Outside of the maybe 15,000 people that go to lightning games would anyone really notice in Florida?
- MLeafs81

Yeah, they sell out almost every game.

Nice try though.

On a side note...

The introduction of the salary cap was an effort to control salaries, level the playing field for smaller markets and create parity, thus competition around the league etc. If the league was TRULY interested in the above, there should be a tax formula that should be implemented to level the playing field for all teams, large or small market, Canadian or American based teams. Is it really "fair" that some teams can use taxes rates as a selling point entice players? Absolutely not. This is the reason why so many more super stars play for US based teams.

At the end of the day, the cap limits should be adjusted according to tax rates i.e. teams with a 30% higher tax rate should in theory have a 30% higher salary cap. This would be a tough sell to the owners, but would be an easy sell to the NHLPA because at the end of the day, all they're concerned about is what they are taking home.

With Tampa in mind. It's obvious that Stevie Y is doing an incredible job for the Lightening, but it's also obvious that Florida's tax rate has certainly made his job a hell of a lot easier as well.
- As_I_See_It

well said

Thing is, whatever team he goes to is automatically much closer to the cup..

Plus, it would be hard for a team like Chicago or LA to take on a max contract..
- systemtool

personally, i think it's between the leafs and the bolts

personally, i think it's between the leafs and the bolts
- Flyfreaky

Could be. Won't know for 2 years..

Legendary god-like status await him here. Plus family and a potential childhood dream...does he take it?

Could be. Won't know for 2 years..
- systemtool

i think the tax issue is a killer one for the leafs to match, it really isn't a level playing field

personally, i think it's between the leafs and the bolts
- Flyfreaky

and he'll stay a bolts

i think the tax issue is a killer one for the leafs to match, it really isn't a level playing field
- Flyfreaky

Major stumbling block no doubt. A can see him making it back though in endorsement deals..that's just my opinion though.

STAMKOS TO JVR, KESSEELLLLL SCORES LEAFS WIN THE CUP

Major stumbling block no doubt. A can see him making it back though in endorsement deals..that's just my opinion though.
- systemtool

can you imagine working the same job and being able to make double in one place due to tax issues, who wouldn't work where you can make max income?

If Stamkos even wins a few playoff rounds with the Leafs he can open a restaurant chain. If he wins a Cup he'll have tens of millions of dollars of endorsement deals from every company you can think of.

and he'll stay a bolts
- dmnted

unfortunately it will come down to the tax issue

have you seen the way the leafs draft?

sounds easy

maybe that kadri kid can become something eh.
- dmnted

Leafs don't actually draft that bad.

STAMKOS TO JVR, KESSEELLLLL SCORES LEAFS WIN THE CUP
- Zezel

just as long as it's not bob cole or Jim Hughson calling the game

unfortunately it will come down to the tax issue
- Flyfreaky

Endorsement deals...

Leafs don't actually draft that bad.
- ClarksonDavid

The last 3-4 years they have actually drafted good.

The last 3-4 years they have actually drafted good.
- JVR_42_PK81

Drafting good since 06.

The last 3-4 years they have actually drafted good.
- JVR_42_PK81

I don't mind the prospect system either, some late round picks look like they could turn out good actually.

Endorsement deals...
- JVR_42_PK81

he still has to do more work to fulfill those commitments, it's not right that all teams aren't on a level playing field when trying to sign free agents

Leafs don't actually draft that bad.
- ClarksonDavid

ya but when the last time they draft someone of stamkos ilk?

1986 ish i would guess.

just as long as it's not bob cole or Jim Hughson calling the game
- dmnted

It better (frank)ing be Bob Cole!!

This guy you speak of sounds decent. Kadri's only 20 points behind him.
- JohnFergusonJr

I think that is the point everyone seems to overlook. Teams evolve around a core group. You need 5 or 6 very good players in key positions. The entire discussion is incredibly false. LeBron played for Cleveland, he left them, they are a part of the rust belt and the economy is painfully depressed. This is a story of a prodigal son returning to the roots, the team and the city he abandoned. All sports fans are excited by the story.

But it is purely fanciful to think that there is any kind of equivalence to the vague notion that one day, possibly, maybe Stamkos might come to Toronto when he becomes a UFA. Why do Leaf fans pimp themselves into becoming the easiest mark in the game.

unfortunately it will come down to the tax issue
- Flyfreaky

I think this tax perception you have is way off.. It's probably a non-issue. There's ways around it, and if it was true Kessel and JVR would go somewhere else.

Drafting good since 06.
- ClarksonDavid

Connor brown was a good pick. Hopefully his skill translates to the NHL.

I think this tax perception you have is way off.. It's probably a non-issue. There's ways around it, and if it was true Kessel and JVR would go somewhere else.
- Arctic_AARDVARK

i don't know all of the issues, but isn't the main piece that the players don't have to pay income tax in florida, if that is true then they are saving millions of dollars on those lucrative contracts

As if Stamkos would want to come to Toronto

1. fan pressure is unbearable for most
2. not even close to winning a cup / not even close to making the playoffs
3. Leafs suck
4. Leafs suck
5. Leafs suck