Stamkos

[Mski]

They were talking about him on the radio this morning. He is a RFA, and rumors are that Toronto is going to send him a large offer sheet. The maximum allowed salary this year with the cap going up is roughly 12.8M per year. Do you think he is the type of player a team should pay the max to in lieu of 2 top quality guys?

[The King]

Stamkos is phenominal. I dont think he'd want to leave TB for Toronto though. He's got his best chance of winning a cup where he is. They just need to improve on defense.

[Mski]

i agree his best chance for a championship is in TB, but if he were to get an offer like that from toronto, or anyone else for that matter, i dont think there is anyway that tampa would/could match it, so would he stay for far less money for a championship, or take the payday?

[The King]

I think he'd rather play with Lecav, St Louis and Gagne for less than with Kessel.

Don't forget last season was Boucher's first. TB is going to contend once again next year.

[OpIv37]

That's devoting 20+% of the salary cap to one player.

No one in the NHL is worth that.

In addition, the term is far too long for any pro athlete. Far too risky.

[Mski]

That's devoting 20+% of the salary cap to one player.

No one in the NHL is worth that.

In addition, the term is far too long for any pro athlete. Far too risky.

thats what Chara got when he went to boston, thats what Ilyia got in NY... just the cap was lower when they signed their deals

[trapezeus]

if toronto did that, you have to think about it as tampa.

you don't want to sign stamkos to a $12MM a year salary as that will lock you in with one player. (maybe you do with him since he's young, but he's still not a proven commodity yet).

in return you'd get 4 first rounds from a team that has sucked for a long time and most likely will continue to suck because they won't be able to sign other players.

your team will mostlikely tank, and in those 4 years, you may get 2 top 5 picks. You could go from good to dynasty or at the very least NHL marketing favorites so your bottom line would grow.

you have to consider it, i think.

[The King]

The Bruins shelled out a ton the year they got Chara and Savard, they nabbed the #1 and 2 FA's that year.

[clumping platelets]

TB is rumored toi be shopping Malone..............I'll take him

[The King]

He's got a great motor on him. Could be a big leader for a young team.

[TheGhostofJimKelly]

Stamkos was unreal at the beginning of the season. During the last few months he disappeared. I don't think any player is worth that much scratch.

[User Manuel]

Not.Gonna.Happen.

[THATHURMANATOR]

NOT WORTH IT.

[TMu11]

I'd sign him for that much at 5 years TOPS. I still don't like the Vanek deal, and I'd be pissed if they went and did this one

[rbochan]

"I think it's close," he said of a new deal. "I don't think it's far off. As close as we are, it's not something I'm really worried about."

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/hockey/lightning/article1176654.ece

[Dozerdog]

Lecavillier is already signed for 7 million for what- 8 or 9 years?

2 guys making 20 Million total on your team really handcuffs them- especially if one gets hurt. Look at the Islanders- they still are paying out Alexi Yashin and have DePietrro as an albatross around their neck

[swiper]

Sign him!

[Downinfloflo]

Him, Kane and Toews are going to make stupid money....LOL $12-15 mill each!!

Lots of talk that he really like Toronto, Is he from there?

[coastal]

Stamkos and Kessel... oh hell yeah!!!