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John Tavares Returns Home
The former Islanders franchise center signs a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $ 11 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs. team for which he grew up.
Everyday you can live a childhood dream pic.twitter.com/YUTKdfMALl
– John Tavares (@ 91Tavares) July 1, 2018
Welcome to the house, @ 91Tavares . pic.twitter.com/14Weo1ANlS
– Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 1, 2018
Earlier in the day, it was said that he was doing the unthinkable for the Islanders fans: leave. Tavares posted a note on Twitter:
"For Fans of All Islanders,
These past 6 days have never been what I could have hoped for: making the most difficult decision of my life: take a calculated act of faith on an occasion that I believe will be special to me and my family The island has been home, that's what I know, it's part of me – that's the will always be I can not thank you all I'm sorry if this decision hurts you because you can say that it was not easy, but trust in the future because it is brilliant , Islanders are in good hands.The island, the fans, the organization, my teammates will always be special for me and my family, but it's time to live my childhood dream here at Toronto, 19659002] 27-year-old Tavares has been the jewel of freedom of action this year, and Islanders will see him walking without getting anything [19659002] Tavares is a five-time star who has been the face of the Islanders since he was the first draft pick in 2009 and that he is 19 years old
. The captain of New York, who signed a $ 33 million contract over six years, had 37 goals and 47 badists last season. Despite its production, the Islanders missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season. They have been in the playoffs only three times in his career and have never pbaded the quarterfinals of the conference.
Tavares also played for four head coaches in New York, who had stadium problems. He began his career at the Nbadau Coliseum before moving to Barclays Center in 2015. The basketball arena has experienced ice problems and visibility problems for hockey, and the Islanders have announced that they have been unable to compete. they were building their own arena at Belmont Park. Until it is completed in 2021, the team will split its time between Barclays and a renovated Nbadau Coliseum. The Islanders hoped that Tavares would remain the star on their new stage
The Leafs lost strikers James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak this free agency period, but they made up for it. an important way. , getting a star paired with Auston Matthews.
Welcome aboard @ 91Tavares ! Pompey for having you in the blue and white and now calling you a teammate #goleafs
– Auston Matthews (@ AM34) July 1, 2018
The Leafs had a better result of 105 points in last but lost in the first round of the playoffs against the Bruins in seven games.
Mitch Marner led the team with 69 points in 82 games. Matthews was second with 63 points, but missed 20 games due to injury.
Tavares spent last week meeting the Islanders, San Jose, Toronto, Dallas, Tampa Bay and Boston. Meanwhile until Sunday, Tavares has waived signing an eight-year extension with the Islanders.
To retain Tavares, the Islanders have undergone organizational transformation in recent months under the direction of Scott Malkin and Jon Ledecky. . They hired Lou Lamoriello as President of Hockey Operations and Barry Trotz, the new Stanley Cup winner, as a coach.
Tavares also spoke to the Islanders on Twitter:
"To the Islanders of New York,
to be an islander not only through the love and support of his followers, but also because of luck that I've had to rub shoulders with so many great people: from property to management, to staff and of course to all my teammates, I'll always be grateful for the way they've modeled me and guided to become a better person and a better hockey player, memories and friendships that I will always keep in the heart of my heart. I will always be grateful, my words will never be able to fully show the impact that my time on the island has had on me. "
Information from the Associated Press has been used in this report.
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