On the New York Islanders and John Tavares …

Larry Brooks of the NY Post: John Tavares keeps maintaining that he wants to remain with the NY Islanders, but it’s unclear why he hasn’t been signed to a long-term contract extension already. It doesn’t have anything to do with a no-trade clause and is probably not about term or money.

Has to be his concerns over the franchises future – either their team personnel and/or the lack of a future arena.

If Tavares were to hit free agency next July 1st, he would be the most talented player to do so since the salary cap was introduced. Players like Tavares usually sign extensions well before the start of free agency. Steven Stamkos obviously didn’t, waiting until a couple days before.

$10 million per season on an eight-year deal for Tavares would net him $41.81 million after taxes. Stamkos’ $8.5 million deal in tax free Florida net him $36.28 over seven years, so there is not a big difference.

New York Islanders News and Rumors section

On the Toronto Maple Leafs …

Dave McCarthy: spoke with Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock who said that he plans on playing Ron Hainsey with Morgan Rielly, and Jake Gardiner with Nikita Zaitsev.

“We feel Rielly’s a real, real good player. We want him to be upper echelon in the League so we needed a partner for him.”

Dave McCarthy: Babcock said he’s thought a lot about where Patrick Marleau will play but wouldn’t share.

“With Marleau,we want to have as much depth so whether at home/road, matchups are never an issue for us. That’s what good teams have”

Dave McCarthy: Babcock adds that Marleau can play anywhere on in their top nine and loves the versatility he has.

Dave McCarthy: Babcock says they have “too many good players for the 23 spots” and that players will be battle for “jobs and key minutes” at training camp.

Toronto Maple Leafs News and Rumors section