The Derek Stepan update, is that there is no update. Fans have to realize that we're not going to hear about the status of a contract until it's done. I used to be one of those pissed off fans saying, "well I pay good money for merchandise and tickets and blah blah, so I technically am paying his salary, why can't I know?" I than realized it's still a business, and I'm not part of that business. I was just being an obsessed fan who truly cares about the direction of the team. We're lucky to know as much as we do about the contract.
In any event, Stepan's camp was originally looking for a long term deal, but that was quickly snuffed by Glen Satyer. Stepan than settled for the bridge deal, but is standing pat at his asking price of 7 million for 2 years, as he should. The man deserves to get paid, and has proved that he should since his debut game, and first ever hattie in Buffalo. On the other hand, Sather is right for not giving out a huge contract to a forward coming off of an entry level deal. A franchise forward gets that. Stamkos, Crosby, Kane.. Those are franchise tags. Stepan needs to realize he's not going to get the exact amount that he wants, and needs to compromise.
I'm a firm believer of two things in this situation. Stepan's agent is soley trying to make a name for himself and forcing some of Steps stubbornness. And if he continues his holdout, he'll lose his number one spot and his chance at the Team USA roster. I'm sure Stepan's camp is using recent signings to persuade him to continue his hold out. He should be compare Stepan's contract to Nazem Kadri, cause that's he smartest thing the Leafs have done in some time. Obviously, he has a longer, better track record than Kadri, but the principal still remains. You don't give out a big contract to a forward coming off of an entry level deal. Look at Jordan Staal, he's a very similar situation to Stepan, they even play a similar game. With that in mind, Staal swallowed his pride and signed. The dude was rewarded with a cup and another big pay day afterwards.
His holdout is also hurting his game form. Lets not forget what happened to the last guy that held out for the Rangers. In regards to Sather calling Stepan a fool, he was simply saying that he is handling the situation poorly. Obviously Sather has big plans for the kid, or he wouldn't be desperately calling him out to sign a contract. I wouldn't be surprised if Step did sign, played the way heroes, and signs an extension kid season when the cap goes up.Stepan has to realize that Sather can't stretch it anymore than he has. He's met most of Stepan's demands, and from a guy who can "see himself playing his career in NY", he needs to give in a little.
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