The Buffalo Sabres might be going all-in this offseason.
TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger appeared on TSN 690 on Tuesday and made some interesting comments regarding the Sabres’ interest in unrestricted free agent Steven Stamkos. He reports Buffalo is interested in the former Maurice Rocket Richard winner and that a number he’s hearing is $12 million per season.
“There’s a lot of speculation that they’re going absolutely all-in on Steven Stamkos. I mean, some of the numbers being rumored – and I always hate throwing out or building off rumors, because as an Insider, our job is to separate fact from fiction. But Newport isn’t talking and neither is the Tampa Bay Lightning, so nothing has changed there. But some of the numbers being speculated on are upwards of $12 million per year coming out of Buffalo.” (H/T Chris Nichols of The Hockey Writers)
That’s an insane number to be thrown out in the rumor mill. In comparison, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane make $10.5 million, so Stamkos would hypothetically be getting $1.5 million more per season if that offer is legit. If it’s true, I can’t imagine Stamkos turning that down, given it’s about $3 million per season more than what he’s actually worth.
Dreger mentions signing Stamkos would help entice college star Jimmy Vesey to sign with the team, as the two would make a formidable trio with Jack Eichel.
I don’t doubt Buffalo has an interest in Stamkos and are prepared to offer him a very large contract, but $12 million per season is insane for any player. It would be a crippling cap move. If the Sabres pull the deal off, it’s an indication that the rebuild is over and the expectations are sky-high.
