Latest on the Red Wings, Canadiens and Bruins in today’s NHL Rumor mill.
Could the Red Wings and Canadiens pursue Stamkos?
Could the Red Wings and Canadiens get into the bidding for Steven Stamkos this summer?
THE GLOBE AND MAIL’s James Mirtle observed a lot of hockey people believe the Detroit Red Wings have a shot at signing Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos via free agency in July.
NHL.COM: Nicholas J. Cotsonika commented on recent speculation suggesting the Wings could trade away the final season of center Pavel Datsyuk’s contract if he decides to return to Russia, thus freeing up cap space to pursue Stamkos. However, he believes that’s easier said than done. “There are few teams that could absorb Datsyuk’s cap charge, and they know the Red Wings’ situation. They will want a major asset in return, perhaps a first-round pick,” said Cotsonika.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I concur with Cotsonika. If Datsyuk returns home to Russia, I expect GM Ken Holland will try to move his contract, but it will be part of a larger deal.
Look at the trades last summer involving the contracts of Chris Pronger and Marc Savard. The Philadelphia Flyers had to include defenseman Nicklas Grossmann in the deal and take back center Sam Gagner from the Arizona Coyotes. In addition to the Florida Panthers taking on Savard’s contract, the Boston Bruins had to part with Reilly Smith and take back Jimmy Hayes.
Any club willing to take on the final season of Datsyuk’s contract ($7.5 million cap hit, $5.5 million in actual salary) will squeeze Holland for either a first-round draft pick, a top prospect or one of their good young roster players.
SPORTSNET: Eric Engels believes the Montreal Canadiens should be first in line to pursue Stamkos via free agency this summer. In order to fit a new contract for the superstar under the salary cap for next season, Engel suggests GM Marc Bergevin could jettison some fringe pieces such as forwards David Desharnais and Lars Eller, who each make $3.5 million and are unlikely to return next season. He also believes center Tomas Plekanec ($6 million annually and lacking a no-trade clause) and Alexei Emelin (limited no-trade effective July 1) could also be moved. Engels feels the Habs have a lot to offer Stamkos, like the opportunity to be their full-time first-line center and a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Maybe Bergevin can pull off those suggested moves and convince Stamkos to join the Canadiens. It’ll certainly help him regain the confidence of Habs fans currently unhappy over his handling of the roster this season. And it would probably blow the minds of the true believers in Leafs Nation who think Stamkos is coming home to Toronto as a free agent. With all due respect to Engels, however, his suggestions are easier said than done.
I don’t see much of a market for an inconsistent scorer like Desharnais. Eller will never blossom into the reliable second-line scorer many Canadiens fans once believed him to be. Plekanec is a good two-way center, but he’ll turn 34 in October and his annual cap hit ($6 million through 2017-18) is very expensive. Can’t see too many clubs being keen for his services. Emelin first popped up in trade rumors last season, but his $4.1 million cap hit through 2017-18 won’t be an easy move even with a modified NTC.
Which Bruins core players won’t return next season?
CSNNE.COM: Right wing Loui Eriksson is the most likely of the Boston Bruins core players not to return after this season. Eriksson is a unrestricted free agent and it’s unlikely the Bruins will pay up to retain him. Though GM Don Sweeney isn’t inclined toward moving goalie Tuukka Rask, though he could be moved if there’s an “earth-shattering” deal bubbling below the surface. Unless aging defenseman Zdeno Chara asks to be dealt to a contender, it hard to see them making that move as the Bruins defense corps would be even worse without him. Center David Krejci’s no-movement clause will keep him in Boston unless he asks to be moved.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This is just a synopsis and I recommend reading the piece in its entirety. Of their core players, the only goner is Eriksson. I don’t believe they’ll trade Rask. He’s got a full no-movement clause for 2016-17 and there’s really no suitable replacements for him via trade or free agency. If Chara wants to stay, there’s nothing the Bruins can do about it. Ditto Krejci.
Stamkos is worth $8M tops – anything above that is overpay. I see teams shying away from the $10M+ contracts unless the players involved are Stanley Cup-proven players that are deemed totally invaluable to their organizations. Stammer is a great player, but he is not in that class. Bolts have already moved in in the playoffs without him.
Hanson brother, hate to be the bringer of bad news but Stammer and Toews have almost equal careers. Stammer has played less games and has only 2 points less than Toews.
If Toews is worth 10.5 MPY so is Stammer, just saying…….
