NHL Rumors: John Tavares in Contract Extension Talks; Press Conference Tomorrow

Newsday has reported that the New York Islanders and John Tavares are in deep talks right now on a long term contract extension. The rumors are saying that the deal could get done by the beginning of the season (which starts on October 1st.) It is reportedly for five or six years. The Islanders are also saying that a press conference is scheduled for tomorrow with Tavares, per the teams Twitter account.

Tavares, who was drafted first overall in the 2009 draft, is the main piece the Isles are trying to build around. He has expressed interest in staying on Long Island since he came here. As his entry-level contract comes up at the end of the upcoming season, he will look for a new deal, and apparently, he wants one with the Isles.

"It's not something I want hanging over the season and affecting the team," Tavares said in an interview with Newsday. "I know I'm going to be here for a long time and I'd like it to get done." It certainly seems like Tavares wants to stay. He went on to say "Once this [contract] is done, it'll finally show people that this is where I want to be. At the end of the day, until it's signed, some people will think there's a possibility I don't want to be here. I don't quite understand it; I never have."

Tavares is sounding like a leader right now. A few days ago, he expressed interest in being the team's new captain. Islanders fans sure hope this deal gets done. Keeping their young star is the most important thing for this teams success going into the future. We should see something official very soon, maybe even tomorrow with the press conference.