6 Top Destinations for John Tavares in Free Agency 2018

New York Islanders superstar John Tavares hasn't had any contract extension talks with his current team. Tavares becomes a free agent this summer, and Islanders general manager Garth Snow must sign him to a new contract before the trade deadline, or risk losing him for nothing. It goes without saying most teams in the NHL would be interested in signing him as a free agent. Here are my top 6 destinations for Tavares should he test free agency.

New York Islanders - He may choose to stay with his current team. The Islanders have the cap space to sign him to the more than $10 million cap hit salary he is going to demand. Also, their bid to build an arena at Belmont Park has been selected by New York state, and co-owner Jon Ledecky said he hopes to start construction quickly. The Islanders' proposal includes an 18,000-seat arena, a hotel, 435,000 square feet of retail space, and a 10,000-square-foot innovation center that would be developed with input from residents. The team is on the rise and he may want to lead the Islanders back to the Stanley Cup in their new building. The Islanders are a team to be reckoned with this year. Trade odds: 19/1

Toronto Maple Leafs – There has been plenty of talk of Tavares wanting to go back to his hometown (mostly from Maple Leafs fans). There is concern that the Leafs need to sign Auston Matthews to a massive contract, but that won't happen until 2019. Does Tavares want the spotlight of Toronto?

Montreal Canadiens – The Habs have needed a #1 Center for many years, and they have the cap space. They would be willing to throw a massive amount of money at Tavares, but he would have the pressure of playing in a big Canadian market, something he may not desire.

New York Rangers – It would certainly be shocking to Islanders fans if Tavares chose the Rangers, a rival New York team. Tavares wouldn't have to move far, and the Rangers definitely could use an upgrade at center.

San Jose Sharks – Tavares would make an excellent replacement for Joe Thornton. It might be difficult to stay under the cap since the Sharks have a large portion of their cap space tied up on the backend with Brent Burns at $8 million and Marc-Edouard Vlasic at $7 million.

Vancouver Canucks – They have the cap space to sign Tavares, and surround him with young talent, Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser. Does Tavares consider Vancouver a contender for the Cup?