With John Tavares concluding his meetings on Wednesday with the Lightning and Stars, the next few days will be a tense time for Islanders fans as Tavares decides whether to stay with the team and sign an eight-year contract before Sunday at noon or get to the open market and say goodbye to Long Island.



Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz are holed up in Los Angeles awaiting the thumbs up or down from Tavares’ camp. The Islanders president/GM and new head coach are not and cannot sit idly, however — if Tavares leaves, the scramble will be on to figure out what’s next.



So what would be next for the Islanders if Tavares decides to leave?



Well, the free-agent market opens up to the Isles quite a bit. According to Cap Friendly, they would have $32.7 million in cap space with 13 players signed — that’s the most space of any team and tied for the fewest players signed for next season.



Tavares’ likely $11.5-12 million price tag...