NHL Rumors: 5 Teams Going Hard After Steven Stamkos

According to growing speculation, Steven Stamkos is likely to be leaving the Tampa Bay Lightning and will be signing a contract with a new team on Monday. Rumor has the LA Kings, New Jersey Devils, Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, and Vegas Golden Knights are in the mix.

Stamkos and the Lightning tried to get a deal done for the past couple of weeks but have had no luck. The Lightning created some extra cap space this summer, however have decided to go in a different direction by adding Jake Guentzel on a long-term deal. Stamkos was offered something in the ball park of $3 million annually and for him, it wasn't good enough.

Considering everything that Stamkos has done for the Lightning franchise, it's kind of crazy to think the team won't pay him anywhere close to what he's worth on the open market. Despite being 34 years old, Stamkos posted 81 points in 79 games and added another six points in five Stanley Cup Playoff games. He's not showing any signs of slowing down and feels he has lots left in the tank.

Brisebois to Stamkos after 16 years and 2 Cups pic.twitter.com/VzxdkiauRH
— Bryan Hayes (@HayesTSN) June 30, 2024

The early favorites out of the five teams appears to be the Nashville Predators, however the Kings have gained momentum as of Monday morning.

It's going to be a fascinating day of movement, Stamkos included. He wasn't happy when the Lightning didn't offer him an extension last summer and the divorce is going to be messy.