Before the 2023-24 season started, Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois shared that the club would hold off on deciding Steven Stamkos’ future until after the campaign. This led to some wondering if the Lightning could trade their longtime captain during the season. Now, we can safely say that this will not happen.
While speaking to reporters, BriseBois said this about the prospect of Stamkos getting traded: “Steven Stamkos is not getting traded, so we can put that one to bed.”
BriseBois later said that he still sees Stamkos being a part of the Lightning’s roster past this season, as relayed by The Athletic’s Joe Smith.
Lightning Can’t Let Stamkos Walk This Offseason
The Lightning committed to keeping Stamkos around for the remainder of the season. Yet, they now must find a way to keep him in Tampa Bay. He’s far too valuable of player, both due to his skill and overall legacy, for the Lightning to lose for nothing through free agency.
Stamkos has spent the entirety of his 16-year career with the Lightning, so it’s likely that he wants to stay with the Bolts. However, the real question will be if the Lightning and Stamkos can reach an agreement that is beneficial for both parties.
Stamkos, 33, is once again having an excellent season for the Lightning. In 41 games he has 18 goals and 41 points. Losing that kind of production would be detrimental for the Lightning’s top six.
NHL Trade Market Still Has Notable Forwards
Although a Stamkos trade will not happen this season, the NHL trade market still has some notable forwards to watch. Some players to watch include Jake Guentzel (Pittsburgh Penguins), Elias Lindholm (Calgary Flames), Vladimir Tarasenko (Ottawa Senators), Sean Monahan (Montreal Canadiens), Trevor Zegras (Anaheim Ducks), and Andrei Kuzmenko (Vancouver Canucks).
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