Why would Tavares sign an extension?

[RizzeeDizzee]

Maybe this belongs in Hockey Hockey Hockey Hockey instead, but I figured I'd start here.

I read today (https://twitter.com/BComptonNHL/stat...55881149636609) that apparently Tavares might be leaning toward signing an extension. Is it just me, or is anyone else baffled at that? I suppose maybe he's just saying the right thing to seem reasonable, but what has the franchise done to incent him to stay, versus at least testing the FA market? Stamkos I could kind of understand given the state of the franchise and past success, but Tavares with the Islanders - I'm not seeing it.

What does everyone think staying with the Islanders would do for his fantasy value, versus inking a deal to go elsewhere? I have to think it hurts him, no?

[ericdaoust]

Maybe he likes living there?

[rataylor22]

Some guys feel loyalty to one franchise that doesn't always make sense. Seems to be the case with Tavares.

[lucafen4]

perhaps it's the realization that if he went to Tor. he'd be the #2 C and wants to be the man.

honestly, I see him as kin of introvert who doesn't car for big change & I comfortable here he is

[pmorrow]

I think he probably just doesn't want to be that guy who abandons the team that made him their franchise. I think guys are weary of the reputation they could get, sort of like a Lindros/Nordiques situation. First overall pick, face of the franchise, captain. He probably has a lot of roots in the area now so I don't blame him for wanting to stay. Certainly that organization has not given him good enough lineups, but I guess if the money is good and he's comfortable there I understand it.

[doulos]

Maybe he has friends, connections, things he likes, restaurants he goes to, hobbies he enjoys and on and on - all of which are tied to his current situation. There's no guarantee that he goes somewhere else and he wins a Cup either. Better chances, yeah perhaps, but if you have the life you want to live in a place the grass isn't always greener somewhere else.

[RizzeeDizzee]

Yes - clearly he could just want to stay and despite the ineptitude of the franchise would see leaving as a net-negative, but I wonder if there's a good parallel of a player who mortgaged his chances at a cup and possibly his statistical legacy to stick with a doomed franchise?

[finnys_fanatsy]

perhaps it's the realization that if he went to Tor. he'd be the #2 C and wants to be the man.

honestly, I see him as kin of introvert who doesn't car for big change & I comfortable here he is

ever think he just doesnt wanna go to TOR? not every hockey player wants to be there...regardless of what every Leafs fan wants to believe.

What makes Shane Doan stay in ARIZ? What makes Stamkos stay in TB?

[MZac]

The franchise will make it all about him, they need him to stay.

They'll pay him big and he won't have to worry about getting injured next year without a contract. He's probably very comfortable there, hockey players are people and comfort and safety is important to most of us. As I age I understand this more. As much as players want to win a cup there are certainly more important things in life (family, relationships in general, not risking your financial freedom for the rest of your life by not having a long term contract etc).

I wouldn't be shocked either way but I could certainly see him re signing. The stars almost always seem to.

[ericdaoust]

There's more to life than the Stanley Cup and the idea that players have to uproot themselves and their families to chase it for our entertainment.

[RizzeeDizzee]

There's more to life than the Stanley Cup and the idea that players have to uproot themselves and their families to chase it for our entertainment.

Great - then name some parallels among truly elite talent. I went back and looked, and none really jumped out, except maybe Gilbert Perrault and that was ages ago. And no offense to Shane Doan, but he's just not in the same conversation.

It just seems like the true best of the best among NHL players don't stay forever with a doomed franchise.

I have nothing against Tavares if he has other priorities in life, but it seems like squandering a gift, not to mention a legacy.

[lucafen4]

Great - then name some parallels among truly elite talent. I went back and looked, and none really jumped out, except maybe Gilbert Perrault and that was ages ago. And no offense to Shane Doan, but he's just not in the same conversation.

It just seems like the true best of the best among NHL players don't stay forever with a doomed franchise.

I have nothing against Tavares if he has other priorities in life, but it seems like squandering a gift, not to mention a legacy.

he's not really putting up elite or 'best of the best' numbers the past couple years either.... maybe... he's not elite, maybe he's just really good or even really really good.

[ericdaoust]

Who cares if he's elite or not? I'm just making the case why someone would want to stay put. Doesn't require a long list of past examples for him to copy-cat from. He is his own person.

[lucafen4]

Who cares if he's elite or not? I'm just making the case why someone would want to stay put. Doesn't require a long list of past examples for him to copy-cat from. He is his own person.

Elite was part of the original argument to move on. That is why it's relevant.

Eriksson just did the opposite by signing in Van. Karlsson in Ott. is another one.

Ray Bourque in Bos until management sat him down and said go.

Mats Sundin -near the end in Tor. was willing to retire than move on. took half season to accept he wasn't retiring a Leaf.

[Rodgort]

Yes - clearly he could just want to stay and despite the ineptitude of the franchise would see leaving as a net-negative, but I wonder if there's a good parallel of a player who mortgaged his chances at a cup and possibly his statistical legacy to stick with a doomed franchise?

Erik Karlsson and Connor McDavid

Haha, joking aside. I think he knows more than we do about where the team is headed and likely in is discussion with the GM about what he wants. To me the biggest hurdle would be the Brooklyn arena and I bet there is a plan to get out of there. Also there are new owners who will help him stay/aren't Charles Wang. Also I doubt NYI is a doomed franchise as you say.