Steven Stamkos entered the NHL trade rumors mill after he reported to the media that he was unhappy with the Tampa Bay Lightning management team for not discussing a contract extension this past offseason.
Stamkos, 33, is coming off a campaign where he put up 84 points (34g, 50a) in 81 games played last season.
The Tampa Bay Lightning will not re-sign Steven Stamkos to a contract extension
Hall of Fame player Chris Pronger was on TSN 1050 radio and was asked by the hosts what he thinks the Tampa Bay Lightning will do with Steven Stamkos.
Pronger stated that there are concerns within the Lightning organization about their future ability to keep Stamkos due to salary cap constraints. As the team’s oldest player, he could potentially be the odd man out.
What was also discussed on the radio hit was this could be a tactic being used by the Lightning to get Stamkos to sign a 3-year deal at $3 million a year. Similar to what Boston did with Patrice Bergeron.
What are NHL fans saying about the Tampa Bay Lightning not re-signing Steven Stamkos
I guess he will finally become a Toronto Maple Leaf next offseason and replace William Nylander.
Unless he signs a short term deal at a reduced salary, the Lightning should look at trading him and getting some assets back.
He held out on his last contract and waited for free agency to see what was being offered. It is time for Tampa to retool the team.
Let John Tavares walk and sign Stamkos in the off-season.