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"Yes Virginia, there IS a Stamkos Clause" (and Leafs ARE Exploring It) |
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A year ago, hell three months ago, I would have said, "Not a chance," in fact I did SEVERAL times say just that very thing in response to email after email, on Podcasts, to my neighbor, to my mom, to countless users with names like "LeafNation239...."
"Stammer has no desire to leave Tampa," I would say with the upmost confidence of the guy who once didn't write a rumor that the Islanders couldn't POSSIBLY be naming their backup goalie their new GM...
Why would Stamkos leave a great situation in Tampa where he could live a happy life free of constant ridicule? Why would Stamkos trade the occasional autograph seeker on St Armand's Circle for the throngs of those wearing Blue and White on Yonge Street? After all, the Lightning were a team on the rise with a great young coach and nothing but blue skies and 75 degree Christmas seasons...
A year ago I predicted Stamkos would net 60 in 2014-15. A year ago there was NO doubt as to who the best forward was on the Lightning...Stamkos was, by a power of 2. A year ago I would have told you that Stamkos would have been extended at the first possible moment.
A year ago the Leafs were a mess...now Shanahan has slowly built a dream team of a front office...with a coach who knows Stamkos very well and TRUSTS Stamkos entirely...
But now it is a year later and its way more complicated. The Lightning want to sign him, but Stamkos isn't the sniper he was, despite playing a more complete game and being as competitive as ever on the ice. Stamkos was relied on for more than just goals and while that SHOULDN'T hurt his negotiation it might be changing the tone a bit.
And a year ago I never would have gotten multiple texts over a weekend in July that Stamkos to Toronto is now at least plausible and for certain under Shanny and Lou's consideration....
I am not saying its going to happen...in fact who knows if the Lightning don't already have a deal in place....but it doesn't sound that way...at least according to those familiar with the situation I have been talking with...
The bigger question might be "Do the Leafs have enough to make it happen?"
One source has told me they want to do the deal PRIOR to the coming season. They want to be able to see if they can extend him, and once they know the answer, they don't want to wait on it.
The Lightning need to decide sooner than later as well. This is tough call. This is the team that once had to deal with contracts to Lecavalier and Richards that were signed at the wrong time when the player had less than the amount of affective years remaining...
This Stamkos saga is going to be interesting...and that is another thing I NEVER thought I would say. EVER.
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