Islanders Sign John Tavares

Islanders Sign John Tavares To A Longterm Extension

Islanders Press Release 

Commitment is the theme heading into the New York Islanders 40-Year Anniversary campaign, so it's only fitting that the day before Training Camp begins, franchise player John Tavares inked a six-year deal to remain with the organization through the 2017-18 season. “Today is an extremely exciting day for the entire New York Islanders organization,” said Islanders General Manager Garth Snow. “It has been our goal to make sure we put the best team on the ice every night and today we’ll take another important step in ensuring that this will continue.” Five days out from his 21st birthday, Tavares has a long and bright future ahead of him. He couldn’t be more pleased with his new deal to remain with the club who drafted him as the first overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. “I am excited, thrilled, honored and thankful for the commitment Charles Wang, Garth Snow and the entire organization have made to keep me a New York Islander for another six years,” Tavares said. “I believe in this organization and this hockey club.” He added, “This is where I want to live, to play and ultimately lead our team to the Stanley Cup.” The center entered the league at the start of the 2009-10 season and made an immediate impact. That first year, he led the Islanders in scoring with 24 goals and 30 assists for 54 points. Even as the Islanders battled through adversity last season, Tavares continued to grow as a player. Once again, he led the Islanders in scoring as he improved his point totals by 13, notching 29 goals and 38 assists. “John is very gifted in many ways: his vision on the ice and ability to make the big play at key points in the game is impressive,” Snow said. “He continues to work on his game offensively, faceoffs, in fact, he even wants to be a penalty killer.” About to enter the final year of his entry-level deal, media and fans were curious to see Tavares’ next move. It was often speculated that Tavares would try to leave the Long Island-based franchise, but he’s always been steadfast in his commitment to the team by whom he was drafted. “Ever since day one, I’ve been treated first class by the organization,” Tavares said. “We have a great coaching staff that has helped me become the player that I am and a great bunch of guys in the locker room that really care about each other. I see every day the vision that we have and the drive we have as a team in the locker room.” Building through the draft, Tavares and the rest of the Islanders young core have become family. Kyle Okposo and Michael Grabner showed their commitment to the franchise by signing five-year deals earlier this summer, while Tavares’ linemate and long-time friend Matt Moulson signed on for another three years back in January. “My teammates are family to me,” Tavares said. “They have taught me what it’s like to become a professional on and off the ice for the past two years and have made those two years the best of my life. I’m looking forward to our future together and what is held in store for us.” In the ongoing maturation process of the Islanders, the team has overcome giant obstacles and in the process become a close-knit group. With their newfound chemistry, the young squad hopes this coming season is one for the record books. “I think it’s time for us to make that next step,” Tavares said. “Being a young team, sometimes your emotions can go from really high to really low. I think if we’re able to be a little more consistent and able to control our emotions, limit our bad stretches, stay even-keeled during our good stretches and play well within our division, it will give us a good shot at making the playoffs. That’s our goal. I think for us, we have to focus one day at a time.” Tavares said, “Playing hockey is about hope. Hope inspires the desire to win, to pursue excellence and also bring home the Stanley Cup. That’s what I wish to hopefully do one day here with the New York Islanders.” As he celebrates his 21st birthday next week, Tavares enters the next phase of his career. “I believe it’s a great deal for me, a fair deal,” Tavares said. “I’m pretty fortunate to be where I’m at, turning 21 next week and being given a big commitment from the Islanders. I’m very thankful for it.” He added, “It’s been a hell of a week.”

PattyB Thoughts:
This is the best news from the NY Islanders since the day they drafted John Tavares. This is huge for this franchise and I believe it signifies a turning-point in the organization. John Tavares has been highly regarded in the hockey world since he was 13 years old, and is still thought to be one of the brightest young players in the game. That in itself makes it very significant that the Isles were able to sign to such a reasonable deal, but then when you add in the fact that for years there have been rumors from all different sources saying JT had no interest in playing on Long Island for longer than he had to, you realize this is monumental for this franchise. This proves that prestigious players within the organization are more than happy to stay. With the immense difficulty that the Islanders have acquiring unrestricted free-agents, its so important for them to retain their young players and no young player in this organization is more important than John Tavares. The almost twenty-one year old Tavares, has scored 53 goals and 68 assists for 121 points in 161 NHL games. Season by season, and game by game, Tavares has become more and more comfortable in the NHL. In my opinion, this upcoming year will be the first time he is fully settled in to the NHL game play and that will lead to a huge amount of success. I wouldn't be surprised to see him put up a 90 point season this year. Not only should this season be a big success for JT, but it will be one where he will still be earning entry level money as his new contract will not come into affect until the 2012-13 season. At the time this contract actually kicks in it will be a complete steal. The lay-out of the contract is spread out so there is a bit more money at the end, and less at the beginning. For the first year he will get $4 million, the second year $5 million, and for the final four years he will be earning $6 million annually. The value each year is incredible and its truly amazing to me that Tavares would take a salary so low. The cap hit of $5.5 million is terrific and will be one of the biggest steals in the league as soon as next year. Not only will John Tavares be a top player in the league, but he will be a top player in the locker room. I expect Johnny T to become the captain for the NY Islanders once the next captain (presumably Mark Streit) retires. Tavares has opened up a bit in the past year and has become a lot more personable to media, fans, and other players. According to many Islanders prospects, Tavares has gone out of his way to make them feel comfortable and at home. That leadership from a 20 year old is beyond impressive and it has been a real asset for this club. John Tavares is the face of the NY Islanders, and we now know that will not be changing.

CONTRACT TERMS:

LENGTH: 6 YEAR(S)     VALUE: $33,000,000     TYPE: STANDARD     EXPIRY STATUS: UFA
SEASON	AHL SALARY	NHL SALARY	P. BONUSES	S. BONUS	CAP HIT
2012-13	$4,000,000	$4,000,000	$0	—	$5,500,000
2013-14	$5,000,000	$5,000,000	$0	—	$5,500,000
2014-15	$6,000,000	$6,000,000	$0	—	$5,500,000
2015-16	$6,000,000	$6,000,000	$0	—	$5,500,000
2016-17	$6,000,000	$6,000,000	$0	—	$5,500,000
2017-18	$6,000,000	$6,000,000	$0	—	$5,500,000

CAREER STATISTICS:

Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	TP	PIM		Postseason	GP	G	A	TP	PIM
2004-2005	Milton Icehawks	OPJHL	20	13	15	28	10	|
2005-2006	Oshawa Generals	OHL	65	45	32	77	72	|
	Canada U18	WJC-18	7	2	3	5	4	|
2006-2007	Oshawa Generals	OHL	67	72	62	134	60	|	Playoffs	9	7	12	19	6
2007-2008	Oshawa Generals	OHL	59	40	78	118	69	|	Playoffs	15	3	13	16	20
	Canada U20	WJC-20	7	4	1	5	2	|
2008-2009	Oshawa Generals	OHL	32	26	28	54	32	|
	London Knights	OHL	24	32	18	50	22	|	Playoffs	14	10	11	21	8
	Canada U20	WJC-20	6	8	7	15	0	|
2009-2010	New York Islanders	NHL	82	24	30	54	22	|
	Canada	WC	7	7	0	7	6	|
2010-2011	New York Islanders	NHL	79	29	38	67	53	|
	Canada	WC	7	5	4	9	12	|
2011-2012	New York Islanders	NHL	-	-	-	-	-	|