Steven Stamkos Bashes Auston Matthews contract in interview
Steven Stamkos isn't holding back when it comes to talking about his future with the Tampa Bay Lightning and throwing a little shade at the Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews in the process.
Ever since the Lightning got knocked out of the playoffs by the Florida Panthers in the battle of the Sunshine State, all eyes have been on Stamkos and his pending free agency. Right now, he's set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st, and both him and the Lightning are talking about a possible extension, which is a big turnaround from earlier in the season.
In a recent discussion about his contract situation and the Lightning's team, Stamkos pointed out how stars like Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman are making less than they could elsewhere, especially when you compare it to Matthews' hefty price tag. Stamkos
I think that has been a part of everyone's thought process in the core group of guys that we have had here in terms of what guys have taken over the years to stay here. I understand the tax advantage and that type of thing. Kuch is making $9.5. That is probably grossly underpaid in terms of what guys are getting now. Vasy. Pointer with 40 or 50 goals every year. You look at Matthews. What did he sign for? $13.5 or something? Heddy is making under $8 million. That is grossly underpaid if you look at what he has done. That is what everyone has done here and that is why we have had the success and that is the way it has been for this organization. I think that that in itself is a testament to management in how they want to build a team and, first and foremost, the players for wanting to do that and accept that and allow the management to go out there and build a roster to compete for the Stanley Cup. I think that's just always been the way it's been here.
Now, Stamkos isn't wrong about Kucherov being underpaid, but let's not forget about the tax advantage of playing in Florida. It's a big reason why teams like the Lightning and the Panthers can lure talent and keep top talent without breaking the bank.
As for captain Stammer, will he take a discount to stick with a competitive Tampa Bay team, or does he go for one last big payday at the age of 34? Only time will tell.
| POLL | ||
2 MAI | 343 ANSWERS Steven Stamkos Bashes Auston Matthews contract in interview What's your take on Steven Stamkos' comments regarding his pending free agency and the contracts of players like Nikita Kucherov and Auston Matthews? | ||
| Preach! | 27 | 7.9 % |
| Focus on his own contract! | 255 | 74.3 % |
| It's fair. | 61 | 17.8 % |
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