OK.
Not sure I agree though.
- stormeyAlterEgo

I grew up in Toronto but have lived in the U.S. for more than half my life...first half Toronto second half U.S..

Toronto is still home.

OK.
Not sure I agree though.
- stormeyAlterEgo

And,,

Just not that right time to commit 70 or 80 million to one guy over 7 years.
- stormeyAlterEgo

You get a player of Stamkos' ability become available for nothing more than money, then you make a damn offer unless you want to not attempt to win at all during that 7 year span...

He's not coming to Toronto because the Leafs don't want him... We finally have an intelligent management team.
- Mr_Smokey

well.. shanny already was talking to meehan.. stamkos' agent at the draft saturday

Hey Lums ... After watching Euro yesterday, I thought of a nickname that HAS to be made...

Bad Apple for Eden Hazard




- Aetherial

Jesus H. Christ...

Hey Lums ... After watching Euro yesterday, I thought of a nickname that HAS to be made...

Bad Apple for Eden Hazard




- Aetherial

DP

You get a player of Stamkos' ability become available for nothing more than money, then you make a damn offer unless you want to not attempt to win at all during that 7 year span...
- lumlums

No poop.

The guy will be 33 at the end of his deal. Not exactly a dinosaur.

Matthews will be 26 and hitting prime years

I think the time frame matches up nicely

Nice.

I was always a bit of a fan. Hope it turns out well for him.
I have no clue what is going on in Columbus...but those no-movement contracts they have over there are going to be a disaster come expansion draft.

They also seem ripe for an offer sheet on Jones.
- stormeyAlterEgo

just glad he's gotten out of that situation... he needed a fresh start

but yeah... the blue jackets are a mess right now

You get a player of Stamkos' ability become available for nothing more than money, then you make a damn offer unless you want to not attempt to win at all during that 7 year span...
- lumlums

agreed

we can't rely on the next big name (Tavares) being available

Just not that right time to commit 70 or 80 million to one guy over 7 years.
- stormeyAlterEgo

why?

sabres fans are touchy

agreed

we can't rely on the next big name (Tavares) being available
- jimi james

The worst part is that if the Leafs don't sign Stammer, next year will be exactly the same rigmarole for JT

And,,
- bixll

and what?
Just said I wasn't sure I agreed with you.

well.. shanny already was talking to meehan.. stamkos' agent at the draft saturday
- Dozzer

According to Stamkos' former agent, Brian Lawton, Steve still loves Toronto, and believes, Toronto is his number one choice to play. Tampa would be second and Boston is third. - Sorry Terry Fungoola

sabres fans are touchy
- Arctic_AARDVARK

Get the (frank) out of our thread.

You get a player of Stamkos' ability become available for nothing more than money, then you make a damn offer unless you want to not attempt to win at all during that 7 year span...
- lumlums

Yup, exactly.

And I love how people think the damn money is coming out of their pockets.

The worst part is that if the Leafs don't sign Stammer, next year will be exactly the same rigmarole for JT
- WingmanWillie

with all the payroll we are losing next year we CAN start this all over again

but we cant assume

Just not that right time to commit 70 or 80 million to one guy over 7 years.
- stormeyAlterEgo

It will be interesting to see if he takes a cut to play here.

If there were no health concerns, I'd be gung-ho to sign him. He's still young, and plays a very important position, well. The cap, even at a $10M hit isn't that big of a deal, when you consider the ever-rising nature of the cap, and the amount of cost-controlled players the Leafs have in the system, along with their reshaping of the Marlies, to help fill the gaps as guys get traded/priced out of Toronto(a la Chicago & Detroit).

For a healthy Stamkos, the only real negative to signing him would be that it limits our free agent/traded-for d-man search.

The worst part is that if the Leafs don't sign Stammer, next year will be exactly the same rigmarole for JT
- WingmanWillie

or Victor Hedman

Get the (frank) out of our thread.
- TheSabresTaco

(frank)in make me.

or Victor Hedman
- winsix

Finally coming home to Toronto!

he still summers in toronto i believe

either way... i remain on the fence... there is nothing to convince me he will or will not come 100%

not until it plays out
- Dozzer

I'm getting on the same page as you. The excitement is getting to me though

I'm just waiting for some reports to come out in a few days when certain teams are out on him.

sabres fans are touchy
- Arctic_AARDVARK

I figured you come in heere and post this.

You got reaction from two people. The rest of us laughed at your futile attempts to troll.

But kudos, i guess?

why?
- Dozzer

Because they aren't close yet. 3 or 4 years before I think they will be.
What if he gets injured?
What if in 4 years someone else becomes available that is more in line with what the team needs.
In three or four years you are going to need to lock up Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Reilly etc.

Hey Shanny knows more than I do and this is just an opinion but I think they are better off staying the course and going all in when those 4 guys are just entering their prime.

Just not that right time to commit 70 or 80 million to one guy over 7 years.
- stormeyAlterEgo

Completely disagree. It's the PERFECT time to sign him.

1. He's an ELITE center and you're getting him for strictly salary (no player assets). It's a lot of money to be sure -- but he's a legit superstar in the league.

2. He can take the brunt of the spotlight away from Matthews in Auston's formative years.

3. He significantly accelerates the Leafs rebuild and puts them into a legitimate playoff contention conversation.

4. He's got significant playoff experience and is captain material (hell, he IS a captain).

5. When exactly is the right time to pay a superstar - in the prime of his career - big bucks? How many times do you have an opportunity like this? Do you wait 2 years for Tavares?

6. He's a hometown talent.

7. Can you imagine how HUGE a star Stammer would be in Toronto? He's money in the bank just in terms of endorsements.

Look, if you can sign this guy for 9-10M a year you do it. He's a major piece to any team's puzzle -- especially a team that is filled to the brim with young talent that could deal with some superstar veteran leadership.

The only way I can see him not coming to TO is if Buf/Det make a ridiculous over-payment in the range of 11/12M. Which is entirely possible... but if he signs for less than that with any team not named Toronto I will be shocked and awed*.

* Disclaimer: anything is possible.