What if John Tavares Re-Signed With the Islanders
It is July 1st, 2018, and you hear the news: John Tavares is a Toronto Maple Leaf. This day is monumental for both Leafs and New York Islanders fans but for vastly different reasons. Tavares joins the young core of his childhood team, aiming to bring home a Stanley Cup. Meanwhile, the Islanders lose their franchise player, former first overall pick, and captain. But in an alternate reality, Tavares decides to remain on Long Island. How does this change the Islanders’ future trajectory?
It also must be stated there is no way of knowing what would have happened. This is an attempt at predicting one of the infinite possibilities in this alternate reality, so all predictions must be taken with a grain of salt.
2018 Offseason Changes
Before Tavares‘ departure, the Islanders brought in Lou Lamoriello as general manager and Barry Trotz as head coach in hopes of convincing Tavares to stay. Despite this, Tavares met with six teams following the 2018 Draft without making a decision, so the Islanders’ mindset at that time remained the same. They still select Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson back to back in the first round.
Following Tavares’ free agent meetings, he successfully negotiates with Lamoriello, resulting in an eight-year contract valued at $12.5 million per year, complete with a full no-trade clause. This new deal surpasses his current seven-year, $77 million contract (with an $11 million annual average) by $1.5 million per year and $23 million overall.