Lightning Make Big Moves In Hopes To Keep Steven Stamkos
Steven Stamkos has been beloved across the Tampa Bay area since the night he was drafted. Stammer was the 1st overall pick in the NHL draft back in 2008 and it’s been history ever since. The Canada born forward became the face of the Tampa Bay Lightning for many years and helping lead them to two Stanley Cup Championships, back-to-back at that. With the 2024 NHL ending and suffering a disappointing loss to our state rivals and current cup champions, Florida Panthers, the Lightning must figure out how to keep their star.
Stamkos is 34 years old and coming off a season where he played 79 games, recorded 40 goals and 41 assists. In just three days, there is a possibility that Stamkos can walk away from the place he has called home since 2008. July 1st, Steven could become an unrestricted free agent and able to sign with another team. That is unless the Lightning can reach a deal. Back in 2016, Stammer signed a $68 million contract, and right now, after the trade for defenseman Ryan McDonagh, who has two years of $6.75 million left on his contract, the Bolts are left with less than $5 million in cap space for next season.
Long story short, things are looking grim for the Lightning retaining their all-time leader in goals, points, and hat-tricks. Stamkos was hoping for a new contract at the beginning of the 2023-24 season, but they couldn’t reach a deal, and frustration was expressed by the forward. Now, this isn’t the only time Stammer has gotten close to the start of free agency without a contract. Right before free agency began in 2016, he signed an 8 year-contract to stay in Tampa.
It was rumored by the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast and other hockey media outlets offered Stamkos a deal of $3AAV/8 years. A lot of fans were upset about this offer from Lightning manager Julien BriseBois. Many thought he deserved at least $4.5 million/5 year contract, since the captain is already 34 years old. That’s when his agent confirmed he will be a free agent on July 1st.
As of Saturday 6/29, the Lightning traded defenseman Mikhail Sergachev to Utah, clearing a lot of room in cap space, so hopefully now JBB can find the money we need to resign our captain.
