"Flashback to July 1, 2018. A day that will live in infamy in the hearts of NY Islanders' fans everywhere. The day John Tavares packed his bags, left Long Island for good, and signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Most fans can tell you where they were and what they were doing at the exact moment they heard the news that Tavares would not be re-signing with the Islanders."
"Tavares, the Captain and best player for the Islanders in what felt like forever, was a symbol of hope for the organization that had suffered nothing but heartache for the better part of 30+ years. Despite having more success in the years post-Tavares, the Islanders' faithful still aren't over it, and make sure he knows it each time he returns to Long Island."
John Tavares departed the New York Islanders for the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1, 2018, marking a painful turning point for fans. Islanders supporters vividly remember the moment and continue to react strongly when Tavares returns to Long Island. Tavares served as team captain and embodied hope for a franchise that endured decades of setbacks. The Islanders experienced improved results after his departure, but fan resentment persisted. On May 5, 2025, the Islanders defied a 3.5% probability to win the NHL Draft Lottery and used the first overall pick to select Matthew Schaefer as a new franchise prospect.
Read at Eyes On Isles
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