I REALIZE THE ISLANDERS PROBABLY WILL NOT END UP SIGNING HIM
_{(apparently-necessary disclaimer)}

But man would that make one knockout tandem down the middle and a killer PP. How the (frank) would you defend a PP that included Tavares, Stammer and Pulock bombing shots from the blueline? Add in Lee in front and that's easily one of the best PP's in the league.

If this team were to truly improve in the offseason, without Stamkos, we'd be adding close to his cap hit in 2-3 other players anyway. I'd swing for the fences. Give him $11M and let's see what happens.

This was one of the best parts of that Friedman transcript:

“Honestly, you watch the Sharks. You watch what the Oilers are trying to do. Guys can play multiple positions. And if you’re versatile in a cap world, it gives you so many options in terms of what you can do.

It's true. The flexibility of guys like Nelson, Strome, Lee to be able to play wing or center is great. Playing a bad game and you want to load up Stammer on Johnny's wing? No problem, slide Brock to 2C and let's try that.

The more I think about adding Stamkos, the more I like the idea. This team isn't going to be a Cup contender by adding David Backes or Andrew Ladd. Stamkos immediately puts the Islanders into that conversation.

Safe is death, go for it now. We have most of our defensive corps locked up long term, almost all of them being very young and very affordable. Now is the time to really start making that push. If we add Stammer and 2 of 29/18/27 have nice bounce-back seasons next year, that is some serious depth we're looking at.
- eichiefs9

Glad we could get you on board with signing a former 60 goal scorer

I REALIZE THE ISLANDERS PROBABLY WILL NOT END UP SIGNING HIM
_{(apparently-necessary disclaimer)}

But man would that make one knockout tandem down the middle and a killer PP. How the (frank) would you defend a PP that included Tavares, Stammer and Pulock bombing shots from the blueline? Add in Lee in front and that's easily one of the best PP's in the league.

If this team were to truly improve in the offseason, without Stamkos, we'd be adding close to his cap hit in 2-3 other players anyway. I'd swing for the fences. Give him $11M and let's see what happens.

This was one of the best parts of that Friedman transcript:

“Honestly, you watch the Sharks. You watch what the Oilers are trying to do. Guys can play multiple positions. And if you’re versatile in a cap world, it gives you so many options in terms of what you can do.

It's true. The flexibility of guys like Nelson, Strome, Lee to be able to play wing or center is great. Playing a bad game and you want to load up Stammer on Johnny's wing? No problem, slide Brock to 2C and let's try that.

The more I think about adding Stamkos, the more I like the idea. This team isn't going to be a Cup contender by adding David Backes or Andrew Ladd. Stamkos immediately puts the Islanders into that conversation.

Safe is death, go for it now. We have most of our defensive corps locked up long term, almost all of them being very young and very affordable. Now is the time to really start making that push. If we add Stammer and 2 of 29/18/27 have nice bounce-back seasons next year, that is some serious depth we're looking at.
- eichiefs9

I agree chief. I really like the idea of adding Stamkos. Have to think it's a long shot, but I would be shocked if the Isles do not try if he does gets to FA.

But man would that make one knockout tandem down the middle and a killer PP. How the (frank) would you defend a PP that included Tavares, Stammer and Pulock bombing shots from the blueline? Add in Lee in front and that's easily one of the best PP's in the league.

- eichiefs9

You count on Cappy. First he'd go with Nielsen and Leddy on the points, so that eliminates Pulock. Then he'd forbid Stamkos from setting up for a one-timer on the left side for some reason that Staple would defend in a series of tweets, making anyone who disagrees appear rabid and irrational. Next he'd triple down on the "five players standing perfectly still" overall power play strategy. And finally, any complaints would be shut down by pointing out the Isles' power play went from 17th ranked to 15th ranked, clearly an improvement the coaches should get credit for.

Glad we could get you on board with signing a former 60 goal scorer

- Ddomnitch

Yeah obviously everyone wants the player, but adding the highest cap hit in the league into the mix does have ripple effects. It will affect the ability to keep other guys that we may have not eventually lost otherwise.

May affect the ability to sign someone like de Haan or Nelson when they are due for significant raises in the next one or two offseasons. Frankly, with the emergence of Pelech as a real LHD option I think de Haan may become expendable next season when he's in the final year of his deal.

I REALIZE THE ISLANDERS PROBABLY WILL NOT END UP SIGNING HIM
_{(apparently-necessary disclaimer)}

But man would that make one knockout tandem down the middle and a killer PP. How the (frank) would you defend a PP that included Tavares, Stammer and Pulock bombing shots from the blueline? Add in Lee in front and that's easily one of the best PP's in the league.

If this team were to truly improve in the offseason, without Stamkos, we'd be adding close to his cap hit in 2-3 other players anyway. I'd swing for the fences. Give him $11M and let's see what happens.

