Drouin, Fedotenko, and ???
- jmatchett383

Marty St Louis, Stamkos and Drouin

I don't know. In TB, he can go to the local grocery store to buy some eggs without getting mobbed. In NY/Boston/Toronto he'd be mobbed (and scrutinized) everywhere he went.
- jmatchett383

and? Tons of guys in the league cherish/would cherish the opportunity to play for a more storied franchise.

To make it worse its not like the team doesnt have cup potential. They have been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conf over the prior 3 seasons (including an appearance). So this is all happening while being a contender. Not really a common theme with these situations.
- jak521

Nope. Most teams have guys that want to stay and might end up leaving for a better contract, due to limited cap space. That wasn't a big issue for St Louis. Although it might be for Stamkos-he's looking at a huge pay day.

and? Tons of guys in the league cherish/would cherish the opportunity to play for a more storied franchise.
- orangekrush2010

They also like being able to live a somewhat normal life and pay low taxes.

I guess that Lemieux guy really messed up by not playing for an original 6 team. That whole "Loyalty to the team that drafted you" thing is so overrated.

Marty St Louis, Stamkos and Drouin
- Jsaquella

So, 4. MSL, Stamkos, Drouin, and Feds

and? Tons of guys in the league cherish/would cherish the opportunity to play for a more storied franchise.
- orangekrush2010

Do those storied and historic teams have anywhere near as good a shot at a Stanley Cup as the Lightning? Leafs and Habs are out, Bruins on verge of wildcard, Red Wings currently hanging on by skin of teeth.

They also like being able to live a somewhat normal life and pay low taxes.

I guess that Lemieux guy really messed up by not playing for an original 6 team.
- jmatchett383

jesus you really like to paint all these guys with one broad brush eh? All I said is that it might be part of why these guys look to leave tampa eventually...don't think it's all that hard to believe.

Do those storied and historic teams have anywhere near as good a shot at a Stanley Cup as the Lightning? Leafs and Habs are out, Bruins on verge of wildcard, Red Wings currently hanging on by skin of teeth.
- Jsaquella

Maybe it was their dream to play for another certain team? Has that ever crossed your mind?

jesus you really like to paint all these guys with one broad brush eh? All I said is that it might be part of why these guys look to leave tampa eventually...don't think it's all that hard to believe.
- orangekrush2010

Yeah, except that the 3 guys in questions left because of rifts with management, not because of a "small market." MSL didn't like him GM not selecting him for Canada. Drouin didn't like not playing on the top line. You could argue that plays into Stamkos ($$) but I don't think players are looking to bail to play under a gigantic microscope when they could make more money and live a normal life in the beautiful Tampa area.

jesus you really like to paint all these guys with one broad brush eh? All I said is that it might be part of why these guys look to leave tampa eventually...don't think it's all that hard to believe.
- orangekrush2010

Florida is a hockey hotspot. This is known.

Florida is a hockey hotspot. This is known.
- wolfhounds

It's got two of the best teams in the NHL right now. No fanbase, but 2 very good teams.

Plus that Ghost guy.

Also, there is a guy who lives in Clifton Heights, but he swears its really Springfield. Youll know who he is as soon as he posts.
- jak521

Springfield, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, I've seen it all. Now I'm just barely over the county border on the Main Line, pining for the land of jawns

Maybe it was their dream to play for another certain team? Has that ever crossed your mind?
- orangekrush2010

Yes but no.

Every player grows up loving a certain team. How many make it the absolute obligation to play for that team during their prime. That is not the case here either.

My guess is that if he does leave the Lightning he goes to Buffalo.

Springfield, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, I've seen it all. Now I'm just barely over the county border on the Main Line, pining for the land of jawns
- BulliesPhan87

HAH! Main line. Sorry dude, but Boothwyn isnt the mainline!

Springfield, Drexel Hill, Clifton Heights, I've seen it all. Now I'm just barely over the county border on the Main Line, pining for the land of jawns
- BulliesPhan87

Spend 10 minutes at 10th and Potter in Chester and you'll be cured.

Yeah, except that the 3 guys in questions left because of rifts with management, not because of a "small market." MSL didn't like him GM not selecting him for Canada. Drouin didn't like not playing on the top line. You could argue that plays into Stamkos ($$) but I don't think players are looking to bail to play under a gigantic microscope when they could make more money and live a normal life in the beautiful Tampa area.
- jmatchett383

Florida is kind of an odd place to live..far from ideal for many people.

Maybe it was their dream to play for another certain team? Has that ever crossed your mind?
- orangekrush2010

Sure. Lot of kids dreamed of playing for the Leafs. Do they walk away from millions of dollars saved in taxes to live that dream? Does a guy who is 26 leave a ready-made contender to go to a team in the start of a rebuild?

Maybe if the Leafs are close when Stamkos is 34 or 35 and a UFA after his next huge deal, he decides to end his career by playing for his childhood team.

Yes but no.

Every player grows up loving a certain team. How many make it the absolute obligation to play for that team during their prime. That is not the case here either.

My guess is that if he does leave the Lightning he goes to Buffalo.
- jak521

how do we know that isn't the issue with stamkos? we don't. So saying it could be a consideration is just as correct as saying it isn't/

Florida is kind of an odd place to live..far from ideal for many people.
- orangekrush2010

It's definitely odd. But the Tampa area is beautiful, has beautiful weather (aside from the occasional hurricane), and the tax breaks are fantastic. I'd love to play there is I were in the NHL, despite being a Flyers fan.

Sure. Lot of kids dreamed of playing for the Leafs. Do they walk away from millions of dollars saved in taxes to live that dream? Does a guy who is 26 leave a ready-made contender to go to a team in the start of a rebuild?

Maybe if the Leafs are close when Stamkos is 34 or 35 and a UFA after his next huge deal, he decides to end his career by playing for his childhood team.
- Jsaquella

What if, for some reason, he wanted to join the rangers? or Bruins who aren't doing too badly. or Philly.

how do we know that isn't the issue with stamkos? we don't. So saying it could be a consideration is just as correct as saying it isn't/
- orangekrush2010

Great, we're all potentially right and potentially wrong. Great, let's end this.

On the border, so I try not to admit it. I was born in Delco, so I'm allowed this deception.
- wolfhounds

the meltzer thread bardmore summit will happen someday, during which we can secretly judge all the froofy mainliners

It's definitely odd. But the Tampa area is beautiful, has beautiful weather (aside from the occasional hurricane), and the tax breaks are fantastic. I'd love to play there is I were in the NHL, despite being a Flyers fan.
- jmatchett383

I had a job offer there and decided against it. Tax break is great but the population there is largely snow birds who come temporarily and its city area isn't all that bustling, for someone who wants that. (which i do)

HAH! Main line. Sorry dude, but Boothwyn isnt the mainline!
- jak521

try Haverford bruh

try Haverford bruh
- BulliesPhan87

yuppie