'Sign Stamkos' signs banned from Maple Leafs' arena
The speculation about Tampa Bay Lighting forward Steven Stamkos possibly becoming a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs may have gone too far.
A local Toronto radio station printed and distributed signs to fans prior to Tuesday's game between the Lightning and Maple Leafs that read "Sign Stamkos."
These cards will handed out tonight by a local radio station tonight #Stammergeddon2015 pic.twitter.com/esvlWSm5ci
— Erik Erlendsson (@erlendssonTBO) December 15, 2015
The signs clearly suggest that the Maple Leafs sign the 25-year-old, who will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
The problem is the radio station in question is owned by Canadian telecommunications company Bell, a part-owner of the Maple Leafs. NHL clubs are prohibited from making pitches towards players who remain under contract with other clubs, and doing so is considered tampering.
As the game drew closer, the Maple Leafs and security at Air Canada Centre began to refuse entry to fans holding the signs, claiming they are unauthorized sponsors, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.
"Sign Stamkos" signs being handed out outside ACC. But security won't let them in building. Guard says "no 3rd party signs allowed" #leafs
— Mike Zeisberger (@Zeisberger) December 16, 2015
Despite what might be said in Toronto, Stamkos remains a member of the Lightning.