Yeah, and when Stamkos does ALL the THINGS Tazer does as a centre (remember, he was delegated to wing when he wasn’t getting it done as a pivot) THEN you can start making comparisons.
Again looking at the point totals can’t give you the full picture, even in a friendly debate.
Bill, good points well taken.
bill and thunder its fine offensively to compare but stammer is nowhere near as good defensively as toews or kopitar!
thanks for chiming in guys, good discussions. I like both players – but until Stamkos LEADS his team to a Cup, I will stick with Toews. Kopitar too
if stats were the only thing that mattered you would not need GMs. just pay some fantasy dork to run the show.. If you think Toews and Stamkos are worth the same at this stage of their respective careers i’ve got some land upstate you might be interested in..
What about the 3 cup rings Toews has. I call that a significant difference. How many does Stamkos have?
Toews is Chicago’s #1 shut down center. He goes up against the other teams best line all night. Stamkos has never played that role.
Salaries aren’t just about getting points. It’s a significant factor [he biggest but for some players a small group they get significantly more money for a multitude of other reasons’s. See Toews, Kesler, Callahan, Brown etc.
I agree Toews is a better player than Stamkos, somehow that doesn’t mean to me he is not worth 10.5 million. If Chicago were to sign him then sure he would get paid less than Toews bit another team is going to sign him and if it cost them Toews like money to get a guy who offensive punch is equivalent and can solidify the teams roster than he is worth it, sometimes its a matter of who is willing to pay that determines a players worth.
Maybe so but where’s Stamkos’s rings?
Jeff Noel.
I agree. The whole concept of comparables by which players & agents demand specific dollars is flawed as few players can be truly compared. There has been no Stamkos come to market yet in the NHL as a UFA. He is the 1st superstar to be made available at such a young age go unsigned. TB erred in how they structured his previous contract. Toronto just made the same mistake with Rielly. Numerous teams will offer up ridiculous money for the chance to sign him for nothing more than cash.
The system is flawed. Comparing players when some are RFAs as opposed to UFAs is impossible & few teams seem willing to take a hard stance with players to get what is truly a fair contract for both. Greed runs rampant on all sides but more times than not teams capitulate to the player as opposed to the player giving in to the team.
The NHLPA & player agents want players like Stamkos to help raise the bar on salaries for others as opposed to accepting fair contracts. Thankfully the CBA limits players abilities to exceed 50% of revenues & even though these UFAs may pull up the top end contracts every NHLPA member will have their full salaries clawed back so as these contracts do not exceed 50% of league revenue in total.
If I ran my business sharing profits equally, 50 50 with my employees after costs, before taxes, my business would be bankrupt, as I don`t have the means to subsidize business operations from anything other than the revenue the business generates, nor do many NHL teams.
The nature of my business similar to the NHL, doing business not only in Canada but the US daily but also other areas of the world makes the various tax implications problematic. It always shocks me when numerous people here & else where say that teams should be willing to lose money to run their sports franchises. I wish you all had to run your own businesses & had to pay for those wishes out of your own pockets.
I am certainly not prepared to, nor could I even if I wished to, it would essentially bankrupt my company. I will layoff, or severance off any & all employees or contract labor to protect my income & profit requirements as the market dictates & have had to do so 3 times since going solo as an independent company working in the petroleum industry.
I agree, especially since the cap is not rising like it once was.
By way of comparison Kessler’s new deal is 6.875, O’reilly’s 7.5, Stepan 6.5. I’m not knocking anyone of these players, but the market dictates what these guys seek in $$$’s. I can’t imagine Stamkos settling for 500k more than O’reillys average.
Oreilly is prob a better all around player at this stage of their careers. his market will be limited to teams that can win over the next 2 to 3 years. many of those are already near their cap. he is not the same player he used to be. he just isn’t.
There is no way he gets 8 mill at 8 yrs. no way. 8 mill at 4 or 5 maybe, but 8 yrs. get the heck out of here.
Factoring in slary I take O’Reilly at 7.5 before I take Stamkos at 10 plus.
O’Reilly is 1 of the top 5 2 way centers in the game today & just now getting the opportunity not to have to play the fiddle to others. Buffalo appreciates O’Reilly, something Sakic & Roy just refused to do.
I’m not saying he SHOULD get 8 or 10. I’m pointing out what other centers are getting. I never really make trade proposals, or any crazy type predictions here. But I’ll go out on a limb and say….
