As team executives began gathering on the arena floor an hour before the start of the National Hockey League draft’s second round Saturday morning, a video highlighting former No. 1 selections began playing on the big-screen video boards.
Advertisement
The Leafs just drafted a center in Auston Matthews with the No. 1 overall pick and might not be willing to go all-in on a bidding war for Stamkos.
Steve Yzerman, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s general manager, has recently said that he would consider a sign and trade deal for Steven Stamkos, a current unrestricted free agent with the team.
Murray was more than forthright about why he felt the Sabres were in a position to “chase the big fish” this offseason.
Buffalo, Boston and Vancouver are among the teams to have already expressed interest in Stamkos.
“I assume on a player like that, that the teams that have cap space that can fit him in will all be involved with this”, said Murray.
Yzerman, who is in Buffalo for an NHL general managers meeting and the 2016 NHL Draft on Friday (7 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVA Sports) and Saturday (10 a.m. ET; NHLN, SN, TVA Sports 2), told the Tampa Bay Times earlier this week he hopes to have a firm handle on where things stand with the Lightning captain “sooner than later”. “The process hasn’t changed”.
Eric Lindros has been waiting six years, Mark Recchi three, Dave Andreychuk eight and Sergei Makarov 16. Other players could be available by trade, including Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler.
Murray also indicated that if the Sabres were to acquire Stamkos, they would use him at his natural position at center.
“I have to ask that question and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t”.
“Never given it a thought so maybe I should think about it”, Yzerman said. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens are among the teams believed to be interested.
The Lightning have one edge.
Yzerman said he wouldn’t elaborate on negotiations. “I’d love to get an asset for him”.
Murray noted geography could play a factor for Stamkos, who grew up outside of Toronto.
Advertisement
The next 48 hours may be all that remains of the Lightning’s hopes to re-sign Stamkos, who at 26 is on track to become the youngest superstar ever to hit the open market after almost a year of unfruitful negotiations. AP material published by LongIsland.com, is done so with explicit permission. This includes the preparation of derivative works of, or the incorporation of such content into other works. I’m curious to see if Nikita Nesterov remains in the team’s plans after he appeared to fall off the map somewhat at the end of the season, particularly in the playoffs where he was scratched for most of the final two rounds.
