Isn't the reported reason for Tavares not re-signing the Arena deal? The Canes have one of the most stable arena deals in the league.
I thought it was that, and the direction of the franchise in general. I mean when I look at that roster, I see a lot of big money spent on 2nd tier players, and a roster with a lot of holes in it. I like a bunch of their prospects, but every team has prospects, and I do not see NYI with enough of them to overcome their roster issues.
Then look around the league. Columbus or Carolina. Both with very complete teams, that are young and deep - just missing a true #1C. Or go sign in Nashville and play on a stacked team, while still getting a top 6 scoring role. If he wanted to come back to Canada, I'm sure Montreal would jump all over him... however I see their roster issues as being fairly similar to those of the Islanders. If he wanted to go to the West coast, San Jose could always be an option. OR he could piss off everyone on the island and sign with the Rangers.
There will be a solid market for JT if he hits FA. The question is what exactly does he want? And while I typically think any individual team is a longshot for any elite FA... I think in this case, Carolina has just as good a chance as anyone to sign him based on where their roster would be with him on it.