(bookmark this if I’m wrong). If Stamkos hits the open market he is getting 8-10 on a max deal. I guarantee it! He is not signing a deal comparable to 2nd (1B) line centers. Whether or not he deserves it or lives up to it……
joenardonesson@gmail.com
Unfortunately your wrong. Stamkos apparently has already rejected 8 years at 8.5 from TB. Stamkos is the youngest UFA to come to market yet under this current CBA structure. He turned 26 in February. As much as I agree with you about his worth I’m also a realist. Some team who has no vested interest in the costs spent to draft & develop Stamkos is going to pony up 10 million per year minimum. I lay let them & allow him to walk potentially trading his rights for what ever may be available so the team he chooses can get the 8th year.
Nothing is more inflationary to the NHL’s business model than the ability to become a UFA for some as early as 26; have to play as an 18 year old, most 27 or college players that can do so as early as 22. Thankfully college players are at least governed under ELC contract limits but another serious flaw with the NHL’s current business model.
O’Reilly was a perfect catch for Buffalo. He is a 200′ player, a worker, leader and teacher of the young kids. He is to Buffalo what Pavel he been to Detroit – the player everyone can look up to.
I criticize Murray for some of his deals, but not this one.
4th Hanson brother.
I couldn’t agree with you more. For me the best 5, 2 way centers in the game today in order are Toews, Bergeron, Kopitar, O`Reilly & Kesler. In the next rung you have Barkov coming on like gang busters & could move in to that group as early as next season possibly dislodging Kesler. Then guys like Koivu, Stepan, Backes & Little. Good solid 2 way players. Some who play as their teams number ones currently but most as their respective teams number 2s.
I agree with Hanson. 8yrs @ 8M would be the max. But, we know he will sign for 10 somewhere, just not the Leafs I hope. As for points they are about equal but that really doesn’t tell the whole story between Toews and Stamkos. Lots of other stats to take into consideration. One example that I really follow is takeaways and Toews is way ahead.
ya toews is a lot better than stammer on the defensive side
People said all year Drouin wasn’t worth anything. Watching him in the playoffs I beleive would change many minds, Tampa’s asking price just keeps going up and up each game. Just be cause Stamkos isn’t invaluable to Tampa doesn’t mean he isn’t a great player it speaks more towards how good a team Tampa is.
Yes, that’s right. The asking price for Drouin will have gone up considerably, by the time Tampa’s playoff run is over. And, yes, Stamkos is an elite player, who is just entering the prime years of his career. My bet is that he’ll receive $10 to $11 mil yearly, over 8 years, because he won’t be signing anywhere contract until he gets it.
I didn’t, just the opposite in fact. I said he was exactly what he was drafted to be & will eventually be. My opinion got me a ton of flack on a very personal a derogatory level completely unrelated to hockey by the usual suspects. Again all good. Firm believer in Karma.
This is playing out exactly as stated it would & I would be shocked if Drouin is even moved after the run TB is making & is about to make. Drouin has to be happy with his role & contribution now. He is now playing Coopers system, has paid some of hard dues; self inflicted, has recovered from injury, barely playing this season & started playing where, when & how he has been asked repeatedly. A Cinderella story in the making.
TB even with out Stamkos or Stralman; who may be back before round 2 is over, has a very good chance of beating out NYI or Flo in round 2. Having brushed Detroit aside quickly they will get lots of time to heel; at least a week with the NYI & Flo series going to at least 6 games if not 7, some on going injury issues. Breaks always concern me but TB had Hedman, Johnson, Callahan, Johnson & others all ailing to start round 1 & this down time will help tremendously.
Sorry listed Johnson twice. Ha-ha! Dam phone & it`s small screen.
Anyone who said Drouin isn’t worth anything, obviously never seen Drouin play. I think people just over inflated the entire thing, and were chalking up his value by the dispute.
Striker
” I didn’t, just the opposite in fact. I said he was exactly what he was drafted to be & will eventually be. My opinion got me a ton of flack on a very personal a derogatory level completely unrelated to hockey by the usual suspects. Again all good. Firm believer in Karma. ”
Agreed 100 % !
good hockey comment yankee??? lmao
Thx Bigbear ! Learned it all from you !!
There is a big misconception among fans and pundits about the production of “reliable” 2nd line scorers – 15 goals is about average and 20 goals would put you at the top of the heap. Eller has averaged about 13- 14 goals per 80 games played over his career, mostly on the 3rd line and with very little PP time. He is not as non-productive as most people claim.
