June 26, 2009 is a special day for every Islanders fan in existence. After back-to-back seasons of futility, the Islanders were awarded the number one overall pick in the entry level draft.
Who they picked would go on to become the most transcendent Islander in nearly three decades.
That man is captain John Tavares.
Since that summer day in 2009, Tavares has the fifth most goals in the NHL (211), and is just outside of the top-10 in points (478).
Tavares made the final seasons of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum memorable, as he helped the Isles notch two playoff births in its last three seasons.