Tavares to meet with five teams ahead of free agency

Pending unrestricted free agent John Tavares' agent confirmed the 27-year-old plans to meet with five teams ahead of free agency opening on July 1.

Pat Brisson, agent for John Tavares, confirms that his client will use the UFA speaking period to chat with 5 teams — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 23, 2018

and I know this is obvious thing to say, but just like Steven Stamkos did two years ago, Tavares could still decide to re-sign with the Islanders after hearing out other teams. We'll see. — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 23, 2018

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun noted that Tavares could still decide to re-sign with the Islanders after hearing out the other teams.

The period to interview pending unrestricted free agents before the market opens begins Sunday.

The teams weren't reported but the New York Posts' Larry Brooks, who was the first to report Tavares would meet with five teams, noted the New York Rangers are not among them.

I am told (though not by agent or NYI) that Tavares will meet with five teams during interview period that opens tomorrow. Rangers are not among them. — Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) June 23, 2018

Tavares is the top-ranked prospective free agent this off-season after finishing with 37 goals and 47 assists in 82 games for the Islanders.

Tavares has played his entire nine-year career with the Islanders and has 272 goals and 349 assists in 669 career games.