This was one of the best parts of that Friedman transcript:

“Honestly, you watch the Sharks. You watch what the Oilers are trying to do. Guys can play multiple positions. And if you’re versatile in a cap world, it gives you so many options in terms of what you can do.

It's true. The flexibility of guys like Nelson, Strome, Lee to be able to play wing or center is great. Playing a bad game and you want to load up Stammer on Johnny's wing? No problem, slide Brock to 2C and let's try that.

The more I think about adding Stamkos, the more I like the idea. This team isn't going to be a Cup contender by adding David Backes or Andrew Ladd. Stamkos immediately puts the Islanders into that conversation.

Safe is death, go for it now. We have most of our defensive corps locked up long term, almost all of them being very young and very affordable. Now is the time to really start making that push. If we add Stammer and 2 of 29/18/27 have nice bounce-back seasons next year, that is some serious depth we're looking at.
- eichiefs9

DISCLAIMER : IF THE ISLES SHOULD SIGN STAMKOS

I just want to re iterate, the idea that the islanders would pay 11.5 million dollars to have one of the league best goal scorers not playing with Tavares (who DESPERATELY needs a linemate) except on the PP. Somehow that just doesnt make sense to me.

I agree chief. I really like the idea of adding Stamkos. Have to think it's a long shot, but I would be shocked if the Isles do not try if he does gets to FA.
- ses111

EVERYONE is gonna try, yet I dont see anyone having the amount of money that the leafs will have.

You count on Cappy. First he'd go with Nielsen and Leddy on the points, so that eliminates Pulock. Then he'd forbid Stamkos from setting up for a one-timer on the left side for some reason that Staple would defend in a series of tweets, making anyone who disagrees appear rabid and irrational. Next he'd triple down on the "five players standing perfectly still" overall power play strategy. And finally, any complaints would be shut down by pointing out the Isles' power play went from 17th ranked to 15th ranked, clearly an improvement the coaches should get credit for.
- UIF

IPB is already overloading on the Cappy love and making it seem he will be around for a very long time.

DISCLAIMER : IF THE ISLES SHOULD SIGN STAMKOS

I just want to re iterate, the idea that the islanders would pay 11.5 million dollars to have one of the league best goal scorers not playing with Tavares (who DESPERATELY needs a linemate) except on the PP. Somehow that just doesnt make sense to me.
- kindlyrick

The need for a winger for Tavares gets diminished if you have another center that has the capability of scoring 50 goals. Stamkos is mobile, he can be moved to Tavares' wing if need be, or vice versa.

EVERYONE is gonna try, yet I dont see anyone having the amount of money that the leafs will have.
- kindlyrick

Most will not get the time of day from Stamkos. The Leafs have to be the favorites along with Tampa. All I ask is the Isles make an honest attempt to sign him if he gets to FA.

Yeah obviously everyone wants the player, but adding the highest cap hit in the league into the mix does have ripple effects. It will affect the ability to keep other guys that we may have not eventually lost otherwise.

May affect the ability to sign someone like de Haan or Nelson when they are due for significant raises in the next one or two offseasons. Frankly, with the emergence of Pelech as a real LHD option I think de Haan may become expendable next season when he's in the final year of his deal.
- eichiefs9

We will be able to surround 91/91 with young cheap players like Barzal, Dal Colle, Beuv, and Ho Sang for a few years.

EVERYONE is gonna try, yet I dont see anyone having the amount of money that the leafs will have.
- kindlyrick

Nobody will, but does Stamkos really want to go there? Does he want to be the highest paid player in the league at $12M+ but have no chance of winning a Cup in the next 5 years? It boils down to what he wants.

If he takes a little less and comes here, this team becomes a serious threat to go far in the playoffs.

If he takes the most money and goes to Toronto then he just wants to be the highest paid player in the league.

Not to mention, income taxes in NY < income taxes in Canada. $12M in CAN and $11M in NY are probably not that far off in terms of net pay.

We will be able to surround 91/91 with young players cheap like Barzal, Dal Colle, Beuv, and Ho Sang for a few years.
- Ddomnitch

That's the hope. It carries an inherent risk of those guys not panning out, and frankly at least 1 or 2 of them will not be what we expected. But that's the cost of signing arguably the top free agent in the last god-knows-how-many years.

The need for a winger for Tavares gets diminished if you have another center that has the capability of scoring 50 goals. Stamkos is mobile, he can be moved to Tavares' wing if need be, or vice versa.
- eichiefs9

I get the idea of spreading out the goal scoring. But, I dont think we've seen what JT is capable of because he's bascially carried every single line. I understand your rationale of not being able to match up because its like who do you try and stop. But that idea also works if they are on the ice together. Who do you double up on? The fact is, if and that a HUGEEE if, the isles were to get Stamkos, there's no way they have him not playing with JT. Those two would immediately be as good as any 1/2 punch in the league. Talk about marketing.......Tavares to Stamkos.....

