Insider: One Team A "Serious" Suitor For Steven Stamkos If He Hits July 1

Steven Stamkos, the Tampa Bay Lightning's former No. 1 overall pick way back in 2008, certainly feels like the type of player that would, and should, spend his entire career with one team. But here we are, just four days from July 1st, and there is no extension imminent for Stamkos and the Lightning. In fact, according to TSN's insider Pierre LeBrun, the Bolts have some serious work to do between now and Monday if they're going to keep their longtime captain and franchise icon.

Tampa is going to have to change their offer. And that still can happen between now and Monday. In the meantime, there are a number of teams lining up, hoping they can talk with Steve Stamkos and Don Meehan, his agent, on Monday when the market opens.
Among those teams, I'm told, is the Nashville Predators. they need an offensive upgrade for their team, and I believe that Barry Trotz, the GM, will want to be in that mix—IF Steven Stamkos goes to market.

The Predators have plenty of cap space this offseason (about $26 million) and they're hoping to add another marquee player up front. Trotz is determined to turn this team into a true playoff contender next season, and adding a two-time Stanley Cup winner with 555 goals on his resume, including 40 this past season, would be just the ticket.

Fellow insider Chris Johnson adds that the Detroit Red Wings will also be ready to make a big offer to Stamkos if he gets to free agency.

As for the Lightning, they have minimal cap space available, particularly after re-acquiring Ryan McDonagh and his $6.75 million cap hit. They need to clear space, and that should begin to happen any day now if they have intentions of re-signing Stamkos.

The 2008 No. 1 overall pick holds the Bolts' franchise records for goals (555) and points (1,137) in his 16 seasons in Tampa.