Islanders John Tavares To Tampa Bay Lightning Is A Stretch

New York Islanders captain John Tavares has yet to sign an extension with the team. So now we get to speculate as to where he could end up if not here. But do the Tampa Bay Lightning make sense, even just financially?

Just today SNY.tv proposed, thanks to a nudge from Elliotte Friedman that New York Islanders captain John Tavares could potentially go to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

We all get it. Steven Stamkos recently flirted with the possibility of going to free agency before taking a “pay cut” to stay with the Tampa Bay Lightning. So the link is easy enough to make. What with Tavares being in the same boat and all.

I say “pay cut” because as we all know, Stamkos’ actual dollar amount is lower than what he could have received say in Toronto. But because of Florida’s none existent state income tax, Stamkos gets to keep more of his hard earned cash.

But if that’s the nail that his narrative hangs its hat on, it’s pretty lazy.

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Florida Isn’t The Only One

Florida isn’t the only state with zero state income tax. States with NHL teams include Nevada and Texas, as well as Florida.

I can see why Nevada wouldn’t be appealing. The Golden Knights are in no way ready to compete at any level for the next few years.

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But Dallas is certainly in a much different position. With the likes of Jamie Benn, Jason Spezza, and Tyler Seguin. Not to mention the mention the recent acquisitions of Alex Radulov, Marc Methot, and Ben Bishop.

Dallas is poised to make some noise in the West once again, and for the next few years. So if taking a “hit” on his cap number is in play, then why not Dallas?

Next season the Stars will have over $18 million free to acquire someone like Tavares. That’s five million more than Tampa is slated to have, according to Cap Friendly.

If we’re playing the prognostication game with Tavares’ future Dallas looks just as appealing. A natural winger, not a converted one who he now has to come into direct competition with.

If no state income tax, a prolific winger to play with is all it takes to draw a link, then there’s another one while we’re at it.

Next: Isles Young Guns Looking To Make Team in 2017-18

As with all Islanders fans, well at least most, my first, second, third and even fourth choice for Tavares is to stay with the Islanders. And I think he, John Tavares, sees things the same way.