Try to imagine if say Brian Leetch requested a trade and see if you would feel the same about him...
- Feds91Stammer

Bingo we have a winner

He wanted away from Yzerman more than he wanted out of Tampa. Personal issues with team executives simply can't erase all of the great he did for that organization.

Before Stamkos and his greatness there was St. Louis carrying the flag for a more often than not also hockey club. And he flourished more than not and even during last season's drama he was still managing to lead the way, significantly helping Tampa maintain a playoff spot, while Stamkos was out with his leg injury.
- MidnightMarauder

If this is the way he feels and why he left, then he should have the fricking balls to stand up and say as much.

Again these feeling are not based on what he contributed to this club or this community during his time here. He was nothing short of a consummate professional. However, how and when he left the club quite frankly left ALOT to be desired

I just dont think the Olympics thing was the sole reason. He reportedly requested a trade a few years ago...I think 2011-12...too.

Anyway marty didnt go whine to the media. It somehow got leaked and regardless he showed up every day to practice and play and if no deal was reached he would've continued to produce and represent the sweater proudly.

I completely understand why fans would hate him but the venom seems over the top. Some peopleare being way too spiteful. They complain he's selfish but after sacrificing so much for the organization he has a right to privately request a trade. Its the bitter fans that are selfish for not wanting the guy to be in a situation where he's happy just so they can see him play for them. Its more the fans with crushed egos...no tampa fan could believe a player let alone MSL owould want out of their team and it hurts.
- rangerdanger94

The first demand was due to ownership issues, which at the time under the hillbillies noone would have questioned that. But then Vinik and Yzerman came in, met with him and eased his concerns and he re-signed.

Thank you for winning with grace and keeping the pooptalk to your thread and not trolling our thread as we contemplate suicide.
- rangerdanger94

There are a couple of Lightning guys that are getting a little out of hand, but I am tryng NOT to be one anymore. I actually enjoyed my chats on Jan's thread last night (aside from one or two people). There is one today that's kinda skewering Bolt fans a bit.

If this is the way he feels and why he left, then he should have the fricking balls to stand up and say as much.

Again these feeling are not based on what he contributed to this club or this community during his time here. He was nothing short of a consummate professional. However, how and when he left the club quite frankly left ALOT to be desired
- uf1910

I can't disagree with how Tampa fans feel about the way Marty left town, because to be honest, he didn't handle it well. He was the Captain of a team that was playing really well and managed to survive and flourish with a Superstar player out for a good portion of the season. His departure probably realistically prevented the Lightning from the chance of making a significant run during the playoffs.

The only thing I will say is this. People make mistakes. People get emotional when they somehow feel snubbed, and they don't react in the way that they probably should. Compound that with the fact that he had attachments in the New York area, and you have a recipe for a pretty ugly divorce. He should have waited until the off-season. He shouldn't have created a situation where the fans of the team, whose franchise he was the face of, felt snubbed and bitter. But, he did, what can you do. The Lightning, at least, god a real good deal out of the trade, so even in departure, he helped the team long term.

I would only suggest that realizing people make mistakes, you guys come to terms with it, forgive the guy, and appreciate all of the good things he did for the franchise. It's just sad to see that many years of good will go up in smoke, because of how he departed.

I can't disagree with how Tampa fans feel about the way Marty left town, because to be honest, he didn't handle it well. He was the Captain of a team that was playing really well and managed to survive and flourish with a Superstar player out for a good portion of the season. His departure probably realistically prevented the Lightning from the chance of making a significant run during the playoffs.

The only thing I will say is this. People make mistakes. People get emotional when they somehow feel snubbed, and they don't react in the way that they probably should. Compound that with the fact that he had attachments in the New York area, and you have a recipe for a pretty ugly divorce. He should have waited until the off-season. He shouldn't have created a situation where the fans of the team, whose franchise he was the face of, felt snubbed and bitter. But, he did, what can you do. The Lightning, at least, god a real good deal out of the trade, so even in departure, he helped the team long term.

I would only suggest that realizing people make mistakes, you guys come to terms with it, forgive the guy, and appreciate all of the good things he did for the franchise. It's just sad to see that many years of good will go up in smoke, because of how he departed.
- Pete V

For most fans, it's gonna take time to get over how this whole thing went down, but we do remember what he did do for us.

All I'm saying is if I have a baby and Kate Upton calls me last minute and invites me over for casualsex and my only 2 babysitting options are MSL or a convicted pedophile I'm choosing the pedophile.
- rangerdanger94

Thank you for winning with grace and keeping the pooptalk to your thread and not trolling our thread as we contemplate suicide.
- rangerdanger94

you don't see tampa fans stray too far from here

now (frank) off

I can't disagree with how Tampa fans feel about the way Marty left town, because to be honest, he didn't handle it well. He was the Captain of a team that was playing really well and managed to survive and flourish with a Superstar player out for a good portion of the season. His departure probably realistically prevented the Lightning from the chance of making a significant run during the playoffs.

