John Tavares is scheduled to meet with numerous NHL clubs this week, but the Montreal Canadiens, a team who was expected to go all out for the prized centre, won’t be one of them.
Tavares is in LA this week and reportedly has up to seven teams in mind (including the New York Islanders). The Canadiens and Vegas Golden Knights, two teams interested in his services, have been counted out.
A team with an immediate need at the centre position, Montreal seemed to fit the bill as a logical landing spot. With over $18 million in cap space, they are one of the few teams in the league who could make a long-term 10+ million dollar contract work without any issues. But Tavares apparently made it known that he wasn’t interested in joining the club weeks ago, according to Fox Sports’ Andy Strickland.
A tough break for Marc Bergevin and company, who are looking to rebound after a dreadful 2017-18 season. The sting would only feel worse if the coveted forward decided to sign with their Atlantic Division rival Toronto Maple Leafs.
It’s going to be one interesting week in the NHL.
(H/T Andy Strickland)
