It's just been confirmed for Chicago and Steven Stamkos by a Blackhawks reporter

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Joshua Deeds
June 15, 2024 (5:09 PM)

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According to Mario Tirabassi on X.com, he did the best he could to tempt the Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos to jump to Chicago.

It appears it wasn't enough as it's been reported that talks between the Lightning and Stamkos started at the beginning of May.

It has been hoped that the Blackhawks could make a major move and sign Stamkos for his veteran leadership on the ice, and as someone with a playoff pedigree, it's a total no-brainer for GM Kyle Davidson.

"I had a short conversation with [Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois] after [Game 5]; he reached out to my agent," Stamkos said at Tampa Bay's locker cleanout day Wednesday. "That's all that we have right now, but for sure hopefully there's some discussions and you have to start somewhere, so I'm looking forward to that."

But that doesn't mean, it's a given that the former 2008 1st overall pick will sign with the team who drafted him.

As Stamkos is dedicated to winning, it seems as if the Lightning have begun their downturn after their short dynasty lasted all but two-cup runs before it was dismantled in entirety.

Stamkos would be a great mentor for Bedard and benefit from playing on his line as well.

I regret to inform you all that I am returning from Florida without a firm commitment from Steven Stamkos to sign with the #Blackhawks this summer.

I tried my best.

We shall see how things play out on July 1.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Captain is a UFA and while Tirabassi failed to convince Stamkos, money is a huge motivating factor, which GM Kyle Davidson has some to play with.

Source: NHL
Stamkos, Lightning begin talks on new contract