This kid is absolutely phenomal, he's a centerman and he's young. He's only 21 right now and he's already tallied up the following numbers.

2008-2009
Games Palyed: 79
Goals: 23
Assists: 23
Points: 46

2009-2010
Games Palyed: 82
Goals: 51
Assists: 44
Points: 95

2010-2011
Games Palyed: 82
Goals: 45
Assists: 46
Points: 91

You want to bring a Stanley Cup to Buffalo, here is your ticket.

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"Every time I think you say the dumbest thing ever...you keep on talkin' " - Hank Hill
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula

Stevie Y is matching any offer sheet he gets for Stamkos.

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mechaphil

Ding ding ding

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"Counting all the assholes in the room, I'm definitely not alone!" ~ Michael Poulsen, Volbeat, Still Standing.

The number of games he's palyed is just out of this world.

You never know unless you try. Edmonton was told that we would match whatever they offered for Vanek but they put an offer sheet out there for him anyways. Whats the worst case scenario? We offer, they match and we look like a team that's willing to do whatever it takes to bring a championship to Buffalo? Its a win-win for us either way. We also have 2 1/2 days to try and trade for him...probably less likely but another option nonetheless.

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"Every time I think you say the dumbest thing ever...you keep on talkin' " - Hank Hill
"Starting today, the Buffalo Sabres' reason for existence will be to win a Stanley Cup" - Terry Pegula

No it's not win-win, it's lose-lose...Kevin Lowe's reputation was forever destroyed by his Thomas Vanek/Dustin Penner offer sheet shenanigans. No one would deal with the Sabres if Regier tried the same tactics. And if Tampa didn't match, the Sabres would be hand-cuffed for years to come and wouldn't be able to pay Myers and Ennis this season before they hit RFA.

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mechaphil

I have serious doubts Stevie Y would part with Stamkos even if he claims he will match any offer for Stamkos. He's too large of a part of their club and they'll want something ridiculous in a trade.

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"Are you ready Legion of Doom?! Here come the Buffalo Sabres!"

Don't forget the 4-1st rounders you'd be giving up as well. You could trade for quite a bit with them w/o sacrificing your reputation as a GM.

I do understand the original poster's point, and I'm sure it's just a matter of time before RFA sheets are the norm if teams ever become so cap strapped that matching becomes impossible. The ever rising cap is the only thing keeping it in check at this point, imo. If the owners/GMs deem it "dirty play", then why not move to change the rule???? It seems anything that unanimous should be easy to change. Inflated salaries may be bad for owners, but they are also good for players(which is probably why they can't get it changed; can we cite the owners for circumvention????). It's a matter of perspective. At any rate, I find it an interesting topic.

Offer sheets are sort of a double edge sword.

According to the rules of the CBA they are legal acts, but as phil mentioned you have to deal with any image shot you may take and as someone else mentioned the 4 first rounders.

I would guess Stevie Y would match any offer, even if it might handicap him in the future (may figure he can trade away Vinny at another time as he will likely desire to sign hedman).

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"Tis The Season, Fa la la la la LaFontaine" - Rick Jeanneret