I think Stamkos gets 10 at a minimum though, but I had been saying 11 most of the season (first superstar to hit UFA in a long time, bidding would go higher than Toews/Kane got).

Stamkos would do a lot to help out the young guys in Toronto, not only Matthews but help "shelter" the others that need to come up.

It would be a huge signing...and obviously I don't want Toronto to get him.
- stashu

Toronto will trade for his rights and sign him 8years at 8.75million.
That's similar to a 7y / 10mln per contract.

Stamkos will make 100-200% more endorsement money in Toronto than in any other city; in total he'll be the best paid player in NHL 2016-2017 going forward (salary + endorsements combined).

Toronto will trade for his rights and sign him 8years at 8.75million.
That's similar to a 7y / 10mln per contract.

Stamkos will make 100-200% more endorsement money in Toronto than in any other city; in total he'll be the best paid player in NHL 2016-2017 going forward (salary + endorsements combined).
- MaximusAurelius

They can't sign him to 8 years, but good try

They can't sign him to 8 years, but good try
- stashu

how on earth did you become a ref?
ever tried comprehensive reading course?
poor attempt to troll.

I clearly stated they would trade for his rights; then they can sign him to an 8y deal.

how on earth did you become a ref?
ever tried comprehensive reading course?
poor attempt to troll.

I clearly stated they would trade for his rights; then they can sign him to an 8y deal.
- MaximusAurelius

didnt someone already correct you on this?

Because ultimately, I just don't think he's worth maximum term and salary. Not even close. For the sake of argument, what if instead of Stamkos, it was Ovechkin available instead. One of the best scorers in the league (better than Stamkos), and would be an awesome addition to most teams.... but his $9 million salary would be closer (if not more) to 12m if he signed it today. Would Washington be better off signing him, or using that 12m for better depth?
Washington already has the core of their team set, so they can make an informed decision either way. This is expected of a team that is a legitimate cup contender.
We don't have our core set, and are in no position to make such a decision without knowing what the eventual make up of the team is like.

And like I said, if we are going to blow 9-11million in cap space on one player, I'd rather it be someone with a more complete game like Tavares, or a stud defenceman or two.
- oldstyle

You either sign Stamkos or you don't. I disagree with the concept of Stamkos would be willing to sign for 2-3 years somewhere else. I am not even going to get into Taveres.

He is one of the best, actually probably the best player to be available over the last 10 years as a UFA for a cost of nothing (trade-wise) for the team and at the age of 26. If a player of that age/skillset/leadership is available I don't see how they wouldn't give him an offer. Sure its up for debate the cap situation and implications that would have over the next 8 years. The only negative you could try to go with regarding Stamkos is the cap ramifications. In terms of the rebuild, what did you think Babcock was going to ruin our chances of rebuilding too?

I just don't think we are in for another year of rebuilding and attaining picks like last year. Will we be in the playoffs, I don;t think so, will we be similar to Buffalo last year? I would hope so. Do you think the Sabres will try and sign Stamkos, you bet they will.

how on earth did you become a ref?
ever tried comprehensive reading course?
poor attempt to troll.

I clearly stated they would trade for his rights; then they can sign him to an 8y deal.
- MaximusAurelius

You're smart

You either sign Stamkos or you don't. I disagree with the concept of Stamkos would be willing to sign for 2-3 years somewhere else. I am not even going to get into Taveres.

He is one of the best, actually probably the best player to be available over the last 10 years as a UFA for a cost of nothing (trade-wise) for the team and at the age of 26. If a player of that age/skillset/leadership is available I don't see how they wouldn't give him an offer. Sure its up for debate the cap situation and implications that would have over the next 8 years. The only negative you could try to go with regarding Stamkos is the cap ramifications. In terms of the rebuild, what did you think Babcock was going to ruin our chances of rebuilding too?

I just don't think we are in for another year of rebuilding and attaining picks like last year. Will we be in the playoffs, I don;t think so, will we be similar to Buffalo last year? I would hope so. Do you think the Sabres will try and sign Stamkos, you bet they will.
- BKups

What Stamkos brings to the table in terms of work ethic, leadership, and media shelter for the kids is worth the money.