I think it is more about the inability to line him up at second line centre and be confidnet their is adequate results at both ends each and every night, not a debate if 13 goals gets him there…
They’d have to play Eller at 2C at some point to know whether or not he can produce at 2C wouldn’t they? It’s more of a refusal by Therrien to give Eller a chance than anything else.
Anybody else think Stamko’s camp will moderately test the market to set the price for TB to retain? I think that might be the play…not going greedy and shouldering Montreal or Toronto “rebirths.”
The Red Wings do have a nice group to play around Stamkos, and maybe that is the best fit fit he wants to win, and not just cash in…
Bill,
Fairly common for free agents to do I would think, test the market, get the term and annual and go back to the other team to see if they’ll match or offer that. I do think though either way, wherever he goes, he’s going to be paid very close to what the market dictates. I would think if he were interested in taking a hometown discount then none of us would be talking about Stamkos being a free agent this summer… the fact he hasn’t signed with Tampa yet, leads me to believe he intends on leaving. The Red Wings would be a great place for him, however, they have to move that Datsyuk contract… and they’re going to need to overpay a team to take it, especially if their plan is to sign Stamkos. Teams won’t be doing any favors. Be prepared to move your 1st round pick and maybe even a good prospect.
I think the Bolts are already looking past Stamkos. Too many players up for raises to contemplate paying stammer what he is looking for.
Don’t get me wrong – I like Stamkos as a player, he seems like a good guy too. This just isn’t the right situation for him to stay in TB and Stevie knows it.
I agree. As much as I would like to see him stay only if he takes 8.5 for 8. Otherwise I allow teams to start speaking to him earl in hopes of trading his rights to the team he wishes to sign with for 8 years as opposed to 7 if its as a UFA.
I think the team he signs with would pay something to have the right to finalize negotiations with him before all teams can pitch him & get the extra year of term. I think Stankos has a small list of teams he`s willing to play for & Yzerman simply takes what ever he can get. The gain or return is simply the cap space provided by letting him go & what ever return might be garnered moving his rights is just gravy.
Striker,
I think Tampa could still get back a decent draft pick for his rights, for example Boston was given a 6th round pick from the Avalanche for the rights of Soderberg… obviously Soderberg and Stamkos aren’t even on the same wave length. I’d expect at least a 3rd round pick. Seems right to me. Lots of value in the 3rd round.
I agree Chad. I think it will be even more than that. I’m thinking 2nd & B grade prospect.
Using Det as example. A 2nd & a player like Pulkkinen. Not saying that specificly just something like that.
Could very well be, I know it won’t compensate for a player of Stamkos’ caliber but it’ll be something. The last few drafts have put out some great players in rounds other than the 1st. There is hope that they use the pick and draft someone very capable of making an impact on the team. Sami Vatanen was drafted in the 4th round and Colin Miller in the 5th.
I don’t get everyone saying “if he wants to win.” If he wants to win he stays in Tampa. If he wants more than that I see Montreal or Toronto most likely for sentimental reasons. But his best shot at winning in the east at least realistically is Tampa.
I can’t see Detroit being able to shed Datsyuk’s salary (even with an asset) before July 1st, as most teams will not want to handcuff themselves before free agency opens. To me that makes Stamkos an even longer shot to land with the wings simply because they won’t have the necessary cap room until after every team’s rosters have been established (likely mid-late July). It’s a pretty impressive crop of free agents without Stamkos, I just can’t see any team (with money to spend) taking on Datsyuk’s contract before July 1. To me it’ll likely be a 2017 1st rounder they’ll have to throw in not this year’s.
if they have a chance at stamkos I think they will give up what they have to to move datsyuks contract. not very often you get a chance to get a stamkos so if you have to move a non lottery first to do so than you do it!
I’m not questioning whether they should big bear. I don’t think they’ll be able to in time.
teams have a grace period to be so much over the cap I don’t think time will be an issue?
They can be 10% over the cap during the off season, I don’t believe there’s a grace period… it’s a percent until the start of the season from my understanding
your right chad bad choice of words on my part It is the summer.
bigbear,
I re-read what you wrote and figured it was just the choice of words, I know you now the guideline haha, most of us do anyways. I’ve read from a couple of websites that they project the cap to be around $74.5m next season… would leave approx. $7.45m open as an overage (10%). Not sure what Detroit’s cap situation is currently, but they may be able to swing it up front and then worry about moving Datsyuk’s contract during the summer.
Durtmchurtt,
I think there are teams that will be willing to do so, every team by now knows the position Datsyuk has put the Red Wings in. It’s likely some GM’s have already called to get a feeler on what the Wings are willing to move in order for a team to retain that contract.
