John Tavares talks NHLPA involvement

Want to know why 19-year-old Islanders forward John Tavares is often labeled precocious and mature?

Hours before news broke that the former head of MLBPA Donald Fehr was set to take over as the Executive Director of the floundering NHLPA, Tavares talked about why he chose to get involved with the Players' Association this summer.

"I think for the young guys it's really important, especially with the way the union is right now, to re-build ourselves and become strong. It's good to learn about it at this age rather than 5-10 years down the road."

Tavares, who just finished his rookie season after being selected first overall in the 2009 draft, has attended several functions this off-season to familiarize himself with the inner-workings of the organization.

"I've been going in a couple of times this summer just to gain knowledge, whether it's looking at my future and my career a few years down the road or after I'm done playing. For us young guys, we're going to be impacted most, so we should be the ones getting informed and involved because this will be up to us 10-15 years down the road."

Refreshing to hear that attitude from such a young player. More on Tavares later, including an update on his foot and a peek into his off-season training regimen...