The only thing I will say is this. People make mistakes. People get emotional when they somehow feel snubbed, and they don't react in the way that they probably should. Compound that with the fact that he had attachments in the New York area, and you have a recipe for a pretty ugly divorce. He should have waited until the off-season. He shouldn't have created a situation where the fans of the team, whose franchise he was the face of, felt snubbed and bitter. But, he did, what can you do. The Lightning, at least, god a real good deal out of the trade, so even in departure, he helped the team long term.

I would only suggest that realizing people make mistakes, you guys come to terms with it, forgive the guy, and appreciate all of the good things he did for the franchise. It's just sad to see that many years of good will go up in smoke, because of how he departed.
- Pete V

The same reasons he was so beloved and idolized within this community are now the same reasons for the "hatred". The farther up the pedestal you are, the longer the fall. Yes the trade from a Lightning perspective was great, however that is in no part b/c of Marty. That is 100% due to the brilliance of Yzerman along with a little foresight with the ECF/extra 1st round pick clause.

I'm not one for booing personally b/c that does a disservice to his contributions, however I can't in my right mind stand up and give him a standing ovation either. Thus I think the best route is straight up silence. I think this would have the biggest affect on him where we as fans and as a community recognize his past contributions BUT also recognize that he left this franchise, community, etc out to dry at arguably one of the worst times to do such.

In due time I fully expect that his jersey will hang from the rafters, and in all honesty it probably should. However, the fact this is even a question points to the timing and the manner which he left

you don't see tampa fans stray too far from here

now (frank) off
- RileyB77

Did I really talk like this?

Did I really talk like this?
- Artyukhin76

you're (frank)ed

Did I really talk like this?
- Artyukhin76

you're (frank)ed
- RileyB77

- Artyukhin76

its a joke man. its a joke . back in the day you knew what those were, you know, yesterday

its a joke man. its a joke . back in the day you knew what those were, you know, yesterday
- RileyB77

I know, I'm not braindead.

MSL got the Lightning a great return and 5 years from now let alone right now tampa fans will be thanking Yzerman for dealing him.
- rangerdanger94

I think we already are. The return was fantastic, seeing as he was only willing to go to one place.

Did I really talk like this?
- Artyukhin76

No way. You were far worse

I think we already are. The return was fantastic, seeing as he was only willing to go to one place.
- Michael_Stuart

Word was that cally and sather shook hands on a deal 30 minutes before the trade. Had cally actually inked the deal and MSL waited until the offseason, there never would've been a deal. Only reason sather gave up so much was for a run.

I know, I'm not braindead.
- Artyukhin76

so you now shake your head in shame at jokes ? jesus

No way. You were far worse
- Cptmjl

Word was that cally and sather shook hands on a deal 30 minutes before the trade. Had cally actually inked the deal and MSL waited until the offseason, there never would've been a deal. Only reason sather gave up so much was for a run.
- rangerdanger94

Which, in hindsight, was probably a mistake.

I think brewer and morrow are scratches tonight fellas

Which, in hindsight, was probably a mistake.
- Michael_Stuart

In hindsight they went for it, almost won it and St. Louis was a big reason why this happened.

I'd rather take a chance on trying to win it all then hoarding draft picks, that aren't always a sure thing and never making a cup run.

As good as the Lightning look so far they are not assured of any sort of cup run this year or any year. You take the chance when you can. It was a risk and a risk worth taking. Keep in mind, the only reason the Lightning got the extra first round pick was if the Rangers advanced to the finals last season. If Pittsburgh took care of business last year, the deal was Callahan and a 2014 first for St. Louis.

I'll take a finals run for an extra first round pick that potentially can never amount to much in the end.

In hindsight they went for it, almost won it and St. Louis was a big reason why this happened.

I'd rather take a chance on trying to win it all then hoarding draft picks, that aren't always a sure thing and never making a cup run.

As good as the Lightning look so far they are not assured of any sort of cup run this year or any year. You take the chance when you can. It was a risk and a risk worth taking. Keep in mind, the only reason the Lightning got the extra first round pick was if the Rangers advanced to the finals last season. If Pittsburgh took care of business last year, the deal was Callahan and a 2014 first for St. Louis.

I'll take a finals run for an extra first round pick that potentially can never amount to much in the end.
- MidnightMarauder

so, everything you gave up last season for marty st louis was worth every single moment of not winning the cup?

In hindsight they went for it, almost won it and St. Louis was a big reason why this happened.

I'd rather take a chance on trying to win it all then hoarding draft picks, that aren't always a sure thing and never making a cup run.

As good as the Lightning look so far they are not assured of any sort of cup run this year or any year. You take the chance when you can. It was a risk and a risk worth taking. Keep in mind, the only reason the Lightning got the extra first round pick was if the Rangers advanced to the finals last season. If Pittsburgh took care of business last year, the deal was Callahan and a 2014 first for St. Louis.

I'll take a finals run for an extra first round pick that potentially can never amount to much in the end.
- MidnightMarauder

Hard to argue this. I think the deal worked for both teams in different ways. If Tampa's picks wind up turning out great than it'd tilt to them but thats splitting hairs imo.