On the New York Islanders …
Arthur Staple: The NY Islanders and forward Stephen Gionta are talking about a PTO. Nothing is signed, but they are having discussions.
Arthur Staple: There is no news regarding Ryan Strome. The Islanders organization has a rule in place that if players are not signed by the start of training camp, they are out for the year. The Islanders and Strome are working towards a contract for the RFA. Neither side is that concerned as of now. The Islanders camp officially gets underway on September 22nd.
On John Tavares …
Pierre LeBrun of ESPN: Steven Stamkos went through free agent rumors to Toronto, and he offered some advice to John Tavares, who is/will be enduring the same: ‘Make sure you watch what you do on Twitter.’ Tavares is two years away from free agency and is already having to answer questions about Toronto.
“I grew up in Toronto. I grew up a Leafs fan,” said Tavares. “You know what it’s like. People are nonstop looking at every possible scenario and what can happen. It just comes with the territory and being from there. … It’s something you can’t control. I just try to go about my business. I’ve always been a low-key kind of guy, just trying to get better and help my team on Long Island.”
Tavares would be able to negotiate and sign a new deal with the Islanders when there is a year left – on July 1st, 2017. He wants to help the Islanders win, to continue the journey with the team.
Chris Nichols of Today’s Slapshot: Pierre LeBrun on TSN 1050 radio, talking about John Tavares and his future.
“I get zero inclination from talking to Tavares that the Leafs are on his mind,” said LeBrun. “Now, would he actually share it with us if they were? I can’t imagine he would. But at the same time, our job in this profession is to try and read body language and decipher between the lines. I really think that he wants to be an Islander for life.”
LeBrun does note that things haven’t been ideal the past two years though. The move to Brooklyn hasn’t been smooth, and new ownership is on the clock. The next 12 months for ownership is really important.