Nobody will, but does Stamkos really want to go there? Does he want to be the highest paid player in the league at $12M+ but have no chance of winning a Cup in the next 5 years? It boils down to what he wants.

If he takes a little less and comes here, this team becomes a serious threat to go far in the playoffs.

If he takes the most money and goes to Toronto then he just wants to be the highest paid player in the league.

Not to mention, income taxes in NY < income taxes in Canada. $12M in CAN and $11M in NY are probably not that far off in terms of net pay.
- eichiefs9

With the staff that the leafs put in place........I'm willing to make anyone on here a bet, that if the leafs land stamkos, they are cup contenders in 3 years.

I think we're a little used to Snow and his 10 year rebuild.

I get the idea of spreading out the goal scoring. But, I dont think we've seen what JT is capable of because he's bascially carried every single line. I understand your rationale of not being able to match up because its like who do you try and stop. But that idea also works if they are on the ice together. Who do you double up on? The fact is, if and that a HUGEEE if, the isles were to get Stamkos, there's no way they have him not playing with JT. Those two would immediately be as good as any 1/2 punch in the league. Talk about marketing.......Tavares to Stamkos.....
- kindlyrick

I'm not disagreeing for a second about the immense talent level that the two of them would have playing on the same line. Frankly, there's a good chance that I might prefer that they play together. That said, it was on record that Stamkos wasn't happy when Cooper played him on the wing. He's a UFA and has all the leverage. If (I think we're in agreement that it's a big "if" and we can stop mentioning it now that we're on the same page) we signed Stamkos he may preface it by saying "I'll sign here at X amount of dollars, but I'm a natural center and that's what I want to play"...in which case, I'm still OK with that.

That doesn't mean he can't ever be moved up and play with Tavares for part of a game, and they'll be paired together on the PP for sure, but it does distribute the talent. I agree that it would be incredibly difficult to deal with the two of them together, but they'd (hypothetically) still be facing the other teams top shutdown line/d-pairing. Spread them out and all the sudden a team like BOS can't play the Bergeron line against the Tavares AND Stamkos lines.

With the staff that the leafs put in place........I'm willing to make anyone on here a bet, that if the leafs land stamkos, they are cup contenders in 3 years.

I think we're a little used to Snow and his 10 year rebuild.
- kindlyrick

Their defense and goaltending is way too unproven to be able to say that now. They just signed the Russian UFA Zaitsev who is very talented. Rielly is going to be a really solid puck moving guy for a long time. Gardiner figures to be a reliable 2nd pairing guy. But outside of that, there's nothing there (or in the pipeline) that makes me believe they'll contend anytime soon. They'll have to find a way to acquire a good goaltender or they definitely don't have a shot. I'm sure they will, but until they do I can't consider them a legitimate threat.

They have a surplus of super-talented forward prospects, but they're all still young and unproven. I think the Leafs are going to be really great down the line, but I'm not so sure it'll happen while Stamkos is still in his prime.

I'm not disagreeing for a second about the immense talent level that the two of them would have playing on the same line. Frankly, there's a good chance that I might prefer that they play together. That said, it was on record that Stamkos wasn't happy when Cooper played him on the wing. He's a UFA and has all the leverage. If (I think we're in agreement that it's a big "if" and we can stop mentioning it now that we're on the same page) we signed Stamkos he may preface it by saying "I'll sign here at X amount of dollars, but I'm a natural center and that's what I want to play"...in which case, I'm still OK with that.

That doesn't mean he can't ever be moved up and play with Tavares for part of a game, and they'll be paired together on the PP for sure, but it does distribute the talent. I agree that it would be incredibly difficult to deal with the two of them together, but they'd (hypothetically) still be facing the other teams top shutdown line/d-pairing. Spread them out and all the sudden a team like BOS can't play the Bergeron line against the Tavares AND Stamkos lines.
- eichiefs9

I would happily debate this issue for years

I'm not disagreeing for a second about the immense talent level that the two of them would have playing on the same line. Frankly, there's a good chance that I might prefer that they play together. That said, it was on record that Stamkos wasn't happy when Cooper played him on the wing. He's a UFA and has all the leverage. If (I think we're in agreement that it's a big "if" and we can stop mentioning it now that we're on the same page) we signed Stamkos he may preface it by saying "I'll sign here at X amount of dollars, but I'm a natural center and that's what I want to play"...in which case, I'm still OK with that.

