Everything the Islanders have done so far this offseason has been an effort to show John Tavares his first NHL home remains his best option for future success and happiness.
Therefore, if Tavares opts to take his talents elsewhere, say to a ready-made winner in the San Jose Sharks or to his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, this offseason would have to be considered an unmitigated disaster, right?
Right?
Well, it certainly wouldn’t be good, that’s for sure.
For one, former general manager Garth Snow’s gamble at the Feb. 26 trade deadline to risk losing Tavares for nothing by not dealing him would look even more short-sighted.