I wouldn't say I want to make things black or white, but rather I want to arrive at the bottom line as soon as possible. I see all the dynamics of this situation (Barclays, Belmont, new ownership, coaching, snow, the yet-to-be-established 2018-2019 cap number, etc), and the bottom line for me is letting Tavares go for nothing is unacceptable.
And I don't care about "being right" here. You're just so off-base on this angle. I want Tavares signed yesterday. I will literally sleep better. This, to me, is simply about what I believe is best for the Islanders franchise. I totally respect your right to think it's better for the Isles to risk JT walking for nothing is better for the Islanders, but I don't agree.
Look Tavares owes the Islanders nothing, but it really would be something if he's planning on testing the market and either strongly considering leaving (or completely planning to), and not giving the Isles front office any indication of that so they can act accordingly.