Potential destinations for Tavares revealed!

The main story around the New York Islanders before the season even began focused on one issue: John Tavares’ decision to wait on a contract extension and the potential of him landing on the trade block. 

Tavares’ contract situation hasn’t changed, of course. He’s still in wait-and-see mode as the pending free agent is set to become one of the highest-paid players in the NHL this summer. 

Though most NHL insiders will tell you the star forward is expected to sign a lengthy extension with the Isles, ESPN's Greg Wyshynski has put together seven other places where Tavares could be next season. 

Wyshynski starts off with the usual suspects: the Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. Bolts captain Steven Stamkos is a close friend of Tavares, but Wyshynski notes that Tampa Bay would have $25.375 million sunk into three players: Tavares, Stamkos and defenseman Victor Hedman. And this club cannot forget about star Nikita Kucherov... 

The Leafs would love to land hometown boy Tavares, but their focus is more on adding a start defenseman and might want to wait and see what Los Angeles Kings Drew Doughty decides to do. As for the Habs, Tavares might not be willing to deal with the high scrutiny of fans in the Montreal market. 

Wyshynski then suggests the Detroit Red Wings, who would make Tavares this generation's Steve Yzerman. However, the 27-year-old might want to join a proven Contender and a team who has the financial means to keep him in the fold. 

The San Jose Sharks could benefit from landing Tavares, who would take over as Joe Thornton passes him the torch. Once again, the budget might be tight for the Sharks, who already have a lot of money invested in key players like Brent Burns, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture. 

What about the city rivals, New York Rangers? They have the room for Tavares, who would remain in the New York area. But he would also placed himself "under a microscope he has done his best to avoid for years..."

And what if Tavares was to take over for the Sedins for the Vancouver Canucks? As the twins are both pending unrestricted free agents this summer, it might be the time for the end of an era and Tavares could become the face of the franchise. However, how confident are they to become a strong Cup contender? 

Interesting read by Wyshynski, who along with the help of Brian Konnick, gives us great illustrations of Tavares in different team jerseys: a must-read here.