Captain’s Future with Lightning Uncertain
As the NHL free agency period approaches, one of the biggest questions surrounding the Tampa Bay Lightning is the future of captain Steven Stamkos. The 32-year-old center is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 13th, and there is a lot of speculation about whether he will re-sign with the Lightning or test the open market.
Stamkos’s Impact on the Lightning
Stamkos has been a key part of the Lightning’s success since he was drafted first overall in 2008. He is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 502 goals and 1,023 points, and he has helped lead the team to three Stanley Cup championships. Stamkos is also a beloved figure in the Tampa Bay community, and his departure would be a major blow to the team.
Lightning’s Financial Situation
However, the Lightning are in a bit of a salary cap crunch, and they may not be able to afford to give Stamkos the contract he wants. The team has already committed over $80 million in cap space to eight players for the 2023-24 season, and they still need to sign several other key players, including Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point.
Possible Contract for Stamkos
If the Lightning do want to keep Stamkos, they will likely need to offer him a below-market but fair deal. A contract in the range of $8-9 million per year for four or five years could be a possibility. This would be a significant pay cut for Stamkos, who is currently making $9.5 million per year, but it would still be a fair deal given his age and injury history.
Stamkos’s Options
If Stamkos is not satisfied with the contract offer from the Lightning, he could choose to test the open market. Several teams, including the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Canadiens, have reportedly expressed interest in signing Stamkos. However, it is also possible that Stamkos would prefer to stay in Tampa Bay, even if he has to take a pay cut.
Conclusion
The future of Steven Stamkos is one of the biggest storylines to watch in the NHL this offseason. The Lightning would love to keep their captain, but they may not be able to afford to give him the contract he wants. If Stamkos is willing to take a below-market deal, he could stay in Tampa Bay. However, if he is looking for a big payday, he may have to test the open market.
Kind regards
R. Bauer
