The John Tavares sweepstakes are wide open as the free-agent-to-be is reportedly meeting with the New York Islanders and Leafs in L.A.
The New York Islanders want John Tavares back in their clutches. However, they have to fight with a few other teams in order to snag him, including a team from across the border.
TSN reported that Tavares met with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders on Monday in Los Angeles. However, these are not the only teams that have their eye on the prize when it comes to Tavares.
TSN also reported that Tavares planned to meet with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars with several other teams earning talks over the phone.
Who wouldn’t want this guy? While the Islanders will pull out all the stops to get him back, it seems that these other interested teams might make some pretty good offers to try and entice Tavares.
The 27-year-old was selected as the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL draft by the Isles and has played nine seasons for the Isles. In his career in New York, he has recorded 272 goals in 669 games played. Just last season, Tavares had a career-high in shooting percentage (14.4 percent) and one goal shy of a career-high in power play goals (12).
He certainly has options, but the Isles are hoping to play off the home-field advantage in getting Tavares to agree to come back. However, Tavares could easily slip right into a team that is already a contender and not in rebuild mode.
Let’s face it; the Islanders are his team. He can’t go anywhere else … right?
As Sunday rolls around, John Tavares will officially become a free agent and then we’ll learn of his impending decision. All of New York Islanders fandom has their fingers crossed right now in anticipation of hearing his announcement.
