it does suck that everyone has already given up on him staying. i would be willing to bet on him staying for his last year. from what ive heard, he was in no hurry to leave. i hope that holds true. the team has already lost 3 HUGE players, we will need him for his leadership. i honestly think that he will get Captain next year. I was really hoping that he would get it for 05-06, but i wasnt a big fan of that position for Smaby. yes, Prpich and Porter were great (props to Prp), but i felt that Drew was the better contendor( not to rip on smaby or anyhting, but when your captain is getting ejected, that says something) We have already lost 3 HUGE impact players, and that was a loss that could potentially hurt the team this year, and it would just screw the team if Stafford leaves. I dont think its his time to leave. Im sure skillwise he could go to the AHL and play for 3 months and already be ready to move up. But the team needs that leadership. I twil be great to just have a bit of that little jump in the team next year.