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Is Tampa Gambling on Offer Sheet? Bryzgalov, Souray, Pick Swap, LEAFS |
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On Stamkos...
The Lightning and Stamkos aren't getting much closer I am told. And all I am hearing. Almost every team person, every agent, almost every player is saying the same thing:
"I keep hearing about a Stamkos offer sheet, do you?"
I have actually started a tally board on my desk...over the last three days 43 people have brought it up to me...I purposely haven't brought it up to anyone just to see. But for 43 people, many of whom have no direct connection to either Stamkos or the Lightning ( a few very connected), to be bringing that up....well 1 of 2 possibilities:
1. It's a fun, meaningless rumor that just has taken on a life of its own...or
2. There is a hell of a lot of smoke for there to be no fire...
It could very well be #1, but if it is #1 the Lightning themselves aren't doing much to disprove it. There were rumors the sides were close early during the Stanley Cup Final, but teams and players who are "close" for more than a week aren't close.
I also can't find a single person out there who believes if Stamkos makes it to July 1 without a contract that there won't be an offer sheet.
I have talked to a few sources who believe the Lightning are about to begin talking trade possibilities if Steven isn't inked in the next 24-72 hours. It might be more appealing to trade him than accept the compensation from an offer sheet. The Lightning are a solid team and the return for Stamkos could very well round them out for quite a few Cup runs...
Of course, the Maple Leafs are the main team people are speculating about, but I have also heard strong indications the Islanders are possibilities. Also hearing the Stars and Wings mentioned. Even the Rangers came up today...
Souray back to NJ? Anaheim?
Strong rumors today that a deal may be getting close that would move Sheldon Souray out of Edmonton. Some more interesting news about this later today.
On Bryzgalov...
Details are still being worked out, but I am hearing nothing but positives regarding getting a contract signed in Philadelphia. The Flyers could spend the draft making some key moves to clear up the space. I have even heard a rumor, and only a rumor, that the Flyers and Bryzgalov have agreed to two separate deals and are allowing Ilya to essentially decide which would work best for him.
Edmonton and Florida likely to first rounders (e4)
The Oilers want Larsson...so not surprising.
Finally...in the "most ridiculous list ever department..."
ESPN "The Magazine" has listed its best sports franchises based on the following formula...
24.3% Bang for the Buck
16.6 Players
16.5 Fan Relations
14.1 Affordability
9.1 Stadium Experience
9.0 Ownership
6.7 Title Track
3.9 Coaching
They ranked all 122 Major Sports Franchises in their ULTIMATE Standings.
The top team?
The Green Bay Packers.
The top NHL team?
at #2 Overall......The Tampa Bay Lightning... a franchise sold a year ago for a very reasonable price.
The worst franchise in hockey and number 120 out of 122 teams?
The Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Atlanta Thrashers....who would have folded had they not moved...115.
Well ESPN "The Magazine"...Hockeybuzz "The Website" thinks your formula must be insane.
How can a franchise valued the highest monetarily be the worst franchise?
How can a team with fans all over North America, its own Cable TV Network, two local sports talk radio stations, and a waiting list of 10,000 to get season tickets be ranked so low?
INSANE
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