I really really like Stamkos as a player he is one of the best pure goal scorers in the NHL, He is really fit and he seems both intelligent and a good team guy. - the Leafs are trying to build a team based on winning every year. That does not mean a cup every year - Detroit made the playoffs 24 years straight and only have a couple of cups to show for it - But they are there every year - did they have any 10 million a year players? Chicago has two and every year because of it - they have to decide who to throw overboard. Max deals rarely work out in sports.
- winsix

When is the last time a player like Stamkos at 26yrs old became a UFA? You know why it doesn't happen, because their teams sign them for max deals and let them walk when they want those max deals at 32yrs old. You are correct when you say they don't work out - but that is for guys in their 30's....not a guy who's max deal will end when he is 33!!!

Guess what else Chicago does, they are always in the Stanley Cup conversation....

When Matthews is ready for a max deal at 25 (and say he meets his potential), will you also be saying Leafs should let him walk?

I really really like Stamkos as a player he is one of the best pure goal scorers in the NHL, He is really fit and he seems both intelligent and a good team guy. - the Leafs are trying to build a team based on winning every year. That does not mean a cup every year - Detroit made the playoffs 24 years straight and only have a couple of cups to show for it - But they are there every year - did they have any 10 million a year players? Chicago has two and every year because of it - they have to decide who to throw overboard. Max deals rarely work out in sports.
- winsix

Stamkos will be top 3 if not the highest paid player in the league in terms of cap after July 1.

Im willing to guarantee that.

Attendance figures on their own mean absolutely nothing.

You have to examine attendance figures X average price of ticket.

Disclaimer: I think Tampa is a healthy franchise.

But c'mon, fellas, it's not close to Toronto in terms of revenues generated from ticket sales.

Quick math - according to this chart, Leafs' average ticket price is almost 3 times the price of a Tampa ticket.

http://www.hookedonhockey...-prices-2014-2015-season/
- Atomic Wedgie

He was just replying to that guys point number 1 where he said that Toronto has a better attendance than TB...which is inaccurate. Nothing to do with dollar generation.

Attendance figures on their own mean absolutely nothing.

You have to examine attendance figures X average price of ticket.

Disclaimer: I think Tampa is a healthy franchise.

But c'mon, fellas, it's not close to Toronto in terms of revenues generated from ticket sales.

Quick math - according to this chart, Leafs' average ticket price is almost 3 times the price of a Tampa ticket.

http://www.hookedonhockey...-prices-2014-2015-season/
- Atomic Wedgie

I don't think having the highest tickets prices by far in the league is something that I would "Brag" about.

Its great for the league, but awful for a fan.

i can go to two-three games in most cities for the same cost as a ticket in Toronto.

What the hell has either Harrington or Marancin done to warrant any optimism whatsoever?
- Atomic Wedgie

Statistically Maracin limits shots at a Josh Manson esque elite level. He's a low impact player you only notice when he screws up but he's an excellent player. Perfect for a bottom pairing on a competitive team because he'll never score much and will always be cheap.

Plus, 53% CF on a 30th place team over 65 games.

Harrington has posted above 50% Corsi this year too. Both are legit NHL regulars going forward. Are they top pairing studs? No. But last I checked, no team had six of those.

As they say, he is entitled to his own opinions but not his own facts.
- Leafsandbolts

Here's an article for you to read - about how Tampa is finally about to make it into the black. And I am glad - because it is a class organization doing the right things, and drafting well.

They are a team that struggles financially (gives away tickets, has low selling prices - you can get a second round playoff ticket for under $100 on several sites)

You are correct to make the comment about attendance but what I was alluding to was the revenue generated. The teams ahead of the Leafs in attendance have higher capacity buildings. It is hard to get information off the Forbes list of revenues but I believe NY Rangers, Chicago and the Leafs are the top three - and all close. Tampa sits at about 28th - so in terms of relevance attendance is not the most telling stat, revenue is better.

http://www.tampabay.com/n...ng-into-the-black/2231682

Blood clot shmood clot, 45 centre men, I don't give a poop if the guy has a giant tumorous horn growing out his jawline, you sign a 26 year old elite talent free agent any time you have the opportunity. You make room if your roster is full and if the health is the difference, who cares, that's what insurance and LTIR is for. No reason any team in the NHL should not be trying for this guy when free agency opens up.

