Tampa Bay Lightning Rumors: Trying Unorthodox Offer To Re-Sign Free Agent

He's spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and the Bolts would like to keep it that way as 33-year-old forward Alex Killorn is entering free agency.

The 33-year-old is coming off a 7-year, $31M contract ($4.45M AAV), and the 27-goal scorer can rightfully expect a bit of a raise on this next deal. He set career highs in goals and points (64) this season, and perhaps has priced himself out of Tampa. The Lightning have just $2.4M in projected cap space. 

Alex Killorn with the powerplay goal and Tampa strikes first in Game 4 ⚡️

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But if Killorn had his way, he'd finish his career with the Lightning. Which makes this latest report an interesting one.

NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Bolts have made Killorn "a looooong-term, lower-AAV contract offer" in an effort to keep him. But Friedman acknowledges that the veteran will be in high demand this summer, and it may be tough to strike a deal with an under-market offer. 

Killorn isn't tipping his hand in negotiations, however, saying "I love playing here, I love everything about Tampa," while also admitting, "but you have to look at all angles for sure to make sure you make the right decision."

Hometown discount? It's hard to get a read on it at this point. 

Photo: Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports