According to Darren Dreger, soon-to-be free agent center John Tavares of the New York Islanders wants to get an extension done
The New York Islanders face a crucial offseason. Their strategy depends on whether or not captain John Tavares decides to stay. After weeks without much news, Darren Dreger of TSN dropped some big news. According to him, the Islanders captain is focusing on getting an extension done with the Isles.
Nothing has been signed yet, but it sure sounds like Tavares would prefer to stay in New York. That’s excellent news for the Islanders. Earlier this month, the Isles hired Lou Lamoriello, formerly of the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils, to lead their front office. It appears he might be able to do more for the organization than any general manager they’ve had in the past 20 years.
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Tavares is expected to sign a deal worth at least eight digits a year. Luckily for the Islanders, it will be hard for him to argue he should be getting more than reigning Hart Trophy winner Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers.
The Oilers captain’s $12.5 million per year deal over eight years begins next season. Expect to see Tavares wind up with somewhere between $10 million and $12 million per year. All along, the Islanders captain has been saying he wants to stay with the franchise.
However, Tavares has yet to sign an extension. While this is true, it’s huge news that he is focusing his efforts on getting something done. If Tavares is going to get something done with the Islanders, it will most likely happen before July 1. He can only get eight years from the Isles if he signs his extension before then. After that, the Islanders can only offer him seven years, just like everyone else.
Signing Tavares to an extension would be just the start of the offseason for the Isles if they want to become a contender. The Islanders have a number of issues they must address even with one of the best players in the world. Signing Tavares, though, should help clear up a few of them and set the budget for the future.
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It’s worth noting the Islanders currently have a head coach vacancy and it’s hard to see anyone being willing to be hired by them until they know the captain is signed long-term. Obviously, getting Tavares locked up would help there. And keeping a dynamic player like him around helps mask some of the flaws.
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