Would be wiser for Leaf fans to focus on those. Stamkos ain't getting to UFA. Losing him would be a crippling blow for the Lightning, it's just not going to happen.
Would of liked that homecoming with pk and stamkos. Good for the habs fans.
Subban was ridiculously expensive, so I'm kind of glad it wasn't Toronto in a position to pay out that kind of money. Hopefully the Leafs can create some cap flexibility in the next couple of years and get ahead of Tampa Bay in terms of being a desirable location to go to.
Was at Winner's yesterday with the family, and my 5 year old freaked out when he saw a Stamkos McFarlane hockey figure. He thought Stamkos was wearing a Leaf's jersey, and he got excited that Stamkos had been traded to the Leafs.
Got me thinking, if a miracle of miracles happens, and Stamkos comes home, he would immediately be the biggest athlete in all of Toronto, no questions asked. He would eclipse immediately anything the Raptors or Blue Jays are doing. He would easily be every kid's favourite Leaf, and he would be an absolute merchandising gold mine. He would be the biggest thing in Toronto since Sundin, without having played a single game in the Blue and White.
Based on my 5 year old's freak out (yeah, I had to buy him the Stamkos figure, but for $7, meh, it keeps the peace), it gave me a real reason to think about how profound an impact Stamkos would have on the psyche of Toronto, and Maple Leaf fans.
Dare to dream.........
BB
It's not going to happen. If not before, then next off-season, Tampa will offer him something like 11-12 million a year for 8 years. Who says no to that kind of money?
It's not going to happen. If not before, then next off-season, Tampa will offer him something like 11-12 million a year for 8 years. Who says no to that kind of money?
I'm not saying there's a good chance it will happen, but he seems like a guy who is more publicly pro GTA than a lot of other athletes from this area and we have no idea what he's thinking. The guy already has his face randomly all over town. I can't imagine how this town could be wall to wall Stamkos if he ever came here and would be the biggest sports star. A lot of star players shy away from the Leafs, but maybe the franchise is just waiting for the right player to come along and embrace that role.
Under the old cap in 2011, the guy probably could have held out for a 15 year Kovalchuk type contract but kept it to the minimum term to get to unrestricted free agency. Maybe he wants to keep his options open.
In any case, there's going to be a truck of money being dumped on his front lawn July 2016, and he has the option of picking who gets to pay him.
http://sports.nationalpost.com/2014...on-playing-in-toronto-and-don-cherrys-antics/
Subban would also love to play in Toronto...
After signing Stamkos and Tavares, money will be tight.
Subban must have realized this as well, hopefully my post didn't influence his decision.
Guess we'll have to settle for the #91's. Wonder who gets 1st dibs on it?
Yup, the hype for Stamkos as a Leaf would be at ridiculous levels in Ontario. Steven probably knows it as well, and perhaps he considers that option next year. We will see..
It was probably harder for Subban to walk from an Original Six club...
Sounds like a good reason to stay in Tampa Bay. Along with the nicer weather, better team, and the ability to sign for 8 years rather than 7.
Sounds like a good reason to stay in Tampa Bay. Along with the nicer weather, better team, and the ability to sign for 8 years rather than 7.
Nicer weather? He's on the road for half of the year. The only upside weather wise would be getting to wear shorts to the practice arena. He could travel down south for the offseason like most players do. I dont think there is a rule against signing a one year deal and re-signing in January fr 8 more yeara
So, you see no upside to having nice weather when you're at home during the season other than wearing shorts to the practice arena? Okay.
And as for signing for one year then eight -- that's a gamble. If he gets injured seriously during that year he could be losing millions. Actually, that's another reason to re-sign with the Lightning -- he can do it as soon as July 1, 2015. That means he only needs to worry about one season (the upcoming one) as far as potential career-ending injuries go. Not to mention, there's less tax to be paid in Tampa Bay and I believe the cost of living is also lower.
I have to admit I know little about Stamkos' relationship situation. Is he married? If so, where is his wife from?
But to be honest, to me, the biggest reason to not sign with the Leafs is Leafs fans. Or moreso, those fans who seem to lack boundaries. You know, the ones who think it's okay to go up to players during their off-hours and start talking to them or bugging them for autographs. Sure, if the player is making an official appearance, then you can talk to him; otherwise, fans should leave players alone and let them live their lives.
I have a house in West Palm beach and Florida is not a dump.
The problem with Florida is you can buy a beautiful mansionesque home for next to nothing. Which is normally great, except for 2 minutes down the road in any direction and you are near a trailer park or a ghetto. My house is in a gated community (which is common there) which keeps out any "unnecessary" pedestrians but its still near some relatively sketchy areas.
So, you see no upside to having nice weather when you're at home during the season other than wearing shorts to the practice arena? Okay.
And as for signing for one year then eight -- that's a gamble. If he gets injured seriously during that year he could be losing millions. Actually, that's another reason to re-sign with the Lightning -- he can do it as soon as July 1, 2015. That means he only needs to worry about one season (the upcoming one) as far as potential career-ending injuries go. Not to mention, there's less tax to be paid in Tampa Bay and I believe the cost of living is also lower.
I have to admit I know little about Stamkos' relationship situation. Is he married? If so, where is his wife from?
But to be honest, to me, the biggest reason to not sign with the Leafs is Leafs fans. Or moreso, those fans who seem to lack boundaries. You know, the ones who think it's okay to go up to players during their off-hours and start talking to them or bugging them for autographs. Sure, if the player is making an official appearance, then you can talk to him; otherwise, fans should leave players alone and let them live their lives.