Since arriving on Long Island for training camp just about a month ago, the only time John Tavares has heard about his contract situation was when reporters have asked.
“Well,” he hesitated with a smile, “except when Johnny [Boychuk] has been busting my chops about it. But that’s just Johnny.”
Tavares is entering uncharted territory as the 2017-18 season begins on Friday in Columbus and the Islanders’ captain enters the final season of his current deal without any extension on the table, per his own camp’s wishes.
Tavares has taken a wait-and-see attitude toward the numerous uncertainties surrounding the Islanders, from the quest for a new arena to the team’s play on the ice after missing the playoffs for the fifth time in his eight years here.