Lightning GM: We'd have to clear space for Tavares, but it'd be worth it

The Tampa Bay Lightning remain hopeful that John Tavares will elect to sign with them on July 1, but general manager Steve Yzerman is aware that the team would have to do some serious juggling to make things work.

With roughly $5.3 million in cap space and Tavares likely to command at least $10 million per season, Yzerman said the team would have to clear cap room, but it would be worth it, according to Joe Smith of The Athletic.

"We think he's one of the best players in the league," Yzerman said.

On the free-agent front, the Lightning have restricted free agents Adam Erne, Cedric Paquette, and Slater Koekkoek to contend with, while Andrej Sustr is also a pending UFA after five seasons with Tampa Bay.

#TBLightning Yzerman said the Tavares situation hasn't put rest of his offseason work on hold, said he's been busy with talks. Time will tell if there would be a fit on July 1.

- Joe Smith (@JoeSmithTB) June 28, 2018

In the meantime, Yzerman is unsure when his camp will hear back from Tavares. The Lightning and Dallas Stars were the final two of six reported teams that met with Tavares and his representatives Wednesday.

Tavares left Los Angeles for his home in Toronto on Thursday, according to The Athletic's Arthur Staple, where he must now make the biggest decision of his career.

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