I think Stamkos contract is tricky for any team. As a Lightning fan and season ticket holder I am on the fence. The current CBA the players could opt out of in 2019 and even if they do not it expires in 2022 so any long term deal with Stamkos runs into that. The Lightning had issues with their contracts after the last CBA with Vinny, Richards, Boyle etc all being on very long deals that just put the team in a tough spot financially and then they had to get rid of those players. Not that it was bad to get rid of those players but you're obviously talking about face of the franchise guys getting huge deals so then you get stuck making decisions on where to go. Is Stamkos "worth" $10m a year, probably not. Will Stamkos get $10m per year, probably close.

Here's an article for you to read - about how Tampa is finally about to make it into the black. And I am glad - because it is a class organization doing the right things, and drafting well.

They are a team that struggles financially (gives away tickets, has low selling prices - you can get a second round playoff ticket for under $100 on several sites)

You are correct to make the comment about attendance but what I was alluding to was the revenue generated. The teams ahead of the Leafs in attendance have higher capacity buildings. It is hard to get information off the Forbes list of revenues but I believe NY Rangers, Chicago and the Leafs are the top three - and all close. Tampa sits at about 28th - so in terms of relevance attendance is not the most telling stat, revenue is better.

http://www.tampabay.com/n...ng-into-the-black/2231682
- winsix

Well, yes, if you are speaking about revenue generated from attendance, it's not a comparison - Leafs destroy TB.
Stamkos still will not sign in Toronto for less than his market value.
All the reasons you listed are reasons why he would choose Toronto over another city but it would still be at the salary his pedigree would command.

When is the last time a player like Stamkos at 26yrs old became a UFA? You know why it doesn't happen, because their teams sign them for max deals and let them walk when they want those max deals at 32yrs old. You are correct when you say they don't work out - but that is for guys in their 30's....not a guy who's max deal will end when he is 33!!!

Guess what else Chicago does, they are always in the Stanley Cup conversation....

When Matthews is ready for a max deal at 25 (and say he meets his potential), will you also be saying Leafs should let him walk?
- Cooshie

Never - it is a singular case - Stamkos is a great player and would be captain of almost any team. Chicago has won three cups recently - six historically and we all know that the Leafs have won zero in fifty years. (11 cups historically) I think this being the 100th anniversary of the franchise will have a big influence on the Leafs desire to sign Stamkos. But look who is running the show - Lou and Brendan - want long term success. Lou made a big mistake with Kovalchuk - Lou is probably a bit gun shy after that one. Matthews will be a keeper, but what if McDavid comes knocking the minute he is able to escape from Edmonton? I really hate the salary cap - but it is a reality that must be dealt with. And Chicago got bounced in the first round by a team with no $10 million players this year. Do you think that Stamkos is as valuable as Crosby? I'm not convinced of that.

I think Stamkos contract is tricky for any team. As a Lightning fan and season ticket holder I am on the fence. The current CBA the players could opt out of in 2019 and even if they do not it expires in 2022 so any long term deal with Stamkos runs into that. The Lightning had issues with their contracts after the last CBA with Vinny, Richards, Boyle etc all being on very long deals that just put the team in a tough spot financially and then they had to get rid of those players. Not that it was bad to get rid of those players but you're obviously talking about face of the franchise guys getting huge deals so then you get stuck making decisions on where to go. Is Stamkos "worth" $10m a year, probably not. Will Stamkos get $10m per year, probably close.
- Kucherovski

Agree with you totally. Tampa has been a very well run organization, particularly since Yzerman took over. They are a max cap team with Stamkos at 7.5 million, and there are many great young players that will be moving up the pay ladder soon. Bishop, Kucherov, Drouin, Johnson and Hedman to name just five.

Never - it is a singular case - Stamkos is a great player and would be captain of almost any team. Chicago has won three cups recently - six historically and we all know that the Leafs have won zero in fifty years. (11 cups historically) I think this being the 100th anniversary of the franchise will have a big influence on the Leafs desire to sign Stamkos. But look who is running the show - Lou and Brendan - want long term success. Lou made a big mistake with Kovalchuk - Lou is probably a bit gun shy after that one. Matthews will be a keeper, but what if McDavid comes knocking the minute he is able to escape from Edmonton? I really hate the salary cap - but it is a reality that must be dealt with. And Chicago got bounced in the first round by a team with no $10 million players this year. Do you think that Stamkos is as valuable as Crosby? I'm not convinced of that.
- winsix

Crosby signed a long term contract about 4yrs ago and at the time it was huge. But 4yrs later, it's now a friendly contract. 10mill may be a friendly looking contract in 3 or 4 yrs from now too....who knows?!
Crosby is more valuable than Stamkos - but Crosby's salary is not reflective of his value either.
Bottom line is we have a very young team, salary cap over time will go up, I don't see any long term issues with signing Stamkos to a 10mill contract that is going to hinder the Leafs in the future. If Stamkos were 32yrs old, it would be terrible in 5yrs to pay a 37yr old 10mill from our cap.....but I feel confident that Stamkos at 31 will still be a top couple players on this team so we aren't out there looking for a UFA replacement for him while he is still eating cap at that time....meaning, his cap will still be performing for us!
Sign him and enjoy the ride.

