Lightning GM Comments on Steven Stamkos' Future in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Lightning are a team to watch this summer. GM Julie BriseBois has a massive decision to make on pending free agent Steven Stamkos, and word is the two sides are talking contract, however may not have one in place before Monday, when free agency opens and Stamkos can talk to other teams.

Added that both sides are still interested and motivated to get a deal completed, but not there at this point

— Lightning Insider (@Erik_Erlendsson) June 28, 2024

Stamkos started the 2023-24 season admitting he was disappointed an extension couldn't get agreed upon last summer, meanwhile BriseBois confirmed he wanted to let the season play out before signing Stamkos long term. Now it's crunch time and Lightning fans are starting to get anxious.

The Nashville Predators and Detroit Red Wings are two teams to keep an eye on. Both have tons of cap space and can easily fit in Stamkos and both are enticing destinations. Stamkos and Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman have a very strong relationship and this could be leveraged, meanwhile the Preds are trying to win now and are an attractive destinations city wise, based on weather and lack of state income tax.

Julien BriseBois said the Lightning have met with Stamkos' agents as recently as yesterday, but is uncertain if they will be able to reach an agreement 👀 pic.twitter.com/MLmDZ5gYs3

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) June 28, 2024

The Lightning have just $5.3 million in cap space at the moment, and frankly, that's not going to be enough for Stamkos so there would need to be a trade transpire at some point to make the money work before the start of next season. 

Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports