Insider provides the latest update on Stamkos/Lightning contract stalemate

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Mike Armenti
October 16, 2023 (1:19 PM)

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Several weeks ago, Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos made waves when he aired his grievances about his contract dispute with the team very publicly. Shortly after Stamkos spoke about coming into this season without an extension, Lightning GM Julien BriseBois revealed that while the Bolts would love to have Stamkos retire in Tampa, but that the team's first priority is remaining a Stanley Cup contender. He further stated that the team would need to see what the salary cap picture looks like next summer before committing to extending the team's captain.

Stamkos is in the final year of his contract and was eligible to sign an extension with the Lightning back on July 1st, but as of mid-October, nothing has materialized, so it looks as though BriseBois is sticking to his guns.

TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun had the following to say about the Stamkos situation during a recent episode of Insider Trading on TSN:

"I spoke with Julien BriseBois, the GM of the Lightning [on Wednesday] for a piece I wrote in The Athletic, and on Stamkos, BriseBois said he wasn't blindsided by those comments from his captain last month because that's exactly the sentiment that Stamkos shared with BriseBois when they met in the summer. But in those same meetings, as BriseBois says, he also was very transparent with Stamkos that they were not going to negotiate on an extension ahead of this season and the fact BriseBois telling me that they're going to wait until after the season to address that. But BriseBois also added it would be great for Stamkos to end his career in Tampa. But right now it's about waiting to see where the Lightning are as a contender here after the season before addressing that." LeBrun said.

Stamkos, 33, has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay after being selected first overall by the Lightning during the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Regardless if Stamkos leaves Tampa Bay after this season or remains there for the rest of his career, he'll go down as one of the best players in Lightning history.

In 1,004 games with the Lightning, Stamkos has 1,057 points (515 goals, 542 assists) and has won two Stanley Cups with the organization, along with a pair of Rocket Richard Trophies.

Source: Pierre LeBrun - Insider Trading (TSN)