UNIONDALE, N.Y. — It was Mathew Barzal that brought me to Long Island this week, and you’ll see a story on the New York Islanders’ electrifying rookie Friday morning here on The Athletic.



But one can’t venture into these parts and not also ask the man wearing the ‘C’ about his future plans, right? I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t.



So yes, John Tavares saw me coming a mile away, as gracious as ever as I eventually asked him about his pending unrestricted free agency.



And one thing remains clear: he wants to take as much time as it takes until he feels ready to make a decision.



“I think anybody, whether it’s a hockey player or any big life decision … when you consider all the factors that are involved, I think you want to take your time and be diligent,” Tavares said Wednesday. “I think that’s my personality anyways. I’ve always stated how much I enjoy it...