New York Islanders John Tavares Says He Wants To Stay On WFAN

The New York Islanders captain John Tavares went on WFAN, sports talk radio in New York, to talk about the Islanders and their season.

John Tavares on WFAN is a big deal. Actually, WFAN talking hockey, New York Islanders hockey nonetheless, in December is a huge deal within itself.

The local sports stations only care about hockey come April and May, and we all know that usually comes with talks about the other New York team. So to hear our captain go on the airwaves and talk some puck with Joe and Evan was refreshing.

Here’s the interview:

The interview was intriguing as they talked about the Islanders slow start to the season and other cliche topics like the ice conditions at the Barclays Center.

What stood out to me was Evan Roberts’ question about the changing of the lines and if that effects the offense negatively. That was a good question, something many Islander fans are wondering, I just wasn’t expecting that out of Evan who is more of a baseball, football, basketball guy.

Nonetheless, Tavares answered the question and he said something to the effect of, no it doesn’t and that Jack Capuano is just doing everything in his power to create offense.

I get that mindset from Tavares, but from the outside looking in it makes little to no sense that Cappy continuously shuffles up the lines. Although to be fair what is Tavares supposed to say in that situation. Of course he will back his coach.

More importantly at the end of the interview, Tavares was asked if he wants to remain an Islander as his contract is winding down. Yet, again JT said that he would love to be here and he wants to see this thing through.

Call me crazy, but I actually genuinely believe him. Tavares may be loyal to a fault. I mean. he’s been here since 2009 and has still yet to be provided with a legit winger to play with.

That said, Tavares just has that factor and that competitive drive in him that makes me think he will actually stay.

Obviously, I’m looking at this through blue and orange tinted glasses, but many people feel this way. The first step to keeping Tavares long term is to start playing better, and the Isles sure have done that of late.