John Tavares will be the most sought-after free agent in NHL history if he remains unsigned by July 1st, and there’s a rumour floating around that he’ll meet with the Vancouver Canucks.

We know the Vancouver Canucks are rebuilding and all, but you wouldn’t be able to fault general manager Jim Benning if he were to dish out millions to land New York Islanders captain John Tavares in free agency.

The 27-year-old has yet to sign a new contract with the Isles, and the speculation continues to ramp up that he’ll leave for a new home in the offseason. Could the Canucks be one of his preferred destinations?

Citing a source, Eklund at HockeyBuzz.com is reporting that the perennial All-Star “has planned to visit with Vancouver during his five day window leading up to July 1.” Eklund noted that the Canucks are the first team he’s heard in regards to meeting with Tavares.

Now, this doesn’t mean the Canucks are the favorites to sign Tavares or anything. Big-time free agents like Tavares (in all sports), plan meetings with different teams to see their direction, how much they can pay him, structures of a possible contract and more.

But if Tavares is truly planning to meet with the Canucks, it’s definitely something fans should be optimistic about. That certainly means they’re a team that appeals somewhat to him. Vancouver is also one of the few teams that can afford to pay him massive dollars.

Of course, free agency is still three weeks away, and there’s still a chance Tavares decides to re-sign with the Islanders. If not, there are still a handful of teams that will compete heavily for his services.

Canucks fans should be a little bit excited if he’s already planned a meeting with the team, but it does not indicate that they’re the favourites to sign home — or that they’re atop his wish list.