On the Vancouver Canucks …
Jason Brough: The worst thing that Canucks GM Jim Benning could do this offseason would be to add a big named free agent to improve the team next season.
On the Tampa Bay Lightning …
Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Bay Tribune: Steven Stamkos is represented by Don Meehan’s Newport Sports, and his personal agent is Mark Guy.
“I always thought Donnie Meehan was a fair guy who would get deals done,” Lightning founder and former GM Phil Esposito said. “But I’m not so sure anymore. He’s had some clients who seemed like they didn’t get signed.
“Negotiations are different now, because I think the players’ association is a big factor. They interfere too much and they want to raise the bar with certain players. If you can establish a higher bar, everybody gets more.”
The deadline to re-sign Stamkos is getting closer.
“Steve Yzerman is a consummate professional who does a great job,” Meehan said. “We deal with each other with mutual respect. Very often, when a player gets to free agency, there are all kinds of considerations, both professional and personal: Does he have family in the community? Does he enjoy the organization and the coaching staff? What is the club’s salary cap situation? We pride ourselves in giving our clients a balanced view of the marketplace.”
When the Lightning’s season is over, Stamkos be turning his attention to either staying or thinking about going somewhere else.
“There’s a comfort level, a respect level I have with Newport,” he said. “It’s more than just a player-agent relationship. They’re part of my family, and it’s a group you trust. They’re there to support you, knowing you are responsible for the ultimate decision. They give you the facts. In the end, everyone knows that it’s the player who makes the call.”
