Could it be time to trade John Tavares?
The Islanders are not off to a great start to the season. They currently sport a -2 goal differential and 3-3-1 record. With John Tavares saying all the right things in reference to his upcoming unrestricted free agency, is the time now to take advantage of his high stock price? Some would say it’s crazy to trade him, or it would be the downfall of the franchise. Quite honestly Jon Tavares is a great two way forward, but one player does not make or break an NHL franchise. Tavares in 27 years old, averages just under a point per game for his career and is the undoubted face of the Islanders. As his contract currently stands, he has a modified no-trade clause. He has eight teams selected he could not be traded to.
At this point, his value is high, and the Islanders will not be competing in the loaded Metropolitan division. The Islanders would be better off going into full-blown rebuild, ensuring a return of assets, rather than him walking away at the end of the season for no return. Here are the main reasons why this would be the smart move to make before the trade deadline:
- The Islanders have nearly 33 million dollars in expiring salary this year including Tavares’ deal. This would give them nearly 34 million to spend on free agents and draft picks next year.
- If he truly wants to stay in New York, there is nothing stopping him from returning after the season as an unrestricted free agent.
- The Islanders have four draft picks in the first two round of the 2018 draft. Adding valuable picks would strengthen the case for going with a rebuild.
- With young talent on the roster and incoming, the time is now to see if there is a potential new face of the franchise. Although not off to incredible starts Matthew Barzal and Josh Ho-Sang are providing much-needed grit and energy for this team
- With much uncertainty going into future seasons with the Islanders new stadium they will want to rebuild their team with exciting young talent, which they can do through the draft and free agency
For all of these reasons, trading Jon Tavares seems to be the best option for the team. Think back to the recent powerhouse franchises in the NHL. The Blackhawks drafted Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane in back to back years, the Penguins drafted Sidney Crosby Malkin in back to back years and the Canucks drafted both of the Sedins in the 1999 entry draft. These teams built through the draft, and with the potential for 5 or more draft picks in the first two round of the 2018 draft, the Islanders set themselves up to find some potential long lasting star power of their own.
- TAGS
- John Tavares
- New York Islanders
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