Report: Tavares to meet with 5 teams during NHL interview period

Faizal Khamisa and Chris Johnston break down the first round of the 2018 NHL draft, explaining why there were no trades involving players as teams wait out the John Tavares and Ilya Kovalchuk situation.

Impending free agent John Tavares will reportedly meet with five teams during the NHL’s interview period, which opens Sunday and runs through the week leading up to the start of free agency on July 1.

It is currently unknown as to which teams will receive the opportunity to interview the franchise centre, but Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars are likely on the list while the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights may have a shot too.

Reports also indicate that the New York Rangers and Columbus Blue Jackets are not among the five teams.

It’s important to note that by meeting with other teams during the interview period, it’s still entirely possible Tavares re-signs with the New York Islanders. Steven Stamkos followed a similar trajectory in the lead up to his own UFA period, talking with a few potential suitors in the last week of June before signing back with Tampa Bay on June 29.

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