Tavares committed to winning Cup with Islanders

Although he's still two years removed from free agency, John Tavares has no intent to leave Long Island.

Speaking with Newsday.com, the New York Islanders captain expressed his desire to stay with the franchise long term, and his commitment to leading the team to its fifth Stanley Cup.

"I don't really have any reason to leave and I think we have a great makeup and a team that can do something special this year," Tavares said. "I've always expressed my love for playing for Long Island. It's where I started, it's all I know in the NHL."

The Islanders can sign Tavares to a long-term extension July 1, one year before he can become an unrestricted free agent.

"There's obviously still a lot of time, but Long Island is where I enjoy playing. I love being the captain there and they've treated me so well. The people, the fans have always been so good to me."

The Islanders have seen renewed success under Tavares. New York eliminated the Florida Panthers in the opening round of the 2016 playoffs, marking the Islanders' first playoff series victory since 1993.

"Winning that tough series against a good team gave us the belief that we've got what it takes to go right to the end."

GM Garth Snow looked to build upon that success this offseason, signing a trio of free-agent wingers in Jason Chimera, Andrew Ladd, and P.A. Parenteau.