According to a report today from TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Steven Stamkos and his agent have decided to test free agency this offseason. The Lightning captain is coming off an 8 year contract that paid him $8.5M a season, and it seems that the team isn't willing to meet his asking price for his next contract. Lightning GM Julien BriseBois spoke to the media and essentially confirmed reports that the two sides are at a fundamental impasse.
Now 34 years old and having played over 1000 games for the Lightning, it's hard to believe that Stamkos wants to leave the team. Last season Stamkos scored 40 goals and 81 points which should garner him an impressive payday, but perhaps the Lightning aren't prepared to commit that salary to an aging player. Stamkos' projected contract value is $9M for next season, but that could regress quickly with age. Still, teams are reportedly lining up to sign Stamkos on July 1st.
Plenty of playoff contending teams would benefit from adding a veteran elite scorer like Steven Stamkos, and if the Oilers could afford it, he would be a perfect second line fit with Leon Draisaitl. Stamkos seems to have a rapidly evolving situation, so we may see where he lands on the day of free agency.
