John Tavares narrows free-agent search to six teams

Hockey Night in Canada's Chris Johnston joins Evanka Osmak talk about the ongoing John Tavares saga.

Another piece of the puzzle falls into place.

Pending free agent John Tavares and his representation no longer plan to engage in conversations with any other teams after their final in-person meetings with the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning.

This makes the six finalists to land the franchise centre the New York Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Stars and Lightning.

Earlier in the process it was reported that Tavares could also take calls from teams not on the above list, but, after meeting with the Islanders, Leafs, Sharks and Bruins, it appears he is no longer interested in hearing from another suitor.

Tavares has had open dialogue with the Islanders throughout the off-season and began meeting the final five teams on Monday, at the start of the interview stage leading up to July 1 when the free agency market opens up.

So far, Tavares has hosted four meetings at CAA Sports in Los Angeles. The Leafs and Islanders had their shot on Monday followed by the Sharks and Bruins on Tuesday. The meetings conclude with the Stars and Lightning on Wednesday.

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