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Toronto Maple Leafs: Questions Left to Be Answered in 2016

By David Morassutti

Jan 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Brad Boyes (28) on the bench during a game against St. Louis Blues at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated St. Louis 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock talks to Toronto Maple Leafs forward Brad Boyes (28) on the bench during a game against St. Louis Blues at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated St. Louis 4-1. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates with teammates on the bench after scoring a goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Will the Leafs Pursue Steven Stamkos in Free Agency?

It is hard not to ignore the hype surrounding the situation with Stamkos and the fact that his contract negotiations  with the Tampa Bay Lightning have not progressed like many would have expected. After the fiasco involving Martin St. Louis a couple of years ago, and their current predicament with Jonathan Drouin, it will be tough for general manager Steve Yzerman to manage everything this season.

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Many have wondered why Stamkos would want to move from a contending team in Tampa Bay to a rebuilding team like the Leafs? This Leafs team has played with more structure and consistency than in other years and if you add a player like Stamkos along with some of the young prospects then this team could be much better, especially with how poor teams have been in the Eastern Conference. The Lightning were supposed to be a top team in the Eastern Conference but it has not gone their way and maybe that has Stamkos reconsidering where he wants to be.

Do the Leafs have a chance to sign Stamkos?

Well obviously if Stamkos goes to free agency than the Leafs have the same chance as every other team that has the cap space to sign Stamkos. The obvious advantage that the Leafs have is the fact that they can offer more money than most teams and hopefully having Shanahan, Babcock and Lamoriello will also convince Stamkos to come and play for his hometown.

As we discussed on an episode of the ToT-cast that it is not a slam dunk to assume that the Leafs will offer Stamkos exactly what he wants. The Leafs have some contracts that could be moved in order to fit Stamkos in and they need to think about where the salary cap will be when it comes to signing their younger players. If the Lightning do not get a deal done with Stamkos then expect the Leafs to be one the top contenders to land him in free agency.

Next: Where Will They Finish in the Standings?

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