NHL
As a lifelong member of the Islanders Faithful, I can only imagine how difficult it is to play for the Islanders.
Since the golden years of the 80’s that included 4 straight Stanley Cups, this team has had a total of 5 playoff series wins. If you’re doing the math in your head, that’s 16 straight playoff series wins in 4 years followed by 5 series wins in 35 years. I could go into all of the problems that are wrong with this organization, but I’m going to try not to. My main point is that if getting away from the shipwreck that is the Islanders organization is an option, can you really fault someone for doing it?
That’s just what John Tavares did 10 days ago.
A Long Road to Leave Home
It was a very long process. Dating back to last year, there was talk about his upcoming free agency, but I don’t think Islanders fans were really worried. Every time he was questioned about his desire to return to Long Island, he all but confirmed his love to return. This didn’t stop the chattering from the media. Just about every news outlet from each city put out scenarios of how Tavares could come to their city. Still, no words were said.
This just dragged on all year, with radio silence most of the year. The hope on Long Island slowly started to drop as time went on. Even when they re-signed Josh Bailey, fired their inept GM and coach and replaced them with experience, it still didn’t seem like anything was happening.
Finally, June 24th came and he decided to listen to what other teams had to say. The Sharks, Bruins, Lightning, Leafs, and Stars all taking their shot at the star player. This was the first glimpse of Tavares leaving. Most still believed he would stay, but many lost all hope. The worst part of it all? Nothing was said. From June 24th until the morning of July 1st, the Tavares camp let no words out. I think this was the most difficult thing for Isles Country.
Frozen with Fear
Now, 10 days later, with the Islanders Faithful trying to put the Tavares decision in the rearview mirror, he posted a Players Tribune article. As painful as it for Islanders fans, it is important to read.
My first thought in reading it is honestly feeling for the guy. To have to decide between the team that molded you into the player/person that you are and the team you grew up infatuated with is painful. So much so, he talks about a mental breakdown he had after coming to the realization of what was happening.
“And then suddenly I lost it.
I’m not trying to sound dramatic — that’s just actually what happened. I just sort of …. lost it, you know? I collapsed onto the couch that we have out near the pool. And I just started lying there, becoming more and more overwhelmed. Not even thinking, really, but more like … whatever comes after thinking. I was panicked. I felt frozen.”
If that right there doesn’t get to you, I don’t know what does. Maybe I’m just a sentimental person and want him to believe what he is saying, but I believe it. I find it hard to believe someone spends nine years of their lives somewhere without it feeling like home.
“But when they ask where I grew up?
To me, that’s a little more complicated.”
This is one quote that stuck with me. It made me think about myself. Over my life, I’ve lived in four separate states for at least 4+ years each. When someone asks me where I grew up, I honestly say a different thing each time. I think most of us can relate to this. We have the city we were born and raised in, the city that molded us into who we are, and other cities that helped along the way. Being faced with a long-term decision between two of these places, especially when one encompasses your childhood dream, carries an insane amount of weight on one person. You can’t expect to make that decision quickly.
Farewell, Tavares
As much pain “The Decision (NHL Version)” has hurt you, it’s time to move on. Tavares was our Captain and the best player the Islanders have seen in the past 20 or so years. He still scored that goal against the Panthers in the first round of the playoffs back in 2016 to give them the first playoff series win in 23 years. He still stuck it out for the last decade and gave the Islanders faithful all they could ask for.
You were a great captain and a great leader, Tavares. The Islanders Faithful wish you all the best. Good luck in Toronto.
