Yeah, would not recommend it - probably not the best idea to sour the relationship before it's barely begun, but Tampa does more have time and space and control stillHe can play one more year of college, get paid a bit of money to go back, and then sign with whoever he wants. Thats certainly not all the leverage.
That's what Philly thought with Gauthier ...Tampa has 100% of the leverage.
They hold his rights until August 2026.
Kid's got a big head, and if Tampa doesn't want to give him a contract this year and he refuses an AHL deal, then that's it for his season.
Howard’s level of play this season combined with his junior year class status make it entirely reasonable for him to demand Tampa burns 2024-25 on the ELC.
I get TB thinking about year 27/28, but honestly, by 2027, Vasi is 33, Point is 30, Kuch is 34, Hedman is 36 going on 37.Howard’s level of play this season combined with his junior year class status make it entirely reasonable for him to demand Tampa burns 2024-25 on the ELC.
And it isn’t that difficult to do. If Tampa is concerned about trying to insert him into the lineup immediately then simply wait until the final couple games of the regular season before loaning Atkinson to make room for the signing.
His nickname is the Iceman, he pulled of the white suit just fineNot surprised he’s trying to be a prima donna already. Doesn’t he have a history of these type of antics? Showed up at the draft unironically dressed like Sonny Crockett from Miami Vice and I knew the vibes from the jump lol. That outfit would be funny as a joke, but this kid was 100% serious about it lmao.