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Bruins Reportedly In Mix For Free Agent Center John Tavares

BOSTON (CBS) -- When NHL free agency opens on July 1, the Boston Bruins may get a visit from one of the biggest names on the open market.

New York Islanders center John Tavares has narrowed down his list of teams that he will visit this offseason, and the Bruins are in the mix according to Arthur Staple of The Athletic.

Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic reported Monday morning that the Bruins are indeed on the list of teams Tavares will meet with this week.

The 27-year-old Tavares is one of the most prolific scorers in the NHL, potting 37 goals to go with 47 assists in 82 games for the Isles last season. Since the Islanders made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2009, Tavares has averaged 30 goals over his nine NHL seasons. He has only been to the playoffs three times over his career, logging 11 goals and 11 assists in 24 games.

Tavares is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career and won't be a cheap option for any team looking to sign him this offseason. He'll likely command an annual salary over $10 million, so fitting a giant contract like that would require some housekeeping by the Bruins. Boston would likely need to jettison the contracts of veterans David Krejci and David Backes to make room for Tavares this summer.

 

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