MONTREAL (AFP) - John Tavares, an 18-year-old Canadian junior star center, was selected by the New York Islanders as the top pick in the National Hockey League Draft.

Tavares, considered the top scorer and playmaker available, scored 58 goals for the London Knights this past season and broke the Ontario Hockey League career scoring set by Peter Lee in 1976.

"He's an offensively-gifted hockey player," Islanders general manager Garth Snow said. "Whether it's shooting the puck or distributing it, he sees the puck at a different level than any other young player that I've seen in this draft."

Tavares became the first top pick by the Islanders since goaltender Rick DiPietro in 2000 and the fourth in team history, but was not tipped in advance by the Islanders that he would be the first player selected.

"I had no idea, just like everybody else," Tavares said. "I didn't know what their decision would be but it was obviously a great moment for me, a special feeling.

"I'm very thankful to be going there. I appreciate the opportunity," said Tavares. "It's going to be great and I can't wait to get things going knowing where it's headed. It's going to be a great future for all of us."

Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman went second overall to Tampa Bay while Colorado selected forward Matt Duchene, all three top players going in the expected order.

The biggest trade of the night involved the Philadelphia Flyers, who obtained All-Star defenseman Chris Pronger from Anaheim for right wing Joffrey Lupul, defenseman Luca Sbisa and two first-round draft picks.

Hedman takes his place with Tampa Bay, which took center Steve Stamkos with last year's top pick.

"My goal is to play with the Tampa Bay Lightning next season," Hedman said. "I'm going to work hard this summer to make the team next year."

Atlanta selected center Evander Kane with the fourth pick followed by Los Angeles taking center Brayden Schenn, the younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Luke Schenn, last year's fifth pick.