John Tavares is focusing on negotiating a contract extension with the Islanders and has been in daily contact for the last two weeks, according to TSN's Darren Dreger. Tavares is set to become a free agent on July 1.
The news, if true, would be a monumental step in the right direction for Lou Lamoriello, the team's new President of Hockey Operations. Before his hiring, Tavares' future with the team seemed ominous.
Tavares appeared to approve of the Islanders' decision to hire Lamoriello last month, according to Andrew Gross of Newsday.
The Hockey Hall-of-Famer recently heaped praise on Tavares, calling him "one of the elite players," but wouldn't elaborate upon his future with the team.
"A gentleman both on and off the ice and just a quality individual as well as a quality player," Lamoriello said of Tavares. "I don't know any better way of describing him."
Tavares, who was drafted first overall by the Islanders in 2009, totaled 37 goals and 47 assists in all 82 games for New York last season.