The leafs aren't a #1 center away from a cup. But who are the Matthews, Marner, Nylanders looking up to as veterans? Laich, Michalek, Lupul, JVR? They need someone who makes them think 'if Datsyuk is hitting the gym this hard I should be too'

how on earth did you become a ref?
ever tried comprehensive reading course?
poor attempt to troll.

I clearly stated they would trade for his rights; then they can sign him to an 8y deal.
- MaximusAurelius

Holy over reaction batman.

You're also wrong. Trading for negotiation right does not give you the ability to sign him for 8 years would still be 7 since he is not under contract with the team.

Edit: I'll also disagree with you on the money part while I'm at it. He will not sign at a discount based on hypothetical endorsement deals. That may be a ripping point if offered the same term and money from another team. But absolutely will not factor in to a contract desicion.

You've been blowing that horn a while now and still have no agreement.

Edit: I'm sure your about to call me an idiot of something equally rid rage worthy based on me disagreeing with you so in advance

didnt someone already correct you on this?
- senstroll

Like it matters

What Stamkos brings to the table in terms of work ethic, leadership, and media shelter for the kids is worth the money.

The leafs aren't a #1 center away from a cup. But who are the Matthews, Marner, Nylanders looking up to as veterans? Laich, Michalek, Lupul, JVR? They need someone who makes them think 'if Datsyuk is hitting the gym this hard I should be too'
- Schennski

Absolutely, that work ethic and desire to win is the mantra of Babs system which is what these new Leafs are all about.

Absolutely, that work ethic and desire to win is the mantra of Babs system which is what these new Leafs are all about.
- BKups

Don't take this as an insult/troll, but I think you guys need 2-3 years to get your young guns (and they're good ones too) in "shape". Some good veteran leadership is needed and could shorten that window a bit, and obviously Stamkos would be 1 piece of it.

If you compare it to Buffalo, they have a few solid vets as teachers/calming influences (Gionta, Gorges, O'Reilly), not sure you guys have many - but with UFA coming "soon", it could certainly happen.

With that said, I'm also not a Sabres fan that thinks they're playoffs bound this coming season as they currently sit, so don't take it as me bragging in any way.

Toronto will trade for his rights and sign him 8years at 8.75million.
That's similar to a 7y / 10mln per contract.

Stamkos will make 100-200% more endorsement money in Toronto than in any other city; in total he'll be the best paid player in NHL 2016-2017 going forward (salary + endorsements combined).
- MaximusAurelius

Even if traded to Leafs, Stamkos will be limited to only a 7 year contract under CBA rules.

Edit: Ok others have corrected MA

Don't take this as an insult/troll, but I think you guys need 2-3 years to get your young guns (and they're good ones too) in "shape". Some good veteran leadership is needed and could shorten that window a bit, and obviously Stamkos would be 1 piece of it.

If you compare it to Buffalo, they have a few solid vets as teachers/calming influences (Gionta, Gorges, O'Reilly), not sure you guys have many - but with UFA coming "soon", it could certainly happen.

With that said, I'm also not a Sabres fan that thinks they're playoffs bound this coming season as they currently sit, so don't take it as me bragging in any way.
- stashu

Excuse me? We have Michalek, Lupus & Horton watching from afar. How much MORE leadership can a team have!?

Absolutely, that work ethic and desire to win is the mantra of Babs system which is what these new Leafs are all about.
- BKups

Exactly. That is Babs system and one of the reasons they were a day and night differant team last year. Which is WHY people saying we need a Stamkos to teacb the kids to win and train right etc is baloney.

Don't take this as an insult/troll, but I think you guys need 2-3 years to get your young guns (and they're good ones too) in "shape". Some good veteran leadership is needed and could shorten that window a bit, and obviously Stamkos would be 1 piece of it.

If you compare it to Buffalo, they have a few solid vets as teachers/calming influences (Gionta, Gorges, O'Reilly), not sure you guys have many - but with UFA coming "soon", it could certainly happen.

With that said, I'm also not a Sabres fan that thinks they're playoffs bound this coming season as they currently sit, so don't take it as me bragging in any way.
- stashu

Of course. Next year will just be a case of glimpsing the future and seeing others areas to improve.

AS for the vet presence, Leo, Laich and Hunwick will do similar for our guys... and hopefully Stamkos, of course...

