In late June of 2016, after bidding goodbye to Kyle Okposo and while Frans Nielsen negotiations were falling apart, the Islanders were rumored to have prepared a pitch for him to come and play with Tavares.
In June of 2018, Stamkos is pitching Tavares to head to south Florida. Funny how these things come full circle.
Tampa Bay is the first team on this list that elevates the threat. While their cap space is very narrow at just over $10 million in room, the low Florida income tax would likely see Tavares sign to a deal similar to Stamkos’ $8.5 million (maybe $9.5 mil?).
Yzerman is no stranger to wrestling the NHL salary cap, and Ryan Callahan looks like the perfect piece of trade bait with two years left on a $5.8 million contract that Tampa may have to eat a million or so off. Moreover, Nikita Kucherov will need a significant raise after the 2018-19 season, so landing Tavares likely means goodbye Kuch.
Again, Yzerman’s work in maintaining his core is impressive, but will begin to come at costs, especially if they want Tavares. If they’re that drawn to adding him, it can be arranged.
The San Jose Sharks were my front-runners to be the most predatory club in the mix, and they continue to be the biggest threat to the Islanders re-signing Tavares.
San Jose easily fits all of Tavares’ desires in his new team.
The Sharks are in win-now mode, and after the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016, the Sharks have been retooling and tweaking aspects of their roster. Adding Tavares would arguably be their Butch Goring, especially with the core of Brent Burns and Joe Pavelski already pushing to the other side of 30.
Just imagine a line featuring Tavares centering Pavelski and Logan Couture. Yikes.
Not to mention this is all taking place in the market of San Jose. If there’s anything Isles fans can attest to, its Tavares’ desire to live a quiet, lax lifestyle, perfectly suited for the Bay Area.
The Sharks are the prime candidate if Tavares decides not to return home.
