Lightning GM Provides Firm Stance On Future Of Stamkos This Season

The Tampa Bay Lightning are very much in the playoff race this season despite not being atop the NHL standings overall or in the Eastern Conference. As we have seen in the past, it doesn't matter where a team finishes, they can still go on a run and win the Stanley Cup. The season the Lightning were expected to win, they got swept in the first round. They followed that up with consecutive Stanley Cups when it wasn't as expected of them.

The Lightning may not be buyers or sellers, but Julien BriseBois, the general manager of the Lightning, provided information on what will be done with captain Steven Stamkos. BriseBois said, "Steven Stamkos is not getting traded, so we can put that one to bed. That is not going to change between now and the deadline under any circumstances."

Julien BriseBois chatted with reporters today about the team, the season, and, as you would expect, the upcoming NHL trade deadline. He offered this piece of information on the future of the #Bolts captain, Steven Stamkos.

"Steven Stamkos is not getting traded so we can put that…
— Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) January 16, 2024

The 33-year-old Stamkos is healthy and playing great hockey. He has 18 goals and 41 points in 41 games. 22 of his points have come on the power play as well. He is still a top line talent that can score and pass the puck. As an upcoming UFA and the Lightning being tight on cap space, his future has been up in the air.

But if the team isn't willing to trade him by any means, this means they are set on winning this season and still having in-depth talks about his future in Tampa Bay. He is a key part of the core and I don't expect Stamkos to sign for 6+ years. His cap hit won't be as high and if he and the team settle on a 3-4 year term, I think both sides will be happy and the Lightning will have their window still wide open.