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The Islanders will play their final home game of the season tonight against the Rangers. Will it be the final home game for John Tavares as an Islander?
The captain is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. By all reports, there have not been any contract negotiations between general manager Garth Snow and Pat Brisson, the agent for Tavares. Snow, as we all know, has given Tavares his space this season and has not been aggressive in attempting to re-sign his franchise player. Snow has also been lackadaisical in improving the roster this season and reportedly Tavares was upset with that. Missing the playoffs for the second-straight season doesn't help either.
"I hope it all works out, too, and I’m back as well," Tavares told reporters after Wednesday's practice. "I just want to focus one game at a time and finishing the season strong and in the days and weeks ahead there will be plenty of time to think about it and start looking at the future and move forward.”
The contract hasn't affected the captain numbers wise. He leads the team with 83 points. Tavares ranks fifth in Islanders history with 620 points.
Fans at the Barclays Center should give loud ovations to their captain all night. Chants of "John Tavares" must be heard loud tonight. Tavares has earned the right to test the market, as did his friend, Steven Stamkos two years ago.
However, if Tavares does walk and Snow is the general manager next season, the situation between the franchise and fans will become even more toxic.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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