LeafGm
Well-known member
Well, we'll see what happens going forward.All I'm saying is, and we can say that it's just this isolated case (and maybe it is), but when have we seen a top talent and face of franchise leave as a UFA when he's in his mid to late 20s and still in his prime?
Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin, Stamkos, Getzlaf, Perry, Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Doughty, Kopitar, the Sedins, and so on. All these guys have or will likely retire in the same jersey they played their first NHL game in. For as much that's made about so few players ever playing for one team throughout their careers, I think among the elite players, it's almost always the case, in contrast to the players that are a step below, who do move around with some frequency.
I do think Tavares leaving via UFA will have an impact on the next wave of superstar players. Guys like McDavid, Laine, etc. This takes the shock value off of such a move somewhat.
But I think the common theme among superstars who stay with the team that drafted them will continue to be that they're playing for winning teams.
I mean, just look at the guys you listed off:
6/12 won multiple Cups with the team that drafted them.Crosby, Malkin, Ovechkin, Stamkos, Getzlaf, Perry, Zetterberg, Datsyuk, Doughty, Kopitar, the Sedins, and so on.
9/12 won at least one Stanley Cup with the team that drafted them
12/12 played in a Stanley Cup final with the team that drafted them
If you build it, they will come...as well as choose to stay.