Would Montreal Block Stamkos From Toronto?

June 22, 2011, 2:31 PM

Would Montreal Block Stamkos From Toronto?

Andy Strickland | TrueHockey.com | Archive | Contact

Jun 22

Things are about to get hectic in the hockey world.

Will the next week live up to the hype and expectations? The offer sheet continues to be the focal point for a number of hockey fans worldwide.

First there’s Steven Stamkos…

You know Montreal is strategizing and formulating ways to keep Stamkos as far away from Toronto as possible. There’s a decent chance Leafs GM Brian Burke is being pressured by ownership to sign Stamkos to an offer sheet.

I did say a few weeks ago that Tampa Bay is sure to match whatever offer is thrown at Stamkos. They won’t allow a 21 year old Hart Trophy candidate walk away over a few million bucks.

Toronto is lacking star power. Luke Schenn is a fine player but he isn’t a star. You can argue Phil Kessel has flopped in Toronto even though he’s had his moments. Toronto Owners wants a superstar.

Would Montreal block Toronto’s attempt to acquire Stamkos by taking Vinny Lecavlier off of Steve Yzerman’s hands? The Lightning would need to take Scott Gomez and probably another player in exchange to make it happen. That’s a trade Tampa would do in a heartbeat.

Montreal knows if Toronto gets Stamkos, the balance of power immediately shifts. Having P.K. Subban and Carey Price is one thing, Stamkos is a whole different ballgame.

Gomez carries a shorter contract and is less expensive than Lecavalier even though their cap numbers are similar. Lecavalier is signed thru 2020 and is set to make $10 million cash for the next five years.

Is it in Stamkos best interest to wait until after July first to sign?

More to come,
Andy Strickland
strickland.andy@gmail.com

Andy Strickland is based out of St. Louis and has more than 10 years of experience covering the NHL. He is also a full time radio personality in St. Louis and can frequently be heard and seen throughout the United States and Canada on radio and television. He can be contacted via Twitter (@AndyStrickland) or on the Ask Andy page.

5 Comments | Share: Share Tweet

gobluenotes1 Said:

June 22, 2011 at 3:16 PM

Very interesting indeed. I love the drama!

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subbanged Said:

June 22, 2011 at 3:32 PM

I don't think its really possible, nor do I think we'd be the highest bidder to take Lecavalier, I dont know I just don't see this scenario playing out

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John G Said:

June 22, 2011 at 5:02 PM

Yeah Gauthier is going to trade one crappy contract for an even crappier and longer contract! Just to keep the Leafs from giving away the farm in future picks to get a star on their otherwise crap team.

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H S Said:

June 22, 2011 at 8:10 PM

cool story , bro !

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BlueManGuru Said:

June 22, 2011 at 9:39 PM

I would say it would be a questionable move by Montreal but GMs during this time of the year don't think well long term or we wouldn't have all of these big, long contracts they're so eager to get rid of. I wish you would clarify where these thoughts are coming from.

But I do think there will be a lot of movement this weekend. Maybe less because of the gigantic leap the cap has taken. Only thing is there are a number of teams that will have to move to reach the cap floor.

Makes one wonder how Phoenix can move the rights to their goaltender before signing him since they would need that contract to hit the cap floor. Makes you wonder why the NHL dealt him to Philly. I think it's a bit of bs. The NHL shouldn't be allowed to won a team this long and if they do they shouldn't be allowing their star players to walk away for nothing.

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