16-year NHL veteran appears to be finding a new home in the NHL

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Sam Walker
December 4, 2023 (9:46 PM)

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Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos has recently found himself in the midst of contract uncertainty, raising questions about his future with the team. General Manager Julien BriseBois's cautious approach to extending Stamkos's contract has added an element of tension to the Lightning's season.

To kick off the season, BriseBois surprised many by expressing a reluctance to rush into a contract extension for Stamkos. The captain, in response, publicly expressed his frustration with the management's approach, creating a sense of unease within the Tampa Bay organization. The situation has intensified, with Stamkos openly sharing his discontent.

As the Lightning face challenges in securing a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, BriseBois may find himself contemplating trade offers from other teams. Analyst Elliotte Friedman, on a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, suggested that the league will be closely watching Tampa Bay. If the Lightning find themselves on the playoff bubble, trade offers from interested teams could become a reality.

Among the teams rumored to be keenly interested in Stamkos, the Boston Bruins are emerging as strong contenders. Stamkos, a 16-year NHL veteran, has showcased his skills in 23 games this season, amassing an impressive 24 points. It's worth noting that Stamkos holds a full no-movement clause, giving him the power to choose his destination if a trade were to materialize.

While Stamkos's talents make him an attractive prospect, any potential trade would be intricate due to the NHL's hard salary cap and the limited cap space for contending teams. Stamkos's current cap hit stands at $8.5 million for this season, adding complexity to the negotiation table.

Compounding the situation is Tampa Bay's current position outside the playoff bracket in the Eastern Conference. As the team navigates a challenging season, Stamkos's future remains uncertain, with trade speculations adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.