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Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers
I don’t recall Tavares saying he would stay for certain. I remember the narrative that he wanted to win, wanted a starting goalie, and wanted to know what was happening with the new arena.
Then they fired GM Garth Snow in June, who by most acccounts was well respected by his players.... this definitely isn’t ALL on Tavares.
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From April 2018:
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"This is obviously where I hope to be. I've always stated that," said Tavares, the No. 1 pick by the Islanders in the 2009 NHL Draft. "But obviously, I have some time to think about my situation and go from there.
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Let's also not forget the Islanders offered 8 year 88 million deal on June 24, and he ended up not signing and signed for less to be with the Leafs on July 1.
I would think Garth Snow being fired would have little impact, they had just signed Barry Trotz who had just won a cup in June. The Islanders were ready to be serious contenders, and are just that sitting in the top 5 without anything to show for Tavares.
And who can forget this tweet within hours of free agency?
https://twitter.com/user/status/1013468844034179072
It didn't matter what the Islanders did, Tavares likely had his mind set years ago that he wanted to go to the Leafs and pretended like he hoped to stay in New York, all the way to the end. He should have allowed them to trade his right or state his intent. He chose not to.
He was selfish, and sure he has a right to, but he burned his bridges and danced on the other side while doing it.