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FILE - In this Saturday, March 31, 2018 file photo, New York Islanders center John Tavares skates against the New Jersey Devils during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Newark, N.J. The NHLโ€™s best rarely make it to free agency. Teams tend to re-sign their top players, keeping them off the market and on their rosters. That leaves a slew of solid veterans and journeymen available to the highest bidders trying to find a forward to play on a second or third line, a defenseman to be in a second pairing or perhaps a backup goaltender.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
FILE - In this Saturday, March 31, 2018 file photo, New York Islanders center John Tavares skates against the New Jersey Devils during the first period of an NHL hockey game, in Newark, N.J. The NHLโ€™s best rarely make it to free agency. Teams tend to re-sign their top players, keeping them off the market and on their rosters. That leaves a slew of solid veterans and journeymen available to the highest bidders trying to find a forward to play on a second or third line, a defenseman to be in a second pairing or perhaps a backup goaltender.(AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)Julio Cortez/Associated Press

John Tavares Odds: Lines for Maple Leafs, Bruins, Rangers, More Amid Rumors

Mike Chiari
Jun 30, 2018

Despite superstar center John Tavares testing the free-agent market, the New York Islanders are favored to re-sign him.

According to OddsShark, the Isles have 5-4 (+125) odds to retain Tavares. They are followed by the San Jose Sharks at 11-4 (+275), the Toronto Maple Leafs at 5-1 (+500) and the Boston Bruins at 7-1 (+700).

Among the longer shots are the New York Rangers, who have been given a 25-1 (+2500) chance at landing Tavares.

Other notable teams with listed odds are the Dallas Stars (8-1), Tampa Bay Lightning (17-2), Vegas Golden Knights (10-1), Vancouver Canucks (33-1), St. Louis Blues (40-1) and Montreal Canadiens (40-1).

Perย Chris Johnstonย ofย Sportsnet,ย Tavaresย has held meetings with the Islanders, Maple Leafs, Bruins, Sharks, Lightning and Stars.

The 27-year-oldย Tavaresย is among the top offensive players in the NHL with 272 goals and 621 points in 669 career games.

Although the Isles struggled as a team last season,ย Tavaresย had one of his most productive campaigns with 37 goals and 47 assists for 84 points.

The one-time Hart Memorial Trophy finalist is among the top players to ever hit free agency, and the biggest name to do so since Stevenย Stamkosย decided to re-sign with the Lightning in 2016.

Re-signing with the Islanders would allowย Tavaresย to continue playing with a strong group of forwards that includes Josh Bailey, Anders Lee, Jordanย Eberle, Anthonyย Beauvillier, Brock Nelson and reigning Calder Trophy winner Mathewย Barzal.

New York has also made some improvements in the front office and behind the bench, as it hired Louย Lamorielloย to be the new general manager and reigning Stanley Cup champion Barry Trotz as the new head coach.

Among the other teamsย Tavaresย met with, the Leafs, Bruins, Sharks and Lightning were all playoff teams last season, while the Stars missed by three points.

Players can officially sign contracts when free agency opens Sunday.

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