Don't take this as an insult/troll, but I think you guys need 2-3 years to get your young guns (and they're good ones too) in "shape". Some good veteran leadership is needed and could shorten that window a bit, and obviously Stamkos would be 1 piece of it.

If you compare it to Buffalo, they have a few solid vets as teachers/calming influences (Gionta, Gorges, O'Reilly), not sure you guys have many - but with UFA coming "soon", it could certainly happen.

With that said, I'm also not a Sabres fan that thinks they're playoffs bound this coming season as they currently sit, so don't take it as me bragging in any way.
- stashu

Stamkos could be our O'Reilly. Young enough to be in the long term plans but still old enough that Matthews would be influenced by him.

I'm sure Michalek, Laich and Lupul would be good insulators, but no way Nylander is looking at Laich and thinking 'I want to be him in 8 years'

Excuse me? We have Michalek, Lupus & Horton watching from afar. How much MORE leadership can a team have!?
- DamnBrasKiss

I dunno man; last I heard, the telecommunications between Toronto and Robidas Island were pretty sketchy at best...

I see a lot of posters mentioning Stamkos' work ethic and leadership skills. Is this documented\accepted fact, or just wishful thinking?
How is he viewed in Tampa in this regard?

Exactly. That is Babs system and one of the reasons they were a day and night differant team last year. Which is WHY people saying we need a Stamkos to teacb the kids to win and train right etc is baloney.
- sparky

The worst of lunch meats...

Babs is a coach and a leader but if you think he doesn't wants guys on his team with the right work ethic and winning mentality ala Stamkos then I would disagree.

Anyway losing steam on this, going to go out and get a baloney sandwich

I dunno man; last I heard, the telecommunications between Toronto and Robidas Island were pretty sketchy at best...
- lumlums

damnit....ah well, just having them walk in to the dressing room pregame, and tying their skates should pay dividends....right?

Even if traded to Leafs, Stamkos will be limited to only a 7 year contract under CBA rules.

Edit: Ok others have corrected MA
- Leafsandbolts

Are sign and trades allowed under CBA? Can Toronto agree to a contract with Stamkos and then trade something to Tampa to sign him for that contract amount.

So hypothetically Leafs and Stamkos agree to 8 yr 72 million dollar contract. Toronto gets Tampa to sign Stamkos to that deal and then trades him immediately to Toronto for a player or picks. That way at least Tampa gets something out of it.

I know it happens all the time in the NBA.

I'd wait till Stamkos comes to us, and suggest he signs a one or two year contract with someone else. If he's still interested in coming here after that, perfect, if not, meh... The guy is a goal scorer, but not much more. Didn't we already chase the last goal scorer out of town because he didn't buy into the defensive side of the game? Didn't we want to avoid letting our young guys learn from a guy like that?
Only difference I see is that he is local guy who grew up as a fan of the team.
Don't get me wrong, I'd like to see him in a TO uniform, but I think another year (or two) of sticking to the course is the way to go. Why let his goal scoring push us into 9-10th place, when we are nowhere near being ready to compete for a cup? Haven't we already done that and agreed it doesn't work?

Everyone seemed OK with the idea of a 3-5 year rebuild. We are just about to start the 3rd year (under Shanahan). Personally, I'm willing to lose out on the possibility of signing the guy, if the alternative is to end the rebuild a year early, and make all our 2017-2018 draft picks worse.

Besides, isn't Tavares going to be available the following year?
- oldstyle

he will but IMO he'll be a NYI 4 life

I see a lot of posters mentioning Stamkos' work ethic and leadership skills. Is this documented\accepted fact, or just wishful thinking?
How is he viewed in Tampa in this regard?
- oldstyle

His offseason work ethic with Gary Roberts is well documented

I see a lot of posters mentioning Stamkos' work ethic and leadership skills. Is this documented\accepted fact, or just wishful thinking?
How is he viewed in Tampa in this regard?
- oldstyle

He's regarded as one of the hardest working players in the NHL. Even while on the IR before game 7 Pierre Maguire was saying Stamkos was in the best shape of anyone on TB.

He's regarded as one of the hardest working players in the NHL. Even while on the IR before game 7 Pierre Maguire was saying Stamkos was in the best shape of anyone on TB.
- Schennski

And he would know! He drilled the holes to the shower rooms himself!