There can be NO debate about Tampa having a better roster, better prospects, more potential, closer to the cup etc... Really?

Goaltending... Both teams looked crappy when their starters went down. Bishop had better numbers but it was also a career year sort of out of nowhere. This was Bernier's first season as a starter. Last year's edge goes to Tampa, but I would not trade Bernier for Bishop. Their career stat are almost identical and Bernier is 2 years younger. Probably a toss-up here. Right now,of Reimer is the better backup. Thank God you guys got rid of Lindback.

Defense...Tampa has the best Dman in Hedman, but Rielly looked better than Hedman in their rookie seasons. I would really think hard about a straight up trade there even though Hedman is much better today. After that ... you can argue that the Leafs have the next best couple in Phaneuf and Gardiner. I am not including Franson because he is likely to be traded. They also have Finn in the system, probably the best D-prospect not on the big team. Tampa wins top D - Toronto probably wins depth.

Forwards...We don't include Stamkos because the whole point to this thread is whether Stamkos would be closer to a cup in Tampa or Toronto. Toronto wins the top line, especially considering they do it with a 3rd line center. Tampa has the next best couple and then Toronto again at the next teir down.
Toronto wins the two next best forwards (after Stamkos). Depth is pretty much a toss up and I think Tampa clearly wins the best young forwards.

Farm ... I realize that the performance of the AHL affiliate is not wholly indicative of the quality of the farm, but Toronto was MUCH better and was not a team loaded with vet's.

Oh, and the top scorer in the OHL last year was a Toronto Prospect.

So I am not prepared to say Toronto has a better surrounding cast for Stamkos but for some people here to categorically state that Tampa is better is pretty silly. At the very least the two organizations compare fairly well.
- Aetherial

Yes I disagree also bishop was a first time NHL starter! Drouin is better then any prospect the leafs. Have!

Did you get super mad when you reached the exit and it was locked? Did you think you were going to burn to death?
- systemtool

No but your attempt at humor is crashing and burning. Please you were in over your head before you typed a letter.

buddy, do you watch Toronto games? Dion is a (frank)ing clown out there. He's almost your worse defenseman, the amount of mistakes he makes is absurd for a guy with that experience and responsibility as captain.
- RileyB77

Sad days in Toronto when that contract was inked
- lumlums

No, I'll give u Vinny L for him, at least Clarkson can play.

No but your attempt at humor is crashing and burning. Please you were in over your head before you typed a letter.
- tpd11

I wonder if Stamkos will favourite your post like favourited the idea of coming to Toronto.

So, did anyone in the theatre laugh at you when you ran like a wussy after that guy yelled fire?

I wonder if Stamkos will favourite your post like favourited the idea of coming to Toronto.

So, did anyone in the theatre laugh at you when you ran like a wussy after that guy yelled fire?
- systemtool

No one wants to go to Toronto but they are all from there, does that tell you something?

The fact you said Toronto wins first line because they have a 3C playing on it is rediculous. Do you know who our 1C is? Stamkos. Who are his wingers? Anyone. Because hes (frank)ing brilliant.


- RileyB77

I know this is difficult for you... but please try to follow the point of the thread and the discussion.

It is about providing a supporting cast for Stamkos. So you don't include Stamkos.

Do you understand now? Do you really think I somehow *forgot* Stamkos. I am the only one here arguing with facts. The rebuttals so far are all about opinion on how good your prospects are. Even if I like a lot of the Tampa prospects, you can't assume all of them, or even most of them reach their potential. Sorry but it just doesn't work that way.

Yes I disagree also bishop was a first time NHL starter! Drouin is better then any prospect the leafs. Have!
- todd1a

Did I say this?

No one wants to go to Toronto but they are all from there, does that tell you something?
- tpd11

That you just made something up?

Stamkos favourited a tweet about hometown players coming to Toronto. Does that tell you something?

No one wants to go to Toronto but they are all from there, does that tell you something?
- tpd11

Brian Boyle turned them down lol

No one wants to go to Toronto but they are all from there, does that tell you something?
- tpd11

Tells me taxes are lower and temperatures are warmer. It also explains why a lot of FA's don't want to go anywhere in Canada at all.