Crosby signed a long term contract about 4yrs ago and at the time it was huge. But 4yrs later, it's now a friendly contract. 10mill may be a friendly looking contract in 3 or 4 yrs from now too....who knows?!
Crosby is more valuable than Stamkos - but Crosby's salary is not reflective of his value either.
Bottom line is we have a very young team, salary cap over time will go up, I don't see any long term issues with signing Stamkos to a 10mill contract that is going to hinder the Leafs in the future. If Stamkos were 32yrs old, it would be terrible in 5yrs to pay a 37yr old 10mill from our cap.....but I feel confident that Stamkos at 31 will still be a top couple players on this team so we aren't out there looking for a UFA replacement for him while he is still eating cap at that time....meaning, his cap will still be performing for us!
Sign him and enjoy the ride.
- Cooshie

I agree - sign him but I still believe the Leafs will look for and get a home discount. First he will get the C as soon as he signs. Do you really think he and his agent will not see the $ associated with him being a hero that brings TO a cup? Over a seven year contract a million in salary per year is just under $7 million. That $7 million is only a fraction of the endorsement potential for a marquis player in big market hockey hungry city.
As an example the best golfer in the world in 2013 Tiger Woods made $13 million in golf earnings and $71 million in endorsements. He would get way more endorsements in TO than anywhere else.
In addition, by making a small (an over the long haul insignificant salary sacrifice) he would be able to free up money hopefully spent wisely for a better team.

Crosby signed a long term contract about 4yrs ago and at the time it was huge. But 4yrs later, it's now a friendly contract. 10mill may be a friendly looking contract in 3 or 4 yrs from now too....who knows?!
Crosby is more valuable than Stamkos - but Crosby's salary is not reflective of his value either.
Bottom line is we have a very young team, salary cap over time will go up, I don't see any long term issues with signing Stamkos to a 10mill contract that is going to hinder the Leafs in the future. If Stamkos were 32yrs old, it would be terrible in 5yrs to pay a 37yr old 10mill from our cap.....but I feel confident that Stamkos at 31 will still be a top couple players on this team so we aren't out there looking for a UFA replacement for him while he is still eating cap at that time....meaning, his cap will still be performing for us!
Sign him and enjoy the ride.
- Cooshie

Comparing Crosbys contract is unfair Per CBA agreement. He got a 10 year deal IIRC instead of the max 8 now.

Attendance figures on their own mean absolutely nothing.

You have to examine attendance figures X average price of ticket.

Disclaimer: I think Tampa is a healthy franchise.

But c'mon, fellas, it's not close to Toronto in terms of revenues generated from ticket sales.

Quick math - according to this chart, Leafs' average ticket price is almost 3 times the price of a Tampa ticket.

http://www.hookedonhockey...-prices-2014-2015-season/
- Atomic Wedgie

Cheapest upper bowl ticket at Amalie Arena is in the $30 range (yes, season ticket prices are lower per game) which for most of the season equals just under $40 CAD per game so price gap is closer to twice vs thrice. Tampa's ticket prices have been on a steady increase over the past couple of years. Toronto prices are higher since the overall demand is significantly higher.

Statistically Maracin limits shots at a Josh Manson esque elite level. He's a low impact player you only notice when he screws up but he's an excellent player. Perfect for a bottom pairing on a competitive team because he'll never score much and will always be cheap.

Plus, 53% CF on a 30th place team over 65 games.

Harrington has posted above 50% Corsi this year too. Both are legit NHL regulars going forward. Are they top pairing studs? No. But last I checked, no team had six of those.
- James_Tanner

Jesus, Tanner, it's like you have never actually watched a Leafs game.

Stamkos will be top 3 if not the highest paid player in the league in terms of cap after July 1.

Im willing to guarantee that.
- ImThatGuy

You are wrong and how could you possibly guaranty anything? Do you have a crystal ball or have you invented a time machine? He will get a good seven year contract from a solid team and he will not likely be in the top three salaries. Kane, Toews, Ovechin and Weber are probably safe.

