For the first time in his long NHL career, it appears as though superstar forward Steven Stamkos may be departing from the Tampa Bay Lightning. The longtime Lightning captain and Stanley Cup champion hits the open market today as NHL Free Agency begins.
Stamkos had reportedly been offered an eight year extension from the Lightning, but declined as it was only worth around $3-million annually. Tampa Bay also recently traded Tanner Jeannot and Mikhail Sergachev in moves to free up cap space — though this was in preparation of signing UFA forward Jake Guentzel as opposed to their longtime captain.
Bob McKenzie reports that six (or more) teams are currently involved in the Stamkos sweepstakes — Nashville, Carolina, Anaheim, Detroit, and New Jersey are among them according to the reporter.
Stamkos, 34, recorded 81 points on 40 goals and 41 assists in 79 games this season. It marked his 13th point-per-game season in the NHL (third consecutive), and his seventh 40-goal season. He scored a career-best 106 points in 2021-22.
He will certainly command a hefty salary on the open market, and whether he will join a squad aiming to compete now or an up-and-coming team remains to be seen. He will boost any roster he joins immediately, becoming one of their top offensive weapons. He has 555 career goals and 1,137 points in 1,082 games.
