On the New York Islanders and John Tavares …
Sheng Peng: Vegas Golden Knights GM George McPhee won’t confirm if he’ll be speaking with Tavares this week: “I can’t say yet.”
Brett Cyrgalis of the NY Post: Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello isn’t disappointed that Tavares is going to be talking with other teams, adding “I think he’s earned every right to make whatever choice he has.”
It’s believed that three of the teams are the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues, and Toronto Maple Leafs. The other two teams could be two of the Vegas Golden Knights, Dallas Stars, and Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Islanders can offer eight-years, everyone else seven, with the money range expected to be between $10 and $12 million.
Lamoriello has said that they will be active as anyone else on the free agent market, with their two biggest needs being at least one top-four defenseman and a legit No. 1 goalie.
The Islanders were in on Ilya Kovalchuk. Blue Jackets Artemi Panarin could be available.
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN: Lamoriello when asked if they’ve done enough to keep Tavares?
“That’s a question you need to ask him,” Lamoriello said. “There’s been a commitment from ownership. They want us to be the best team in the NHL, and they gave me the authority to do that. The first decision was to get a coach, and in my opinion, we got one of the best ones in the NHL. Now we have to convince our player that this the best decision for him.”
Arthur Staple of The Ahtletic: Isles GM Lamoriello has headed to L.A. and will wait there as Tavares will meet with teams at the CAA offices in L.A.
The Maple Leafs and Sharks definitely have a spot to meet with Tavares. The Stars could have a spot as well. The Lightning might get an interview, but they may have salary cap issues. The Vegas Golden Knights and maybe the Montreal Canadiens get an invite.
“That’s a question you need to ask him,” Lamoriello said. “There’s been a commitment from ownership. They want us to be the best team in the NHL, and they gave me the authority to do that. The first decision was to get a coach, and in my opinion, we got one of the best ones in the NHL. Now we have to convince our player that this the best decision for him.”