Steven Stamkos: The Latest Updates on His Potential Future with the Tampa Bay Lightning

2024-03-16 23:50:20

Going into the season, the feeling was that Steven Stamkos could actually leave the team in 2023-24.

I even spoke, in December, that we should not rule out the idea of seeing the captain change address this season.

My text on this subject:

Steven Stamkos: don’t rule out the idea of him changing address by the end of the season →

— DansLesCoulisses (@DLCoulisses) December 5, 2023

Now the trade deadline has passed: Stamkos will finish the season in Florida and try to win a third Stanley Cup.

And in his column on Friday, Renaud Lavoie affirmed that the tide seems to have turned on this issue. The insider talked about a three-year/$15 million deal or so to stay in Tampa Bay.

This could be his last career contract, he who is 34 years old and who would be 37 at the end of a three-year contract. Stamkos is worth a lot more than $5 million annually, but Florida is a heavenly place and players who speak with Lavoie always say how much they love the city and the organization.

One thing is certain, if Stamkos asks for a contract commensurate with his talent, I am not sure if Julien BriseBois can give it to him. After all, despite the increase in the salary cap, Tampa does not have a lot of money and Mikhail Sergachev’s contract will return to active players ($8.5 million) next year.

In addition to Stamkos, who has 25 goals and 31 assists (before tonight’s games) in 63 games in 2023-24, newcomers Anthony Duclair as well as Matt Dumba, Calvin De Haan, Haydn Fleury, Tyler Motte and Austin Watson will become unrestricted free agents. It’s not a big amount of money which leaves the mass, therefore.

We must not forget the contract of Brent Seabrook (LTIR) which is finally expiring.

Five million would be perfect for the captain and the team, in my opinion. After all, why ask for more money when you’ve made plenty of it during your career and live in Florida 365 days a year?

A lot of

– In the first period of the Canadian-Flames game, Renaud Lavoie said he expected to hear from David Reinbacher on Monday. Small details remain to be resolved.

– Hockey night in Canada Toronto.

There’s been no mention about the Habs on Sportsnet Hockey Central so far.

They haven’t even said that coach Marty will be away from the team indefinitely for family reasons.

— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 16, 2024

– Good news for the Rocket.

Devon Levi recalled to Buffalo. He’s doing great work in Rochester. The Amerks aren’t the same team without him back. The Rocket is only three points behind 3rd place held by Rochester.

— Anthony Marcotte (@anthonymarcotte) March 16, 2024

– Caleb Williams should be drafted by the Bears, therefore.