Stamkos will be exactly like the Kane trade to the Rangers last year. He controls everything. If he wants to move on, Tampa is going to have to deal solely with the team of his choice, or get nothing. It’s just the way it is, moving players with total control….
Exactly why Friedman said, “watch out for Detroit.”
Very much like Kane, Stamkos will be looking for the team he wants to (finish his career with) next summer, and if that team is in the hunt this year, may as well go there now, and test what it’s gonna be like.
We can’t forget the obvious connections as well. There was also some speculation the Kane thing might not happen, because of what likely may happen with Stamkos. So it’s smart to assume, the Kane signing has no bearing on their interest in Stamkos.
For the younger crowd who may not know…. Detroit probably has the greatest reputation for the way they treat veteran players. Everything is first class. From their plane, to how they get treated on the road, to doctors, etc, etc. They’ve just not been good enough in recent years, to be the destination they always had been. With what they have, and with what’s coming, that’s obviously changing. Players are treated like gods there, without all the outside noise, and the team always seems to find a place for players, after their playing days. It’s also always been a great fit, being so close to home for so many GTA players, without having to deal with the Toronto media..
So it’s probably time again, for people to accept Detroit is going to be “in on” a lot of high end free agents, and players who have a say in where they go play.
theathletic.com