... but we'll just go with whatever dumb-ass idea you have.

I know this is difficult for you... but please try to follow the point of the thread and the discussion.

It is about providing a supporting cast for Stamkos. So you don't include Stamkos.

Do you understand now? Do you really think I somehow *forgot* Stamkos. I am the only one here arguing with facts. The rebuttals so far are all about opinion on how good your prospects are. Even if I like a lot of the Tampa prospects, you can't assume all of them, or even most of them reach their potential. Sorry but it just doesn't work that way.
- Aetherial

Are number 3 center Tyler Johnson would be the leafs best center what does that tell you ?

Yes I disagree also bishop was a first time NHL starter! Drouin is better then any prospect the leafs. Have!
- todd1a

Tampa has got a very good system, with some very good pieces signed and in the pipeline. They definitely have an edge in coaching (then again, a toaster can outwit our coach) and Stevie Y seems to be doing a solid job of loading the cupboard.

That said, the Leafs have in my (perhaps biased) opinion some of the more underrated prospects out there. Our Swedish/Euro scout has done a great job with some later round picks, including your own Stralman, and we have guys like Granberg, Tom Nilsson, Andreas Johnson, Victor Loov who are all pretty much unheard of outside of TO, but are all rounding out into very solid prospects. In addition, Matt Finn looks like he may have been a steal of a 2nd, not to mention Connor Brown for whom the only question has ever been size, not compete or skill.

The good thing is that we don't have to sit here flexing our internet muscles; being in the same division will ensure that there is always solid competition between the two teams. And regardless of what happens between our teams, I'm sure that we can both team up and pound the snot out of the Habs

No, I'll give u Vinny L for him, at least Clarkson can play.
- puckhead17

Jeeze really? Dude Clarkson was horrible last year. I would take Vinny for him.

Brian Boyle turned them down lol
- todd1a

He has that chip on his shoulder like a little brother who never wins.

Leaf fans

If you can't play nice i suggest returning to the leaf boards

Not about to sit back and watch you troll

Are number 3 center Tyler Johnson would be the leafs best center what does that tell you ?
- todd1a

...That you have never heard of Nazem Kadri?

Tampa has got a very good system, with some very good pieces signed and in the pipeline. They definitely have an edge in coaching (then again, a toaster can outwit our coach) and Stevie Y seems to be doing a solid job of loading the cupboard.

That said, the Leafs have in my (perhaps biased) opinion some of the more underrated prospects out there. Our Swedish/Euro scout has done a great job with some later round picks, including your own Stralman, and we have guys like Granberg, Tom Nilsson, Andreas Johnson, Victor Loov who are all pretty much unheard of outside of TO, but are all rounding out into very solid prospects. In addition, Matt Finn looks like he may have been a steal of a 2nd, not to mention Connor Brown for whom the only question has ever been size, not compete or skill.

The good thing is that we don't have to sit here flexing our internet muscles; being in the same division will ensure that there is always solid competition between the two teams. And regardless of what happens between our teams, I'm sure that we can both team up and pound the snot out of the Habs
- lumlums

The real point is that they just assumed that there could be no debate because their blogger said so. When I made a debate, using facts, I got a lot of opinion in return.

I dunno if I think Toronto has a better team or future ... but I think there is an argument to be made.

Jeeze really? Dude Clarkson was horrible last year. I would take Vinny for him.
- Aetherial

Save your receipt on the trade, Vinny can not skate, or pass, he can only shoot

I know lebron went home but that does not mean stamkos will lol he is a lot smarter then lebron is.

The rangers and lightening fans have had our.differences on this board since the MSL trade but this is a no.brainer we can all agree on
- rangerdanger94

The Lightening is what that Leafs first rounder does to his hair every night!

...That you have never heard of Nazem Kadri?
- lumlums

He is not better then Tyler Johnson lol

Leaf fans

If you can't play nice i suggest returning to the leaf boards

Not about to sit back and watch you troll
- Dozzer

you tell em, Boss Hog

It's really no contest. There are maybe 2 or 3 teams in the entire nhl that wouldnt trade their entire rosters and farms for tampas right now.
- rangerdanger94