from Sportsnet,

Want some good news, Islanders fans? Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston reports that it’s starting to appear more likely there’s a deal to work out that keeps him around.

“The chances are getting better and better, I would say, that John Tavares is going to remain a member of the New York Islanders,” Johnston reported ahead of Thursday’s Game 7 of the Calder Cup Final. “He’s had a real active dialogue with Lou Lamoriello in the few weeks since Lou Lamoriello has taken over the Islanders and there is a belief that there is a deal there for John Tavares and the Islanders to be made.

“That being said, we are only a week and a half out from the period where he’s able to speak to other teams and if he does not reach an extension here in that window he will be able to speak to some of those other teams and this might change. But as it is now it does appear the wind is blowing him back towards the Islanders.”

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