Quote:
Originally Posted by BigTuna
Why are the Flames, Oilers and Sens better destinations than his hometown team? The Sens for one have the lowest payroll. in the entire NHL They cannot afford Stamkos. They are out. And why would the Oilers give 11 or 12 million to Stamkos with their #1 need being defense and needing to sign all those forwards? This is wishful thunking on your part. Stamkos grew up a Leafs fan. That's his #1 destination.
And Kadri and Gardiner aren't likely eve in future plans. Guys like Dermott, Brown, Sparks, Percy, Timashov, Neilson + the pick this year are.
The Flames are ahead of the Leafs so of course Gms would take their NHL established players and current playoff team.
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Those prospect names you listed off are no names in my opinion but I don't know much about the Leafs outside of Marner, Nylander, and Kapanen
Stamkos wants to go to play his prime years on a non playoff team? A team where management he said that prospects will develop on the farm for years before getting their shot? Thst media circus is going to be very difficult to stick handle when the team is garbage like the Leafs are. Signing a free agent in year 2 of a rebuild with a team that is still dumping assets for futures is unlikely regardless of who he cheered for growing up.
At least Calgary boasts a solid blueline and elite skill upfront. The Oilers somehow have the cap space to sign him and the chance to play with McDavid could entice. I agree though I think Edmonton focuses on the blueline instead of chasing a high prices forward.
If Calgary can move a couple contracts they could be a player. The has been rumored interest (Mackenzie did say the Flames talked to Tampa about Stamkos this summer). In addition the chance to play with Gaudreau who looks every bit as good as MSL was with Stamkos also could be enticing.
If he wants the money, spotlight, and pressure he could go to Toronto. If he wants to play in Canada and win with a team on the rise maybe he picks the Flames?