Could the New York Islanders still get a return in a John Tavares exit?



Perhaps.



For starters, let me stress that I don’t believe Tavares has made any decision, either way, on his future. I presume that will come after the season.



But let’s examine the scenario if indeed the 27-year-old pending unrestricted free agent decides he wants to move on and explore free agency.



I think there’s at least the possibility of our first sign-and-trade involving a franchise player in the NHL’s salary cap era. It’s something a few hockey execs from around the league have spit-balled with me over the past few weeks.



For starters, it only makes sense if the eighth year of the contract matters to Tavares and agent Pat Brisson. This is your friendly CBA reminder that only the Islanders can sign Tavares to an eight-year deal, no other team, not even if the Isles were to trade his rights before July 1. As per the CBA rule, once the...