That doesn't mean he can't ever be moved up and play with Tavares for part of a game, and they'll be paired together on the PP for sure, but it does distribute the talent. I agree that it would be incredibly difficult to deal with the two of them together, but they'd (hypothetically) still be facing the other teams top shutdown line/d-pairing. Spread them out and all the sudden a team like BOS can't play the Bergeron line against the Tavares AND Stamkos lines.
- eichiefs9

I am aware that he said that, but I think playing on a team with JT is a whole different ball of wax. Furthermore, who knows if they share that role and for some games JT would move to wing. Either way, my point was that those two would need to play together as it would be a travesty if they didnt.

Again, I know where you're going with the spread them out idea, but the fact remains, if those two play together they wont be stopped by anyone in the league. They would only try and limit them.

Their defense and goaltending is way too unproven to be able to say that now. They just signed the Russian UFA Zaitsev who is very talented. Rielly is going to be a really solid puck moving guy for a long time. Gardiner figures to be a reliable 2nd pairing guy. But outside of that, there's nothing there (or in the pipeline) that makes me believe they'll contend anytime soon. They'll have to find a way to acquire a good goaltender or they definitely don't have a shot. I'm sure they will, but until they do I can't consider them a legitimate threat.

They have a surplus of super-talented forward prospects, but they're all still young and unproven. I think the Leafs are going to be really great down the line, but I'm not so sure it'll happen while Stamkos is still in his prime.
- eichiefs9

We can go down the line of whos who and whats what player wise, but the bottom line is they brought in one of the best GMs in the league........who might I remind you was able to sign the highly coveted Kovulchuk at the time on team that had an aging Brodeur, and was not a huge destination spot for players. Add to him one of the most respected guys to have played in shannahan, and a top coach. Im pretty certain with those names and having money to spend, they wont have a problem signing UFAs.

We can go down the line of whos who and whats what player wise, but the bottom line is they brought in one of the best GMs in the league........who might I remind you was able to sign the highly coveted Kovulchuk at the time on team that had an aging Brodeur, and was not a huge destination spot for players. Add to him one of the most respected guys to have played in shannahan, and a top coach. Im pretty certain with those names and having money to spend, they wont have a problem signing UFAs.
- kindlyrick

Yea I'm not doubting they'll be a good team, I'm just doubting that they're going to be a true contender at any point in the next 5 years.

Yea I'm not doubting they'll be a good team, I'm just doubting that they're going to be a true contender at any point in the next 5 years.
- eichiefs9

I'll definitely take that bet. If I was gonna lay it down for three years, i LOVE it at 5 years.....

Yea I'm not doubting they'll be a good team, I'm just doubting that they're going to be a true contender at any point in the next 5 years.
- eichiefs9

For the record Dean Lombardi came in and took the Kings to the cup and won in I think 5 years. He had less than the Leafs have now.....

I am aware that he said that, but I think playing on a team with JT is a whole different ball of wax. Furthermore, who knows if they share that role and for some games JT would move to wing. Either way, my point was that those two would need to play together as it would be a travesty if they didnt.

Again, I know where you're going with the spread them out idea, but the fact remains, if those two play together they wont be stopped by anyone in the league. They would only try and limit them.
- kindlyrick

All I'm saying is adding Stamkos, regardless of where he plays, means the dire-need for Tavares to have a good winger diminishes. It either a) solves it or b) adds such depth that it makes it a near non-issue.

For the record, if we managed to trade Bailey and Halak for picks with no salary retained...that adds $7.8M in cap space. If Grabovski retires or is placed on LTIR that's another $5M in free space. We'll already have just over $5M in free space already. All the sudden we're looking at $17.8M in open cap space. You could add Stamkos and then some.

All I'm saying is adding Stamkos, regardless of where he plays, means the dire-need for Tavares to have a good winger diminishes. It either a) solves it or b) adds such depth that it makes it a near non-issue.

For the record, if we managed to trade Bailey and Halak for picks with no salary retained...that adds $7.8M in cap space. If Grabovski retires or is placed on LTIR that's another $5M in free space. We'll already have just over $5M in free space already. All the sudden we're looking at $17.8M in open cap space. You could add Stamkos and then some.
- eichiefs9

I just flat out disagree with your first paragraph, and I agree with your second. Lets move on....

For the record Dean Lombardi came in and took the Kings to the cup and won in I think 5 years. He had less than the Leafs have now.....
- kindlyrick

6 years. Hired in '06 and they won in '12.

Much different situation though. He was able to draft a superstar defenseman and already had Jonathan Quick and Anze Kopitar in the pipeline when he took over.

Leafs have none of those three things. They'll get one, the center, in Auston Matthews this year at the draft. They have neither a cornerstone defenseman (or a prospect who projects as one) or a top-flight goaltender.

Lombardi made some shrewd trades/signings, but outside of having to pick between Doughty/Bogosian in the '08 draft...he mostly added supporting pieces of spare parts.

Leafs started with the cupboard being utterly bare. When Lombardi started, some of the core pieces were already drafted and picking Drew Doughty 2nd overall isn't exactly an award-winning move.