Either he resigns on next Monday or Tuesday or he is walking. What Habs did today give the me feelings that they are going to offer a huge contract to JT, pitching that they have a very gritty team just dying for that one elite skill player to lead them to the SC. If they fails to land JT, they will go for rebuild.
The habs cap space is what kinds of worry me more than JT may go to the his home town team TML or any other potential contenders for the cup. Money is a very enticing tool and as a player in his prime who has not yet won anything and likely believe that he can turn any average team into a contender, money may really be the button that he will push for. Given that his agent has a close relationship with the Habs GM who has shown so much interest in JT since last summer, I am a bit worry that the rumor that he may go there all year may turn out true.
If I am Lou, I will try to sign him next week and not let him go to the interview window, especially with the Habs. He may pick TML if not staying with Isles but I think the money Habs will offer will be the deciding factor. No other teams in the NHL has as much financing backing, passionate fans, and at the same time needs a true #1 center as much the Habs. He also already has some friends on that team so it would not be surprising that he goes there.
However I really hope JT will come back to Isles but I think it will cost the team (max to what NHL allows).