The Tampa Bay Lightning have been lucky to have Steven Stamkos for the past 15 years, but now, all signs point to the veteran moving on in free agency.
After a stellar career in Tampa Bay, former No. 1 overall pick Steven Stamkos may be on the way out, with an intriguing update coming from David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period.
According to Pagnotta, conversations continue with Tampa Bay, but things aren't going anywhere quickly, and now he may leave the only team he's known during an incredible 17-year career. Over that time, Stamkos has led them to two Stanley Cup's while tallying 1,137 points in 1,082 games played, showing little sign of slowing down in 2023-24 where he notched 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games played.
There's still time for things to turn around in negotiation, but with many teams ready to load up ahead of an intriguing 2024-25 NHL season, he may find the best contract on the open market. NHL's free agency is set to open on July 1st, and with so many teams needing to land the big star, if Stamkos doesn't re-sign in Tampa Bay, it's likely that he'll end up with a huge contract elsewhere.
