Why the Leafs should sign Steven Stamkos
Posted 10:05 AM ET | Comments 0
Luke D
It looks like Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos is going to test free agency next year. Many teams will be in line to sign him and the Toronto Maple Leafs should be one of those teams for a good number of reasons.
First of all, he is one of the best players in the NHL right now. Ever since his rookie year, he has taken the league by storm with three straight 90+ point seasons followed by a great 2012-2013 season, a point per game season in 2013-2014 and a 72 point season in 2014-2015; not to mention that he has fantastic hockey sense, great skating and hands as well as one the best wrist and slap shots in the game. Although he is having a down year this season, he won two Rocket Richard Trophies so the Leafs should not question the season he is having right now.
Secondly, he is also a great proven leader. This is good for the Maple Leafs because they have not had a true leader since Mats Sundin left the team. Also, this would be good for young players like Morgan Rielly and Mitch Marner because they will not have to take up leadership roles right away; therefore, alleviating that pressure so they can continue to grow and mature before the time comes.
Lastly, he is 25 and maybe 31 by the time the Maple Leafs start competing but he will still be a productive player and will be one of the leaders on the team; not to mention that he is a local boy so his signing would definitely be approved by the Leafs fan base.
For thereasons listed above, the leafs cannot pass up on signing Stamkos if they have the opportunity.
It looks like Tampa Bay Lightning superstar Steven Stamkos is going to test free agency next year. Many teams will be in line to sign him and the Toronto Maple Leafs should be one of those teams for a good number of reasons.
First of all, he is one of the best players in the NHL right now. Ever since his rookie year, he has taken the league by storm with three straight 90+ point seasons followed by a great 2012-2013 season, a point per game season in 2013-2014 and a 72 point season in 2014-2015; not to mention that he has fantastic hockey sense, great skating and hands as well as one the best wrist and slap shots in the game. Although he is having a down year this season, he won two Rocket Richard Trophies so the Leafs should not question the season he is having right now.
Secondly, he is also a great proven leader. This is good for the Maple Leafs because they have not had a true leader since Mats Sundin left the team. Also, this would be good for young players like Morgan Rielly and Mitch Marner because they will not have to take up leadership roles right away; therefore, alleviating that pressure so they can continue to grow and mature before the time comes.
Lastly, he is 25 and maybe 31 by the time the Maple Leafs start competing but he will still be a productive player and will be one of the leaders on the team; not to mention that he is a local boy so his signing would definitely be approved by the Leafs fan base.
For thereasons listed above, the leafs cannot pass up on signing Stamkos if they have the opportunity.