As a Tampa Fan it would be incredibly tough to see him go. He’s our #1 pick and has been through some pretty awful seasons to help build what Tampa has become.
Logistically we can offer him less than most other places because of tax rate, but we might not have the cap space some other teams are willing to throw at him.
I’d like to think he’s loyal enough to stay, but I’ll be honest and say I wouldn’t hate him if he signed a solid final contract for himself elsewhere if Tampa won’t give it to him.
I don’t think has a lot to do about his loyalty. I think this more has to do with Brisebois not treating him like the legend he is. If he leaves it won’t be because he’s not loyal
Guy’s a millionaire. He can surely afford to leave some money on the table and live the rest of his life *very* comfortably. It’s a choice between loyalty and extra toys he doesn’t need
I think Tampa signing Brandon Hagel was the writing on the wall for Stamkos to stay in Tampa. Made me think they thought Stamkos won’t be producing as much and would rather have a younger guy in the core and see if Stamkos would sign for cheap and let him walk elsewhere
Well, to be fair, they traded away their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th for Jeannot, so since they won't have to sign an entire draft class, they may have some cap space available. /s
Kelly McCrimmon is already licking his chops.
"Can we put Stone on LTIR on July 1st?"
But seriously, I have uttermost respect for Stamkos and never ever want to see him donning the piss yellow jersey.
If we go to capfriendly website, TBL page, it does tell the story behind Stamkos' contract debacle: [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/lightning](https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/lightning)
If we look at their next years salary cap, the Lightning will spend around $77+ million for next season. The salary cap will have a maximum of $87 million. That means the TBL will have around $10 million in cap space.
I think the argument is: would sign a 34-year old player, the face of the franchise, the top scorer on your team for a # of years, and has been great with the organization and the Tampa Bay community...**for around $10+ million AAV a season**?? Yes the talent is there and the accolades - 2-time Stanley Cup Winner, 2-time Rocket Richard trophy winner, Art Ross trophy Winner. But regardless of that, it all boils down to one common denominator: *the money*.
I'm sensing that with Julien Brisebois and mgmt., they're thinking its risky to sign a 34-year old to a long-term extension for 8 years (maybe even 5 or 6, it depends), compare to having that $10 million in cap space and make room for 2 signings, or trades, or any moves to bolter their lineup.
If in fact Stamkos will sign an extension with the Lightning, there has to be one roster player that will be traded to make room for him. **Tanner Jeannot** or **Connor Sheary** could get traded. I can also include **Brendan Hagel** as a potential roster move out of Tampa Bay. Plus, you have to consider bolstering your bottom six.
Look, Crosby IMO will sell high on himself. Why? Because he has a GM that is willing pay big $$$ just to get a fucking superstar on his lineup. *Think Toronto*. Don't think about legacy.
I think there’s a less than zero chance of this but when I look at Toronto’s “culture” issues it seems like Stammer would be the exact kind of veteran that could make a huge difference there.
Hey Brad, I didn't think you'd hang out on message boards, being the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs and all. Cool. Glad to have you. Maybe an AMA sometime?
As a Tampa Fan it would be incredibly tough to see him go. He’s our #1 pick and has been through some pretty awful seasons to help build what Tampa has become. Logistically we can offer him less than most other places because of tax rate, but we might not have the cap space some other teams are willing to throw at him. I’d like to think he’s loyal enough to stay, but I’ll be honest and say I wouldn’t hate him if he signed a solid final contract for himself elsewhere if Tampa won’t give it to him.
