It's been exactly one month since the Islanders and John Tavares were officially able to negotiate a new contact. One hasn't been signed yet but it doesn't mean Tavares wants to leave.
The captain once again reiterated to TSN in Toronto Tuesday his desire to remain with the team that drafted him first overall back in 2009. "I think I'll just keep that all internal. We've had great open communication, it's obviously a great place to play, I've enjoyed my time being an Islander and I want that experience to continue."
Tavares is certainly saying all the right things and his stance hasn't changed since being asked the same question over a year ago. His teammates believe he wants to stay as does his head coach, Doug Weight. "Make no mistake, John loves it here. I'll speak for him, I don't mind. But he's earned the right to come and make a decision, an intelligent decision. He's a thinker. He's not a PR guy that wants to drag it out. But he's going to do what he sees fit. I believe we have an unbelievable opportunity to sign John. We have things to prove to him. But it's not going to affect our hockey club."
Some feel the arena situation could be a factor in Tavares' decision. The RFP to develop Belmont Park is now out. The deadline to submit a bid is September 28. The Islanders are expected to make a bid.
The reason for the ongoing arena drama began six years ago today as Nassau County voters rejected a $400M referendum to build a new arena.