Isles close to a long term deal with JT?? Botta leaving pointblank??

Update: Bob Mckenzie of TSN estimated on twitter earlier this morning that the deal will be around 6 years 5.5 million per year, give it take a few hundred thousand. So that would work out to around 33 million overall should it be 5.5 per. I think that is more then fair for Tavares & will be ecstatic when this is finally announced!!

According to newsday, in recent weeks the Isles have had discussions with Pat Brisson the agent for John Tavares on a long term deal. New newsday beat writer Arthur Staple said that the deal could be signed before camp because Tavares doesn't want, "it hanging over his head all season." Staples newsday report says the deal could be in the range of 5-6 years.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/hockey/islanders/tavares-isles-working-on-long-term-deal-1.3168776

I for one am ecstatic at this news, I don't think it can be done soon enough!! Getting Tavares locked up long term would be a big moral boost for the fan base & quell some fears, also may shut up the Tavares lovers in Canada who never would believe he'd sign a long term deal here.

NOTE: If you didn't know, Chris Botta announced today that SNY was taking over his pointblank site & that he would no longer be writing for it. Wanted to take this spot to thank Chris for his coverage of the team for the last 3 years, his sites been a go to stop & his coverage has been a god send!! Best wishes Chris!!