On the New York Islanders and John Tavares …
Arthur Staple of Newsday: John Tavares was eligible to sign a contract extension last Saturday. GM Garth Snow and head coach John Tavares have been in regular contact with Tavares, but there has been no indication of Tavares is ready to sign.
Snow hasn’t said any since the draft when all he really said was that they want him back. Requests made to the team for an interview with Tavares didn’t get a response back.
Sources saying there are a few factors that Tavares is taking into consideration.
The Islanders arena process/search is dragging on as well as the issues around their lease at the Barclays Center. The ice is horrible and the landlord won’t fix it.
Ownership has been in constant communication with Pat Brisson, Tavares’ agent, who they were considering for a management position, possibly a future GM. Ownership had been talking to dozens of other agents, executives and players about potential front office positions. Tavares may have been wondering who is going to be in charge in the future.
Tavares signing an eight-year deal in the $10 to $11 million range seemed to be where things would end up. With talk of Connor McDavid possibly in the $13.25 million range, doesn’t Tavares’ price jump to $12 million a year?
This could drag on for another month or two or into next season.
Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: Ownership is keeping Tavares up-to-date on everything that has been going on with the franchise. He has shown a lot of loyalty to the franchise for the past eight years. His next big contract will be setting himself and his family up for the rest of their lives.
There is no reason for Islanders fans to panic just yet, though anxiety will continue to grow the longer it drags on. If it looks like the Islanders can’t/won’t offer as much as Tavares wants, the Islanders will be forced to trade him, an Snow won’t have a lot of leverage.
B.D. Gallof: “FYI: McDavid’s deal IS NOT a factor in what is holding up John Tavares signing talks. RFP/Venue is.”