UPDATE:
The NY Islanders never expected to be this far against the wall as John Tavares still has not made a decision as of 6/29, and we all must wait until today.
As of Friday afternoon, Isles Team Management were “intensely pessimistic” the later and later it seemed to go.
One source cited: “Just my opinion, but I think it’s likely he’s going. If by tonight at 6-8 no decision we’re done. Best thing then would be we trade him for a pittance to a team that wants to give him 8 years.”
Oof.
The one quote that was most interesting came earlier yesterday morning: “My understanding is he doesn’t feel he owes allegiance to “new” organization as he did to those he made promise to...”
Well, what does that mean, exactly?
It is not as simple as he might leave because they fired Garth Snow and Doug Weight. It sounds a lot more like he gave some sort of gentlemen’s agreement or word to one of them that the source feels that JT might no longer feel is applicable anymore because they are no longer there.
So that word or agreement became null and void... and now the Isles are one option of a few, per reports... like San Jose and Toronto.
So it’s not that he won’t sign, but this is clearly what the Isles organization did not anticipate or expect at this juncture,
which I believe leads to the pessimism.
We certainly have come a long way from over a year ago when John Tavares told friends and teammates that he was moving to Garden City because it would be closer to Belmont.
But this is what happens when there is another seasonal disappointment and then changes up top. My fear is this is looking more and more like some long messy breakup.
The feeling is that the longer this goes, the more likely he is leaving. Now we are at the edge. After June 30, he can no longer receive an 8th year from the Isles. Or be dealt elsewhere for some sign and trade so that another team can do the same.
Had this past season not been a bevy of mistakes and performance items, and the team had been in the playoffs, I don’t think we would have been at this juncture. Now this process has other organizations with set venues and steady situations placed against the NY Islanders.
Yes, the Isles certainly improved themselves in GM and coach... don’t think anyone can argue otherwise.
HOWEVER... they perhaps have put themselves at a disadvantage with their free agent captain because they are now a completely new entity... just like San Jose, Toronto, and other place that is an option.
Does this mean the Isles are out?
No.
But as long as many options are not closed, the percentages are not good. If we are compared to Toronto or San Jose, it is 33.33% chance. But JT has yet to close ANY location. So that percentage plunges until teams are told they are out.
Yes, the night is dark and full of terrors. The unknown awaits.
The best thing that can happen for the Isles is if JT starts telling some other teams they are out of the running.
Or even better... that Lou Lamoriello has some magic again in his GM wizard hat.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»