The Tampa Bay Lightning’s 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs did not last very long. They were matched up against their in-state rivals, the Florida Panthers, and were eliminated in five games. The final blow came on Monday night in a disappointing 6-1 loss.
With their season over, attention will now turn to offseason tasks for the Lightning. The one people are paying the most attention to is what they will do with their star center, Steven Stamkos.
Their long-time captain is set to hit unrestricted free agency this offseason. If it were up to general manager Julien BriseBois, the decision would be an easy one; he wants Stamkos back and is “very hopeful” a deal can be struck between the two sides.
“Obviously Steven Stamkos needs a contract, and we want him part of that group,” said BriseBois on Wednesday. He also revealed that preliminary discussions have started with Stamoks and his agent and getting a deal done is a priority for the franchise.
The contract status of Stamkos has garnered a lot of attention. Playing out the final season of an eight-year, $68 million contract this season, he expressed frustration with the lack of talks between the sides in September.
Stamoks was hoping to get something done before the regular season began, but it wasn’t meant to be. Now that he is set to hit free agency, there will be pressure on BriseBois to get a deal done with the franchise icon.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Stamoks has spent his entire career with the Lightning to this point. Despite turning 34 years old in February, he remains a productive player for Tampa Bay.
“I’m in my 16th season here. It’s crazy when you think about it. It certainly doesn’t feel that way from a physical or mental perspective, because I still love coming to the rink every day and interacting with the fans,” he said. “Everything that is hockey in this city is amazing and I love it.”
In 79 games this season, Stamkos recorded 40 goals and 41 assists, finishing third on the team in points. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Panthers, he scored five goals with one assist, leading the Lightning in goals and points.
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