I agree - sign him but I still believe the Leafs will look for and get a home discount. First he will get the C as soon as he signs. Do you really think he and his agent will not see the $ associated with him being a hero that brings TO a cup? Over a seven year contract a million in salary per year is just under $7 million. That $7 million is only a fraction of the endorsement potential for a marquis player in big market hockey hungry city.
As an example the best golfer in the world in 2013 Tiger Woods made $13 million in golf earnings and $71 million in endorsements. He would get way more endorsements in TO than anywhere else.
In addition, by making a small (an over the long haul insignificant salary sacrifice) he would be able to free up money hopefully spent wisely for a better team.
- winsix

Hockey doesn't bring in anywhere close to what the other big sports do. I believe Crosby makes the larges endorsements per year at about 4.5mill. Stamkos being in Toronto won't do much more than the marque player in the NHL. I think Stamkos does about 1.5mill right now in TB.
NHL just doesn't have the same draw as the other sports and to get those big bucks, the endorsers have to peel to the mass market in the US (and around the world).

I think Stamkos wants to sign here but it won't be at any discounts. Not only that, he knows Toronto fully can pay him. It's not like Toronto has any cap restraints where the only way to sign him is to give a discount. It's not going to happen.

Comparing Crosbys contract is unfair Per CBA agreement. He got a 10 year deal IIRC instead of the max 8 now.
- ImThatGuy

I know...just saying that the contract is a good one for Pittsburgh.
If Crosby were a UFA, he would get $12Mill plus.

I didn't even read the article this time. I think the league should just penalize the MapleLeafs for tampering due to the daily articles on this subject. Every day, all day, all the time. Stamkos to T.O.
The league should take their first round pick this year, make them select 30th instead. Good for Winnipeg I guess.
- InSutterWeTrust

I think an emergency room visit is in order for a hurt butt of that magnitude.

You are wrong and how could you possibly guaranty anything? Do you have a crystal ball or have you invented a time machine? He will get a good seven year contract from a solid team and he will not likely be in the top three salaries. Kane, Toews, Ovechin and Weber are probably safe.
- winsix

8 years 68MM is the low offer where he wouldn't even negotiate, which is 8.5 per

Factor in you can only offer 7 year if you are a UFA. 63 is the lowest I can actually see him taking which already puts him at $9 MM.

It will most likely put him at 7 for 68-75 which would put him where exactly?

http://www.spotrac.com/nhl/rankings/

Cheapest upper bowl ticket at Amalie Arena is in the $30 range (yes, season ticket prices are lower per game) which for most of the season equals just under $40 CAD per game so price gap is closer to twice vs thrice. Tampa's ticket prices have been on a steady increase over the past couple of years. Toronto prices are higher since the overall demand is significantly higher.
- Leafsandbolts

Cheapest upper bowl ticket at ACC is in the $100-$120 range (yes, season ticket prices are lower per game).

So no, price gap is closer to thrice. And forget that comparison, just google up the average ticket prices in the NHL per team.

I don't think having the highest tickets prices by far in the league is something that I would "Brag" about.

Its great for the league, but awful for a fan.

i can go to two-three games in most cities for the same cost as a ticket in Toronto.
- ImThatGuy

As a season ticket holder, I can assure you I'm not bragging about it.

On the plus side, I've saved an awful lot of money the past decade on playoff tickets...

You are wrong and how could you possibly guaranty anything? Do you have a crystal ball or have you invented a time machine? He will get a good seven year contract from a solid team and he will not likely be in the top three salaries. Kane, Toews, Ovechin and Weber are probably safe.
- winsix

Depends, if you are talking about Salary, you could be right. If you are talking about cap hit, he surely will be in the top 3.
Just depends on how his deal is structured.

Hockey doesn't bring in anywhere close to what the other big sports do. I believe Crosby makes the larges endorsements per year at about 4.5mill. Stamkos being in Toronto won't do much more than the marque player in the NHL. I think Stamkos does about 1.5mill right now in TB.
NHL just doesn't have the same draw as the other sports and to get those big bucks, the endorsers have to peel to the mass market in the US (and around the world).

I think Stamkos wants to sign here but it won't be at any discounts. Not only that, he knows Toronto fully can pay him. It's not like Toronto has any cap restraints where the only way to sign him is to give a discount. It's not going to happen.
- Cooshie

Only time will tell - I think Stamkos would make more than the $1.7 million he currently makes in endorsements (significantly more) if he played for the Leafs. Particularly since Bell is one of the major sponsors, they also are owners of the team. I think he will play for the Leafs - and that he would rather play here than anywhere else - even though the weather is better in San Jose. Endorsements are on the rise in the NHL - McDavid just became the youngest to sign a $1 million dollar endorsement deal in history with CCM