As of Friday, the odds are not in favor of Steven Stamkos rejoining the Tampa Bay Lightning for the upcoming season. So, brace yourself if you're one of those fans.
In his response, BriseBois was quite direct, stating that they don't know if they will be able to come to a contract deal with their captain, Steven Stamkos, who is among the greatest players in Lightning club history. Although it doesn't sound very likely, BriseBois continued, "We met with Stamkos' agent on Thursday, and while both parties would like to get something done before July 1st, that is not guaranteed to happen."
Stamkos, an Ontario native born in Markham, had a fantastic season with the Lightning, recording his sixth season with 40 or more goals. The captain of the Lightning with 81 points (40 goals, 41 assists) in 79 games, 34 penalty minutes, and a minus-21 rating. He performed as everyone had anticipated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, tallying five goals in five games, but it was insufficient as Tampa Bay fell to their state rivals, the Florida Panthers, in the opening round.
The 34-year-old was drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2008, and he has played for them for his entire 16-year career. His propensity to score goals immediately made him a fan favorite, and in 2020 and 2021 he helped the team win back-to-back Stanley Cup titles. There will be an unfillable void in the Lightning's core if he does decide to leave on Monday.
