Lou Lamoriello didn\u2019t hesitate when reflecting on the emotional fallout from John Tavares\u2019 departure and his return to Long Island. Speaking on the Cam & Strick podcast, the former New York Islanders GM acknowledged what everyone in the hockey world witnessed \u2014 a fanbase that felt betrayed and responded accordingly.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn’t hard to watch for me because, you know, I wasn’t there when John was there,\u201d Lamoriello said. \u201cIn fact, you know, when he made a decision to go and, you know, everybody was upset at him, listen, that’s the right he had. That was part of the collective bargaining agreement.\u201d<\/p>\n
Lamoriello struck a balanced tone, making clear that Tavares exercised his contractual right to leave in free agency. But that didn\u2019t mean there wouldn\u2019t be consequences \u2014 at least from a fan perspective. Islanders fans, long starved for stability and success, had invested years into Tavares as the face of the franchise. When he chose to leave, the reaction was inevitable.<\/p>\n
Lou Lamiorello says the reception John Tavares received in his first game back to Long Island was a positive thing! #Isles<\/a> \u2066@CamandStrick<\/a>\u2069 pic.twitter.com\/E3RExBvou8<\/a><\/p>\n