John Tavares ‘expected’ the harsh reception from Islanders fans

John Tavares says that he expected to receive a harsh reception from New York Islanders fans.

Tavares made his return to Nassau Coliseum on Thursday for the first time since leaving for the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency. He received a negative reception which included boos, fake snakes, items tossed at him, and burned jerseys.

After the game, he said he expected it was coming and that the fans don’t have to like his decision.

John Tavares on … everything he dealt with from Islanders fans: “I expected it was coming. No one’s walked in my shoes. I know that. I was always trying to be open and honest. No one has to like my decision."

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) March 1, 2019

Leaving for the Leafs, his hometown team, is one thing. But Tavares left after telling the Isles not to trade him prior to the deadline last year and making it seem like he might re-sign with the team. That left the fans rightfully feeling jilted.

The Isles won 6-1 and at least gave the fans some measure of revenge.