Mar 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre. The Islanders beat the Maple Leafs 4-3 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports

Speaking to Sportsnet this week, John Tavares has effectively told Leafs’ fans he won’t be moving to Toronto, if and when he becomes a free agent in 2018.

Give Toronto Maple Leafs‘ fans credit where it’s due, for being eternally optimistic no matter what happens. It appears things are finally headed in the right direction, but there were some dark days/weeks/months/years during the last decade or so.

This eternal optimism extended to Leafs Nation (and to be fair, factions of the local media) convincing itself in the lead-up to free agency, that Steven Stamkos was going to come to Toronto. This is not to say there weren’t some legitimate reasons for believing this – returning home, more sponsorship deals, etc – but again, the fans deserve kudos for being so positive.

In the end, it was arguably a blessing in disguise that Stamkos choose to stay in Tampa Bay. Regardless, Leafs fans have moved on, looking for the next superstar who could potentially end up plying his trade in Southern Ontario.

In that respect, attention has recently turned to John Tavares, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2017-18 season. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the subject of him playing in Toronto was brought up on Tuesday, during an appearance on Sportsnet 590 The FAN.

Presenter Andrew Walker asked Tavares about the possibility of playing for the Buds in the future. Unfortunately for Leafs fans, the response was not exactly encouraging: “I would not count on that.”

The 2009 first overall draft pick went on to explain where his loyalties lie: “I think I’ve always showed my commitment, my appreciation and my desire to play on Long Island.

“I’d love for that to continue for the long haul. I think you look at some of the greatest players in the game, they have been able to spend their entire careers somewhere and I hope I’m in that same position.”

Tavares understands the natural inclination to connect him to the Leafs, especially with his growing up in Oakville: “Obviously being from Toronto, people are going to make those connections…It is what it is.

“It’s nothing I can control. I just want to go out there and be the best player and best person I can be for the Islanders, day in and day out, and I’m just going to focus on tomorrow and the upcoming season.”

While this may be a bitter blow to people hoping to see the 25-year old in a Leafs jersey, you have to respect and admire his devotion to the Islanders. In many respects, it’s essentially the same as Stamkos’ decision to remain with the Lightning.

Tavares said: “I think you look at some of the greatest players in the game. They have been able to spend their entire careers somewhere and I hope I’m in that same position.”

Ultimately, the Leafs will be just fine, especially with the likes of Brendan Shanahan, Lou Lamoriello and Mike Babcock making the decisions. There may have been times in the past when the optimism of fans was misguided, but this is no longer the case.

As for Tavares, he has a similarly hopeful outlook on his future with the Islanders: “They drafted me there, gave me a great opportunity to play this game that I love and fulfill my dream.

“They’ve put a lot of high expectations into me and I don’t take that lightly. I’ve always enjoyed being there from Day One, and I’d love to see it through and obviously lift the Stanley Cup there.”

What did you take away from Tavares’ comments? Do you believe him, or do you think there’s a chance he ends up in Toronto, assuming he makes it to free agency? Let us know in the comments section below.