Tavares will speak to 5 teams, Rangers not among them

Anthony Scultore Updated: Jun 23, 2018

The John Tavares decision was reportedly coming today and it appears it’s been made.

I am told (though not by agent or NYI) that Tavares will meet with five teams during interview period that opens tomorrow. Rangers are not among them.

— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 23, 2018

Predicting the 5 Teams

At this time Stars are believed to be one of three teams on Tavares list to meet with this week https://t.co/9A9yqoL8VD

— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) June 23, 2018

The Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, and San Jose Sharks sound like the 5 teams that will comprise that list.

The fact that the Rangers are not on the list is surprising but it doesn’t mean they weren’t interested. As I’ve written before, John Tavares is not all bout the money and he wants to win. Tavares also would feel like he’d be sticking a dagger in the hearts of Islanders fans with a move to Broadway.

Gorton as is evident with the draft is committed to this rebuild and that means at some point, we have to address the 800 lbs gorilla in the room, Henrik Lundqvist. Will he change his mind and waive his no trade clause to go to a contender at the next trade deadline? It’s certainly going to be a question all next year.

The fact that Tavares is going to meet with five teams sometime in the next few days is not shocking. He should. But #Isles still seem optimistic he’s coming back.

— Brett Cyrgalis (@BrettCyrgalis) June 23, 2018