NHL Trade Rumors: John Tavares to Toronto Maple Leafs

The New York Islanders are off to a poor start (5-8-3), and trade rumors surround the team. Captain John Tavares will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2017-18 season, and he might want out.

The Islanders are in terrible shape. The ice at Barclays Center is poor and the attendance at games is very low. GM Garth Snow was unable to re-sign key free agents and his first round drafting has not panned out the last few years. The Islanders are likely to hit rock bottom and miss the playoffs this season.

Tavares, who is making $5.5 million per season will want a huge raise and will demand Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews money - $10.5 million per season. Damien Cox speculates when Tavares is a free agent on July 1, 2018 the Mississauga native will strongly consider signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Leafs will clear up more than $16 million of dead money off the books in time for free agency 2018 – Joffrey Lupul, Stephane Robidas, Brooks Laich, Colin Greening and Milan Michalek. Tyler Bozak's $4.2 million per season contract will also be done.

Morgan Rielly, Nazem Kadri and goalie Frederik Andersen are signed long term. William Nylander will have completed his entry-level contract. Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews will have one year left on their entry-level contracts. The Maple Leafs will be a team with a maturing core locked in and they will be ready to make a strong pitch to acquire John Tavares.