Barry Trotz was asked what his message to Islanders fans was for Thursday night’s game against the Maple Leafs at NYCB Live’s Nassau Coliseum, a.k.a. The Return of John Tavares.
“You have to respect that John gave his all for the organization for a long time,” the Islanders coach said of the ex-captain, who returned to his hometown team via free agency on July 1 for a seven-year, $77-million deal. “He was the face of the organization. From his standpoint and everybody’s standpoint, he earned the right to go back home. Just be respectful, cheer us on and let’s have a good hockey game tonight.