Newest Islander Eberle excited to play with Tavares

Jordan Eberle and John Tavares will have the opportunity to create magic together once again.

Eberle was dealt to the New York Islanders in a one-for-one deal that sent Ryan Strome back to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. For Eberle, he leaves the only team he's ever played for. Though, getting the chance to play alongside the Islanders captain is something the 27-year-old is already thrilled about.

"John Tavares is a generational player," Eberle said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to play with him and hopefully bring success to the Islanders."

Back in 2009, Eberle and Tavares suited up as linemates for Team Canada at the world juniors and connected for Eberle's iconic goal against Russia in the dying seconds of the semifinals to send the game to overtime. The two would later score the lone shootout goals to send Canada to the gold-medal game.

Years later the two remain in contact and, as Eberle notes, even train together with other members of the Islanders in the offseason.

"The Islanders are a team where I know a lot of the guys," Eberle said. "I've trained with Thomas Hickey, John Tavares, Andrew Ladd, and (Travis) Hamonic."

After tallying his lowest goal total in a full 82-game season since his rookie campaign, maybe playing alongside Tavares is just what Eberle needs to get his numbers back up to the 30-goal range.