"Martin Biron sees John Tavares as the ideal guy to sit around with and watch football.

"He's a Bills fan, so on Sunday we get together, we watch the games, we have a lot of fun," said the New York Islanders goaltender, who spent parts of eight seasons with the Buffalo Sabres.

Biron also see Tavares as the ideal guy around whom to build a team. The Isles are doing just that.

The new-look Islanders visited HSBC Arena on Friday, giving Buffalonians their first chance to see the No. 1 overall pick in June's draft. He entered the contest with two goals and three assists in his first four games and added to his total with a goal during the Sabres' 6-3 win.

"It's definitely been great," Tavares said. "Playing in the National Hockey League is something pretty special, the highest level in the world. There's definitely been things that I've been learning that have been different. But for sure it's been great."

Tavares has been pegged for stardom since he was 14. He turned 19 last month, giving him five years to get accustomed to the spotlight. The preparation has been a big benefit. Biron, for one, sees what the hype is about. The 32-year-old said he's already learned things from the rookie.

"He's mentally really tough," Biron said."