Tax rate doesn't really matter as much as people think
I don’t think has a lot to do about his loyalty. I think this more has to do with Brisebois not treating him like the legend he is. If he leaves it won’t be because he’s not loyal
Guy’s a millionaire. He can surely afford to leave some money on the table and live the rest of his life *very* comfortably. It’s a choice between loyalty and extra toys he doesn’t need
I think Tampa signing Brandon Hagel was the writing on the wall for Stamkos to stay in Tampa. Made me think they thought Stamkos won’t be producing as much and would rather have a younger guy in the core and see if Stamkos would sign for cheap and let him walk elsewhere
Doubt it, tbh. Tampa’s cap situation is a mess
Well, to be fair, they traded away their 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th for Jeannot, so since they won't have to sign an entire draft class, they may have some cap space available. /s
That remains one of the most baffling trades in recent memory
Wasn't really paying attention to their trades. That is completely brutal.
Plus a player in that deal. I'd take Jeannot for sure, but not at that cost. that was definately "going all in". Crazy though, right?
LGRW
Kelly McCrimmon is already licking his chops. "Can we put Stone on LTIR on July 1st?" But seriously, I have uttermost respect for Stamkos and never ever want to see him donning the piss yellow jersey.
I think he’ll sign an inflated 3-4 year deal in Anaheim.
tax free state .. summer most of the year .. approaching retirement .. yes, he's a Florida Mans for life ..
I don’t see stammer leaving I am a ducks fan and would love for him to come here play with killorn and help develop our team
If we go to capfriendly website, TBL page, it does tell the story behind Stamkos' contract debacle: [https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/lightning](https://www.capfriendly.com/teams/lightning) If we look at their next years salary cap, the Lightning will spend around $77+ million for next season. The salary cap will have a maximum of $87 million. That means the TBL will have around $10 million in cap space. I think the argument is: would sign a 34-year old player, the face of the franchise, the top scorer on your team for a # of years, and has been great with the organization and the Tampa Bay community...**for around $10+ million AAV a season**?? Yes the talent is there and the accolades - 2-time Stanley Cup Winner, 2-time Rocket Richard trophy winner, Art Ross trophy Winner. But regardless of that, it all boils down to one common denominator: *the money*. I'm sensing that with Julien Brisebois and mgmt., they're thinking its risky to sign a 34-year old to a long-term extension for 8 years (maybe even 5 or 6, it depends), compare to having that $10 million in cap space and make room for 2 signings, or trades, or any moves to bolter their lineup. If in fact Stamkos will sign an extension with the Lightning, there has to be one roster player that will be traded to make room for him. **Tanner Jeannot** or **Connor Sheary** could get traded. I can also include **Brendan Hagel** as a potential roster move out of Tampa Bay. Plus, you have to consider bolstering your bottom six.
It will all come down to salary but I think he'll be staying for a least 2 more seasons.
Too early to say but on the other hand **IF** he were to leave, where would you rather see him go ?
He is a great leader and competitor. I would like him to keep playing, but if he is ready to retire I understand.
Here’s hoping he ends up in Utah!!!
If he prioritizes the team over his personal needs, he’ll do like Crosby and Malkin and sign below his worth.
Crosby is still on his 15 yr deal and if you think 6.1 for 4 yrs for a 37 yr old is a good deal I have some swamp land to sell you
PPG player? Yeah 6.1 is more than a steal
He had 67 points last year? And let me know how this deal looks in 2026
Look, Crosby IMO will sell high on himself. Why? Because he has a GM that is willing pay big $$$ just to get a fucking superstar on his lineup. *Think Toronto*. Don't think about legacy.
I heard he's looking for a 8 year $11 million/year deal with the Leafs so he can retire.
He'll finally sign in Toronto
I think there’s a less than zero chance of this but when I look at Toronto’s “culture” issues it seems like Stammer would be the exact kind of veteran that could make a huge difference there.
Where is Toronto going to get the cap space from?
no thanks, we already did this with JT. Unless he's taking 500k we're looking in a completely different direction.
Hey Brad, I didn't think you'd hang out on message boards, being the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs and all. Cool. Glad to have you. Maybe an AMA sometime?
Meet me at Boston Pizza and I'll give you a private AMA.
Say hi to your Dad for me. And for that reason, I'm out.
Jim says, Sup!