We all know from 2002 finishing 30th is no lock to select first.
Having written this if the Islanders do win the lottery, just put out a statement shortly afterward the team will be selecting John Tavares when it comes time to pick in June.
Saves a lot of speculation, a lot of endless articles Snow will trade down and a lot of non-sense.
Just make it a done deal come lottery night, Tavares already said he will play for New York.
End all suspense in April, make it un-official/official and start the marketing campaign he will be drafted by New York.
After that anything short of a career ending injury before the draft you take Tavares and add him to Bailey, Okposo and these other prospects you got something to work with that can attract free agents.