On the New York Islanders and John Tavares …
Steven Marcus of Newsday: John Tavares will be a free agent after next season, and once again stated his commitment to the organization.
“I think for myself, I’ve always shown and talked about my commitment here,’’ said the four-time All-Star, who signed a six-year, $33-million extension in 2011, on Monday at Northwell Health Ice Center. “Wanting to have success here and keep building on some of the good things we’ve done. Obviously, this point’s been disappointing.’’
Tavares is not having a great season by his standards – 11 goals and 16 assists in 38 games – and knows he needs to be better.
The 26-year old is in his eight year with the Islanders.
“I think I’ve stated enough how much I enjoy being here.’’
On the trade market …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 690 on the lack of trades so far and a couple teams that really want to do something.
“I have to tell you, I think there’s teams that really want to do something,” explained Insider Elliotte Friedman during a Monday radio hit on Calgary’s Sportsnet 960. “I think Tampa Bay really wants to do something. I think L.A. really wants to do something to get some scoring. I think Chicago really wants to do something to add a scorer on Toews’ wing.
“But the problem, as somebody said to me on the weekend, is there’s really only two teams that have said that they’re out of it… Colorado and Arizona. And their asks are high. When you don’t have a lot of suppliers, the price is high. So that’s kind of where we are right now.
“A lot of teams are having their scouting meetings at this time, and I think that opens up a lot more conversation. But right now I’ve been told the biggest problem is the prices are high and there aren’t a lot of sellers. That’s kind of where they are. But there are teams out there, and I just mentioned a couple of them, that would really like to do something.”
