I've got a feeling that we are going to get worked by Stamkos to sign w/ a different team, and I'm perfectly ok w/ that. Losing out on Vesey would hurt.

Both pretty inept. I don't think this team needs either of those guys.
- TheSabresTaco

We have enough bottom 6 guys that we won't need those guys. If we sign Stamkos we'll need guys like Bailey and Fasching on the bottom 6 because of they're not costly with their ELC's.

I've got a feeling that we are going to get worked by Stamkos to sign w/ a different team, and I'm perfectly ok w/ that. Losing out on Vesey would hurt.
- bobmack13

I'm kind of starting to think this same way...

I think Stamkos could work us... but losing Vesey would hurt more.

Problem is, our timeline for winning takes a giant step backwards in that scenario. We would be nowhere on defense.
- Deuce81

HUGE step back.. we don't want another Vanek thing either

I'm kind of starting to think this same way...

I think Stamkos could work us... but losing Vesey would hurt more.
- JVince11

But if we offer 12 per how in the heck could he turn that down?

I'm kind of starting to think this same way...

I think Stamkos could work us... but losing Vesey would hurt more.
- JVince11

i think we have a 50/50 shot on Vesey.. he is going to evaluate where he feels he has the best shot. that could be chicago, st. louis, tampa, pitt. i think all those have a better chance for him to rack up the points so he gets a huge next contract

But if we offer 12 per how in the heck could he turn that down?
- mhp

because someone else offers him the same thing and he would rather play there..

we can't be the only team willing to offer him that kind of money, are we?

i think we have a 50/50 shot on Vesey.. he is going to evaluate where he feels he has the best shot. that could be chicago, st. louis, tampa, pitt. i think all those have a better chance for him to rack up the points so he gets a huge next contract
- IndianaSabresFan

We definitely offer him a max contract, so......

But if we offer 12 per how in the heck could he turn that down?
- mhp

Because 12M per here is actually less than 11M per in Detroit or Toronto via taxes I guess. SOmeone posted it yesterday. It'd be like 6.1M in Tor, 5.4 here, and 5.6 in Detroit.

But if we offer 12 per how in the heck could he turn that down?
- mhp

This whole situation has a Babcock feel to it.

because someone else offers him the same thing and he would rather play there..

we can't be the only team willing to offer him that kind of money, are we?
- IndianaSabresFan

Umm... it really does seem like it so far. Could be media hype though.

It sounds like Det, NYR, MON, and TOR are all at about 10.5M. We know TB is at 8.5M.

because someone else offers him the same thing and he would rather play there..

we can't be the only team willing to offer him that kind of money, are we?
- IndianaSabresFan

I haven't heard of any other team mentioning 12, we've see a few teams would be willing at 10. We'll see.

Because 12M per here is actually less than 11M per in Detroit or Toronto via taxes I guess. SOmeone posted it yesterday. It'd be like 6.1M in Tor, 5.4 here, and 5.6 in Detroit.
- JVince11

12 mill is way too f#!king much!!!!! Walk away and find another fish.

We definitely offer him a max contract, so......
- bobmack13

yeah but most will i would think

Because 12M per here is actually less than 11M per in Detroit or Toronto via taxes I guess. SOmeone posted it yesterday. It'd be like 6.1M in Tor, 5.4 here, and 5.6 in Detroit.
- JVince11

post tax per city

Toronto 4.7
TBL 6.1
Buf 5.2
Detroit 5.4
Van 5.3

That is if he signs for 10 per.

I haven't heard of any other team mentioning 12, we've see a few teams would be willing at 10. We'll see.
- mhp

We're in a lose/lose with him. If we sign him, it's going to be for way too much, if we don't sign him, it's because "free agents don't want to play in Buffalo".

12 mill is way too f#!king much!!!!! Walk away and find another fish.
- bobmack13

I'm one of the few here who agree with you. I don't think Stamkos is worth that much more than Benn, Ovechkin, Toews, Kane, Crosby, Malkin, Kopitar, etc.

Then the whole "well those guys would get that much on the open market as well" argument comes up.

It is what it is. If we get him.. great I'll be stoked and probably buy a jersey. If we don't get him.. will I cry? Nope. Do I think we can still be major contenders in the next few years...? Absolutely.

Because 12M per here is actually less than 11M per in Detroit or Toronto via taxes I guess. SOmeone posted it yesterday. It'd be like 6.1M in Tor, 5.4 here, and 5.6 in Detroit.
- JVince11

Based on 10MM
Toronto would be the lowest take home
Tampa the highest
Buffalo in the middle.

We're in a lose/lose with him. If we sign him, it's going to be for way too much, if we don't sign him, it's because "free agents don't want to play in Buffalo".
- bobmack13

yup.. that will be the media narrative

No, but he won't get 6.5- 7mil as an RFA. He also is two years younger than Okposo and has been able to generate offense without an elite center.

Okposo has put up impressive numbers, and he won't fall off a cliff with Eichel, but you could get similar production via trade IMO for a shorter commitment
- sbroads24

He's a year and a half younger as Hoffman will be 27 very early in the coming season.

I think Hoffman is going to cost more than you think in terms of $$$ due to his production, especially last year.

post tax per city

Toronto 4.7
TBL 6.1
Buf 5.2
Detroit 5.4
Van 5.3

That is if he signs for 10 per.
- mhp

I would think the cost of living would mitigate any tax issues associated with signing here.

Isles fans don't think he's worth that kind of money, we'll see. I don't want us to make another UFA mistake, not a good track record.
- mhp

I really can't find a solid argument against paying him 6 million dorrars

post tax per city

Toronto 4.7
TBL 6.1
Buf 5.2
Detroit 5.4
Van 5.3

That is if he signs for 10 per.
- mhp

Okay so I remembered it slightly wrong. Thanks for sharing this again though.

I really believe... All things equal..

Detroit is on their way down.
TB will remain at their level.. an ECF team but wants Stamkos on the wing.
Van will be no where close.
BUF will be in the playoffs every year that Stamkos is here I'd bet.
Toronto will have another year or two to clean up but then will be in the playoffs every year with Stamkos.

I think it will come down to what HE actually wants. Toronto is not great at luring in the biggest fish even if it is their home town. I still think TB, DET, then BUF most likely.

I would have offered the 8th pick, Girgensons + for him. Girgensons could have replaced Backus. I'm sure that wouldn't be enough.
- SABRES 89

Considering St. Louis asked for Hall, reportedly, for Shattenkirk, I agree.

Teams seem to be asking for the moon and stars for these defensemen.

I love that no GM has fallen for that bait.

I'm one of the few here who agree with you. I don't think Stamkos is worth that much more than Benn, Ovechkin, Toews, Kane, Crosby, Malkin, Kopitar, etc.

Then the whole "well those guys would get that much on the open market as well" argument comes up.

It is what it is. If we get him.. great I'll be stoked and probably buy a jersey. If we don't get him.. will I cry? Nope. Do I think we can still be major contenders in the next few years...? Absolutely.
- JVince11

Most are in "scramble to sign new guys mode". I really don't think that we are that far off. I would LOVE to sign Vesey, perfect fit. Otherwise, Murray can work his magic over the rest of the summer. Stamkos isn't a be all end all.