In Toronto, Stamkos' hometown, there's a proposed 53.53 percent federal/provincial tax if he's a Canadian resident. So even if the Maple Leafs offer $10 million annually, Stamkos would net $7 million less total over the length of the deal compared one at $8.5 million annually in Tampa Bay, partly thanks to an eighth year. Stamkos would even make just $1.4 million less total than Kopitar over his eight-year deal with the Kings, assuming Kopitar is a California resident.
There's still no guarantee Stamkos signs with Tampa Bay, and keep in mind that reported $8.5 million annual average hasn't been confirmed by either the Lightning or Stamkos' agents at Newport Sports, who continue their media blackout. It could be just an initial offer in prolonged negotiations.
But while there are many factors that go into this decision, there's no question the Lightning will be selling the fact that Florida has no state income tax as part of its pitch to keep the All-Star center.
Tampa Bay has done so in the past with free agents like Ryan Callahan, and knowing the salary cap crunch it'll have in coming years, every dollar will count.
"In my mind it's a factor you always look at," said Callahan's agent, Steven Bartlett. "I know some of the big stars get hung up on the number because it's almost an egotistical thing — and I'm not saying it's this way with Stamkos. I'm just saying a guy feels like, 'He gets 10 (million), I need 10 (million). I need nine just to validate.' But if you're smart you realize, 'I have to run the calculation.' It isn't always just the number that's thrown out there that's the real number.