Considering my previous FP on the Worst Islanders Draft Class was popular, I thought why not see what the Best Islanders draft class is. For those that need a quick reference, here is a list of all Islanders picks. We're keeping choices from 1979 (The first Entry Draft) to today. Considering the last poll was almost won by a dark horse (Hans' argument for the inclusion of 2003) and that it's a lot tougher to judge the better parts of a draft class, I wanted everyone's opinion on who should be in the poll before I post it. Recommend a single class, or four, it's your choice. Sometime over the weekend I'll add the poll for the most popular choices.
My personal choices are:
1980: Sutter, Hrudley and Gilbert
1983: Lafontaine and Diduck
1993: Bertuzzi, McCabe, Salo and Van Impe
1996: Dumont and Chara
Close Runners Up
1986: Fitzgerald, Vaske, Pilon and Berg
1991: Lachance, Palffy, McLennan
1997: Luongo and Brewer
1999: Conolly, Payatt and Martinek
I think you can't ignore LaFontaine's year because he is in the HoF. Sutter, Hrudley and Gilbert had long careers. 93 Probably has the most long term players. 96 I just think Chara has a shot at the HoF and Dumont is considered the best 1st rounder to come out of that class.
Thoughts, arguments, I'm an idiot? I'm willing to hear it all. I tried to stay away from the 2000s drafts, just because the early ones were awful and the rest it's still too soon.
So going by the comments I went with the original four and 2008. By popular demand, I'm going to follow this up with a best Draft Class Pre 79. Then the top two vote getters of this poll and that poll will face off.
Poll
The Best Islanders Draft Class since 1979?
1980 (Sutter, Hrudley and Gilbert) (70 votes)
1983 (Lafontaine and Diduck) (33 votes)
1993 (Bertuzzi, McCabe, Salo and Van Impe) (74 votes)
1996 (Dumont and Chara) (22 votes)
2008 (Bailey, Harmonic, Petrov and Martin) (49 votes)
248 total votes


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