Papageorgio
The Ultimate Winner
There is a great player named Steven Stamkos who plays for Tampa Bay Lightning. He's a top centreman in the NHL. Two years ago I believe, he became a free agent. Since he is from Toronto and is such a big name everyone figure, he would come to the Hometown team. Leafs pursued him aggressively, offered him more money than the TB Lightning, they even secured some big endorsement deals for him if he signed.
In the end, Steve Yzerman, the GM and former Red Wing signed him back in Tampa Bay and didn't budge once on his original contract offer. Many Leafs fans couldn't believe it. The rumor was he has a great amount of freedom in Florida. He loves the weather and is given special treatment to enjoy the golf there and ownership doesn't interfere. As of this year (they have a strong team again), he has not won a Stanley Cup.
I wanted him here, as he would be a great role model for Austin Matthews (maybe not, in some respects), our young superstar centre. However, I was glad he didn't join the Leafs. My reasoning was simple: "if the guy doesn't have the balls or commitment to deal with the fishbowl that is hockey in Toronto, it's better he not sign here"
Winners have to push through and be dedicated to winning. They have to want the ball when the game is on the line, they have to want to care about winning for them and their team (country). If not, best you don't re-sign...
What is the provincial income tax in Toronto? Florida has no state income tax, the bottom line might have been his decision.
Yes, I was going to mention that but it wouldn't strengthen my case
I still stand by what I said, as the taxes make a BIG difference, but the Leafs offered slightly more, plus, endorsements for him would have put him in at least equal footing. More importantly, he would have a chance to win a Cup for his city.
Think of a Yankees fan, or a Lakers fan. For a kid growing up, that's a heavy draw. Yes, it's warm and fuzzy, but it should be a major motivator, one of those "dream come true" moments.
In the end, he made the right decision for him. I'm just glad he didn't come to Toronto If you don't want the heat then don't come. Many great Yankees excelled because they know the media and fans will be on the, but they are winners, so they relish it.
Everyone is different, maybe he thought he has a better chance winning in Tampa Bay over Toronto. Many kids grow up and don't want to play for their hometown, Tampa has the 2nd best record in hockey, he seems to be doing fine, second in team points first in assists. It's all good to me, I'd rather live in Florida and make less than freeze in Toronto.