John Tavares has not ruled out re-signing with the Islanders before the season ends, the captain said Monday at Northwell Health Ice Center. He added that his decision to remain will not hinge on the team making the playoffs.
The Islanders made good on their word not to deal Tavares, a pending free agent, before the NHL trade deadline of 3 p.m. Monday. The next step is up to Tavares, who can become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Asked if he will decline to re-sign before the conclusion of this season, Tavares said, “I wouldn’t say it’s a foregone conclusion.