to the NHL Draft in Montreal, June 26. Rankings provided by International Scouting Services; full draft guide available now at www.isshockey.com. Leave your comments and check out our official website at www.hockeynow.ca.