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There are reports of Stamkos and the Lightning getting close on a deal...But what's most interesting is what is hidden in the subtext of this deal. The Bolts are trying to get Stamkos for under 8 per and the only way they could make such a deal possible is by making the deal 6 years or less. I have heard 45M for 6 years, or 39 for 5.
But think about what such a deal would mean for Tampa:
Stamkos would likely take this deal (if he wants out of Tampa eventually) because at 26 or 27 he would become a total UFA...and perhaps the most sought after UFA ever...
Of course there is no way Tampa could allow Stamkos to go into even his final year of a contract like that. Risking losing Stamkos for nothing can never be an option, and I believe what this deal would do would be to simply delay the inevitable of a Stamkos trade and potentially hurt the return should he fall to an injury.
However, I have also talked to those who believe the immediate trade value of Stamkos goes up considerably with a short term deal for less money, because the smaller cap hit opens up the options for teams interested.
This could be a brilliant move here by Yzerman. If Stamkos is going to be moved, this sort of contract could bring the best return if something were to happen soon. Risky if not.
Rangers Callahan going to Arbitration...
Hearing Callahan is heading to arbitration and Rangers fans should be relieved. I was talking to many this weekend who were confident Callahan would be the first to be offer-sheeted.
Isles and Phoenix...BIG DEAL?
You would be hard pressed to find a team with more abundance in the defensemen prospect category than Phoenix. Even beyond Keith Yandle they are stacked. It is equally impossible to name many teams (save the Oilers) who have better offensive prospects than the Islanders....So today when I heard a rumor about a possible Keith Yandle to NYI trade it was one of those "Well there ya have it" type of moments.
Kings looking at Hemsky.
There is little question the Kings are getting a but tired of being runner-up for the summer's top UFAs...Today I am hearing a deal that would send Ales Hemsky to LA for a "serious D-prospect who should be ready this season." Searching for more info of course..
I will have more to come shortly on the Flyers, Flames, Leafs, and Canucks (who along with Chicago really like Dubinsky)
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