“Any club willing to take on the final season of Datsyuk’s contract ($7.5 million cap hit, $5.5 million in actual salary) will squeeze Holland for either a first-round draft pick, a top prospect or one of their good young roster players”
This is absolutely exactly what it’s going to take to convince a team to take on the contract. I’ve been reading far too many fantasy articles written by Red Wings fans, followers, reporters, ect. that think shedding this contract is going to be A) An easy task and B) Will not require moving any major assets because there are teams that need to reach the floor. A lot of the teams that need to reach the floor have internal cap limits in their organization and also need to make additions in the off season. If you’re going to move that contract (entire contract) and not retain any money then be prepared Red Wings fans to be disappointed with what you have to give up… you’re not going to be able to move that contract for simply a 2nd round pick and scrub prospect, bottom 6 player, or 3rd line defenseman. You’re going to have to overpay in terms of assets, and you’ll be crunched to do it if the Red Wings are planning to make a run at Stamkos.
There are at least 6 teams that could take on Datsyuk’s cap hit next season, ice the rosters they are going to ice & not exceed the cap at some where between 73 & 74 million comfortably.
1 of those 6 teams will take an asset from Detroit & it would be very bad for Detroit if it goes past July 1st as it would seriously handcuff Detroit if Datsyuk’s cap hit is still on the books come the UFA race on July 1st.
Go look at Detroit’s UFA & RFA picture. With only 15 players signed & 16 million to spend with Datysuk on the books it’s a serious problem. Dekeyser, Sheahan & Mrazek are all getting substantial raises. Pulkkinen & Marchenko are also RFA’s. Quincey & Helm are UFA’s that need to be signed or replaced. I assume Richards & Miller walk as UFA’s.
This is not a pretty picture & the closer Detroit goes to July 1st with Datsyuk still on the books the higher the cost to convince a team to eat his cap hit. His contract will be mutually terminated by what ever team acquires his rights so even though they take the cap hit they don’t pay him a cent.
Toronto has all the cap space and money in the world and management that believes in draft quantity. It wouldn’t surprise me if they took him off detroits hands for a second or third and maybe a contract like greening or Michalik going the other way
I think you may want to go & review Toronto’s cap space issues before making such statements. They dont currently have as much space as you would think. Players cant be put on LTIR until opening day of the season. The day prior when teams are required to submit their 23 man rosters they dont account for LTIR & injured players count against the cap & wavers.
This is why Philly & Boston paid Arizona & Florida assets to take these respective contracts on. Just like Detroit is going to be forced to do.
Toronto has 15 players signed for next season currently & Just under 14 million in cap space. Now I assume they will buy out Cowen that will actually give them almost 4 million in additional cap space with his cap hit & 650K credit his buyout brings in his 1st year of his buy out.
I also assume they will work to trade out some salaried veterans just not sure how they are going to do so yet. It will be interesting to see what transpires in Toronto this summer.
Brew Stoughty and Striker,
Correct me if I’m wrong but looking at the 2016-2017 season, Spotrac has Toronto currently pegged at $60.9m committed to 16 players. I’m no expert in cap management and the NHL is quite confusing in that matter regardless but I would say that Toronto doesn’t have “all of the cap space and money in the world”. Now some of those contracts will be put onto LTIR, but as Striker mentioned that can’t be done until opening day of the new season. Boston was faced with this problem yearly until they eventually moved the Savard contract. A lot of people lately have been bashing the Bruins because of the Reilly Smith trade, as Smith is wearing the “A” in Florida and has been a fantastic player for their organization and in the post season thus far. What people keep focusing on is that Boston got back Jimmy Hayes, which had a terrible year and was practically a non factor every night. What a lot of people fail to realize is that Boston also sent Savard’s contract to Florida… this was a huge move as it relieved the over $4m per cap hit each summer and allowed flexibility during the off seasons. For teams to take on other contracts, there has to be valuable assets moved. Teams aren’t out there looking to take on cap hits to help other teams, there has to be something in it for them. Boston gave up Smith, a much more talented player than Hayes, but gained the relief of the Savard contract. Detroit will need to do the same thing, if they’re not interested in taking back a toxic contract then they must be prepared to overpay in assets. 1st round pick + in my opinion.
