I don't think we are one of those five teams, but maybe the Flames could benefit off the cap unloading of those teams?
I think it has been confirmed in reading between the lines that Tavares want's to go to a contender. Which I think was quite obvious with Lou Lamourillo coming in and cleaning house to make the Islanders look like a contender.
Safe to assume he won't to the teams that are clearly not contenders right now.
Arizona
Buffalo
Detroit
Ottawa
Vancouver
Carolina
New York Rangers
Then there's the "middle of the pack" teams that have the notoriety, but have struggled in recent years and/or too many question marks as of today. Too much of a gamble.
Montreal
Chicago
Edmonton
Florida
Calgary
Phillidalphia
Columbus
The teams that have their roster locked up, just made notable moves, or just straight up can't afford him with out moving out big names. (Frankly the teams that I would be shocked if they got him)
LA Kings (Kovalchuck signing)
Pittsburgh
Tampa Bay
Washington (On the verge of re-signing Carlsson)
Leaving these teams that I believe all have a shot at signing Tavares. Attractive hockey markets, cap space, success in reccent years, and a clear goal to win as of today.
Dallas
San Jose
St. Louis
Colorado
Vegas
Nashville
Anaheim
New Jersey
Toronto
Winnipeg
All in all I believe that the 5 teams that he will meet with are
San Jose
Toronto
New Jersey
Vegas
St. Louis
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