John Tavares Committed to Islanders, Agent Says

Filed under: Islanders

PITTSBURGH -- Pat Brisson, the agent for 2009 first overall draft pick John Tavares, has heard the unfounded rumors, has seen the un-sourced speculation about his client. With each loss in the New York Islanders' recent losing skid of 21 of 23 games, whispers started to become louder that Tavares was disenchanted with the franchise. One report out of Toronto went so far as to say Tavares would look to leave the Islanders the first chance he could -- when he became a restricted free agent after the 2011-12 season.

On Friday, Brisson shot down all speculation.

"Nothing could be further from the truth," Brisson told FanHouse at Heinz Field on the eve of the NHL Winter Classic. "All of that discussion has no merit. John's focus is on staying an Islander for a long time and helping them win. John believes in what the Islanders are doing."

As a result of the team's long losing streak, the Islanders fell 21 points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference by mid-December. However, the Islanders' current 6-1-1 streak -- including a 4-3 overtime win in Detroit on Friday night -- has the club regaining some respectability and players regaining confidence. According to Brisson, even before the turnaround, the 20-year-old Tavares never lost faith in the team's long rebuilding program, never hinted about not wanting to be part of the solution.

 

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Source: http://nhl.fanhouse.com/2010/12/31/john-tavares-committed-to-islanders-agent-says/

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