Striker I see teams like Arizona and NJ as budget teams that took a big step last year, and that’ll be looking to use any available money on roster upgrades rather than collecting more picks. For example, I’m sure New Jersey would rather have Lucic or Eriksson than a mid first rounder at this stage of the rebuild. And Arizona would probably rather spend their limited money on depth pieces like Polak or Schenn and established forwards to compliment their young core.
Winnipeg and Calgary have too many rfas to sign. And Toronto imo is going to see what Stamkos does before committing to that cap hit.
Taking a closer look at each teams payroll for next year, I’ll give you Carolina and maybe Buffalo as teams that are still early enough in the rebuild to stockpile picks, probably aren’t targeting top ufas, and and have the cap room to take on Datsyuks contract. And that’s assuming they aren’t planning on making a big splash. If this were any other free agent crop I’d say this would be a very likely scenario.
But with so many good players available it’ll be hard for gms not to leave themselves cap flexibility on July 1st.
I think the Canadiens and Oilers could put something together involving Desharnais, Emelin and Fucale along with another prospect (Daniel Carr or Andrighetto maybe) or second round pick for Nugent-Hopkins. Oilers get a good third line centre, a second pairing defensive DMan, and a goaltending prospect. Canadiens get a very good second line centre if Galchenyuk comes out next season the way he finished this season, or a capable first line centre if Galchenyuk falters and Nuge is moved up.
Are you kidding? How does that trade benefit the Oilers? Why would they trade a very good young player who is still getting better for a middle of the pack forward, a 4-5 dman, and a bust goalie? Edmonton will never get back to the playoffs if they make bad trades like this.
Stamkos will get a boat full of cash and probably will turn down more from some teams. I don’t see any risk in signing a 26 year old star in his prime and not giving up a thing besides a roster spot. He will go where he wants to go it won’t be about the cash unless it is the Leafs.
Why would it only be about money with the Leafs? He grew up in Toronto a Leaf fan, he’d be close to family and friends. If anything I’d say Toronto and Tampa are the only teams that wouldn’t be just about the money if he picked them.
durt any player that has been in the nhl as long as stamkos and hasn’t won a cup would just be greedy to go to a team that is 5 years away from competing and is below avg in goaltending and defense! its like babcock he has won a cup but I think he wanted a challenge and that enormous contract doesn’t hurt either! lol
I love the Toews vs. Stamkos debate but if you can’t compare stats you can’t compare rings either… Stamkos played on a far inferior Lightning team for most of his career. When Stamkos has a Hossa, Kane, Keith, Seabrook, Ladd, Byfuglien, etc.. then you can talk rings. And Stamkos SHOULD be at Centre, his coach chooses not to play him there. It’s funny that everyone outside Tampa agrees he’s a #1 centre, yet the regular joes thinks him playing wing is a condemnation of his ability to play centre. Not saying I’d want Stamkos over Toews or vise versa but I don;t think they’re far off.
I find the comment he’s better because he won a cup. Last time I checked their is mode then one player on the team. There is also more then one core player on the team to help win the cup and with that silly analogy, this would mean ever player on a cup winning team is the best player at that position. He’s the best 4th line center because he won a cup. Johnny Odeja is better then Karlsson because he has 2 cups. Well OK then.
I’ve heard people make that point “he won a cup” about Shawn Thornton…. lol
I can’t see Stamkos going to Montreal. The tax rate in Quebec is ridiculous. Close to 50% no?
Why go there and pay that much in tax when you can go elsewhere and keep more for yourself?
Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great building to play in, but to pay 4-5mill a year in tax to do so ? Can’t see it happening unfortunately.
It would be great to see him play for a Canadian team however.
If you think Montreal lacks depth now. Try adding Stamkos at $10-11M. $54M tied up in 9 players (Stamkos, Wolverine, Plekanec, Gallagher, Galchy, PK, Petry, Markov, Price)? $20M for the remaining 14?
CommentHey everyone, more leaf talk. Ive always wanted stamkos, but if the hockey gods align we dont need him. Just want to post what I hope happens for the leafs at the draft in the first 2 rounds.
1oa Austin Matthews (c)
27oa Logan Stanley (d)
31oa carter Hart (g)
57oa gustavvssen (g)
60oa Sean Day
I’d be willing to trade up, even give up one of the goalies, for a shot at fabbro( eg. 27oa +31oa+4th rnd for 12-15oa) Althought I love the idea of a towering defenseman like Stanley. Leafs get future 1c, 2 future 2-4d, and a solid prospects goalie tandem. If the leafs can draft one of Nolan Patrick(c),liljegrin(d) or Hague(d) in 2017, damn son the leafs will look nasty soon