Why would he not sign in NJ? So the Islanders. Detroit, Edmonton make zero sense.
Islanders if they sign JT wont have the space, if they dont sign JT will not be desireable - esp if NJ is same thing geographically with much better trajectory.
Edmonton - No reason to to go western canada for that.
Detroit. Just dont see anything compelling about that situation when others will offer same $.
Toronto may have a hard time matching $ - but players always seem to be attracted there so can't discount it.
Vegas it seems is developing into a unique place so can't discount that either but its a western city for a guy from NJ who has played East, his family and wife family all from east. Why?
NJ - He's from NJ, grew up going to Devils games, when the Caps play in Newark he has a group of 100+ in stands. The Devils are in desperate need of a 1D. They are a playoff team with YOUTH and on the rise. Have a MVP or near MVP in his prime returning, Hischier at 19 (next year) a very good core rising. A great arena situation (one of only 2 in NHL with practice rink attached to game rink - go to same office everyday - Hall has spoken glowingly about this)... Great suburbs for family life. PLUS - they have all the cap in the world...
Again - why not?