John Tavares signed a $33 million dollar, 6 year extension to remain an Islander until 2018. This is the best news, we as fans have gotten in an off-season that has had quite a few positive events to the credit of Mr. Wang and Mr. Snow.
If you were an outsider who listened to the Canadian media and random hockey writers you would expect Tavares to wait out his 3 year entry contract with the Islanders and move on to a real team. Why not expect him to sign with a team that mattered and that was actually taken seriously by the hockey world. He would never re-sign with the laughingstock Islanders. Really?
Yes. Really. If you ask anyone who has followed this team for a while, we have seen a slow and steady improving rebuild. One assembled with a core of talented young players and low risk acquisitions that bloomed into solid assets under the Islanders’ watch. J.T. noticed this as well, but doesn’t understand the negative perceptions.
"That's just very disappointing to me," Tavares told ESPN.com’s Katie Strang. "I think that's wrong judgment about our organization."
He added, "People might have a misperception about our hockey team, and I know we can get buried under the radar, but I know what it's about here."
On his experience playing with the Islanders, he said, "They have a great coaching staff that has helped me become the player I am."
He added, "People might have a misperception about our hockey team, and I know we can get buried under the radar, but I know what it's about here."
On his experience playing with the Islanders, he said, "They have a great coaching staff that has helped me become the player I am."
By having John Tavares buy into their plan, the Islanders show the rest of the NHL that they are doing the right things from within to make an impression on their core of young talent. It is the kind of thing that defies the rumors and gives the once proud team a second step towards credibility. If things finally go their way on Long Island and injuries don’t set the plan back again, the team should have a good chance to compete for a playoff spot.
What’s next, signing big-time free agents?
Islander Notes:
Josh Bailey signs for two years, $2.1 Million.
Mara and Staios invited to camp. Staios accepts and will wear #44.
Mark Katic needs shoulder surgery and will be out indefinitely.
Rhett Rakhshani and Mitchell Theoret have been diagnosed with a concussion and will be out indefinitely.
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