5 moves the Islanders can make to get back to the playoffs
By Simon Vacca
4. Sign John Tavares
Let’s be clear: Tavares is, undoubtedly, the best unrestricted free agent of the 2018 marketplace. His relationship with the Islanders has always been formidable and he’s widely received as a class-act both on and off the ice. As Luke Fox has reported, Tavares would, in theory, almost definitely like to extend his relationship with Long Island — but it’s important to remember that the veteran center is no different from all great athletes. He is eager to compete, and is thus in need of concrete proof that a winning future is going to be set into motion as early as next season.
If the Islanders are serious about going the distance — crossing the path from being received as pretenders to contenders — locking up their superstar must be the next step in the process. Yet an endeavor of this nature will be far from easy. As several pundits have reported, a host of teams are preparing to enter into the Tavares sweepstakes, with the Toronto Maple Leafs set to undertake a creative swing for the forward.
Like a lot of teams, no doubt, if John Tavares gets to the UFA shopping period, and it is still an “if” at this point, TOR is believed to be putting together a promotional video for JT that may even include a cameo pitch or two from some current Leaf players.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 18, 2018
But instead of delving into speculative assertions, let’s put some things into perspective.
As mentioned, the Islanders’ most recent campaign often occupied the focal point of headlines for many unfavorable reasons. That said, the team also had its bright moments. The club’s offensive depth is among the finest in the NHL, as the scoring prowess of Tavares, Josh Bailey, Jordan Eberle, Anders Lee and Mathew Barzal allowed the organization to finish the regular season tied for seventh in the league in goals scored. The aforementioned Barzal was even the recipient of the Calder Memorial Trophy (awarded to the NHL’s top rookie), having tallied 22 goals and 85 points in 82 games played.
On an administrative front, the franchise has finally welcomed a complete shakeup. The signing of Trotz might even be a factor that, according to Chris Johnston, can potentially swing the narrative in the Islanders’ favor:
"Bringing in the well-respected Trotz — whom Tavares won the World Cup of Hockey with back in 2016 — is a step in the right direction for an organization trying to sign its captain before he tests the open market. The team’s ownership wants to prove to No. 91 that it is serious about taking things to the next level and committing north of $20-million to land Trotz is certainly a big departure from past practice."
Indeed, time will tell if the team’s promising offensive depth and its top-down culture change shall be enough to convince Tavares to stay on a long-term deal. Should he remain in Long Island, he will all but definitely go down in history as one of the all-time greatest members of the blue and orange.