Just got off the phone with a source and this Tavares situation is complicated, but not as dire as people are saying all over the media...
Here is the transcript from my interview with a source VERY familiar with the situation:
Ek: It is being reported on the NHL Network, XM and TV, that the Tavares situation is getting very dire...Is it?
Source: No, not yet.. JT will need some assurances and changes to happen, but the way the team is playing right now those changes are coming and I believe he is in touch with people who are telling him this. Remember, a player of his caliber has the ownenrship's ear.
Ek: The Rangers have cleared a ton of Cap space and would make for a very easy team to sign with.
Source: The proximity of other NHL teams for Johnny does make this a unique situation. No doubt. It really hurts the Islanders and will be why they will have to go BIG or go home with this contract. The Rangers will be all in...and the Devils may as well by the way...
Ek: Ugh, that sounds really awful for Isles fans. Losing their best player to the Rangers is a nightmare scenario.
Source: Oh, for sure it is. But JT does STILL love the Islanders, the fans, his teammates...He knows what going to the Rangers would mean. That is a last ditch situation...
Ek: How about other teams in the NHL?
Source: As I said, I still think he believes he is going to be an Islander for a long time..but if for some reason they decide to go another way he will definitely talk to Toronto..He has friends on Yonge who have been pushing for that for years. He knows that team is on the cusp, and it would be a dream come true. It would make leaving NY a little easier to swallow.
Ek: But Toronto would have to move out some key players to fit in such a salary.
Source: Yes, and they would do so I believe. However, a dark horse would be Detroit. They, and possibly Buffalo, would put the most money on the table. But in Detroit they have the space and a new building to sell.
Ek: There has been much made of the fact the Isles have only been to the playoffs 3 times since he has been there and only won 1 round.
Source: Yes, but he blames himself for that. The kind of player he is. The kind of person.
Ek: So Islanders fans don't have to worry as much as they are?
Source: They shouldn't think it is a done deal that he is leaving. They should worry until it gets done. They should let it be known how important he is to them.
Ek: Oh, they do. That fanbase is as passionate as any in hockey.
Source: They are and they are vocal to management. The new stadium deal helped on all levels. Also, this is the best young group of forwards they have surrounded him with. He knows this.
Ek: But he has struggled as of late and some are associating his lack of production with the uncertainty of where he is playing next.
Source: I think that is overblown. Especially with JT. I think the team is slumping together and he is caught up in that. They are losing 2/3rds of their games right now..
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What's the buzz?
1. Should the Islanders fans be worried?
2. Should Tavares be the highest paid player in the NHL?
I will be back with more including the Buzzcast at 3:30...and then tonight's picks, tonight's Buzz Game of the Night, projected final standings updated...
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