MAJOR: Things really don't look good between Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning

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Elias Edmonson
September 21, 2023 (1:01 PM)

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At the dawn of a new NHL season, like every year, there's a significant wave of players who will be playing their final year under contract. Although many of them will come to an agreement during the season with their respective teams, the remaining players will make up the 2024 free agent cohort.

Currently, several big names will become free agents, including William Nylander, Joe Pavelski, Tyler Toffoli, Mark Scheifele, and Steven Stamkos, among others.

However, in the case of the Tampa Bay Lightning captain, although he would like to extend his stay with the organization, at the moment, things really don't look good for a contract extension.

Frankly, the number 91 has even mentioned being very disappointed with the lack of discussions currently taking place.

"To be honest, I've been disappointed with the lack of discussions in this regard. So, it's something I expressed at the end of last year: I wanted to get something done before training camp."

This suggests that Stamkos had demanded that negotiations with the Lightning be concluded, or at least seriously underway, before the start of the training camps, which is not the case, as they officially all begin today.

The 33-year-old forward reiterates his desire to come to terms with the organization that drafted him first overall in the 2008 draft, but he mentions that unfortunately, it's not up to him.

"As I also said at the end of last year, I would love to extend, to play here, and to finish my career here, but that's not up to me. I can't draft a contract for myself."

Let's just say his words speak volumes about the state of negotiations and the Lightning's potential intentions, namely that it could be very difficult, if not impossible, to retain Stamkos's services.

With only $12 million available under the salary cap next summer, with only nine forwards and four defensemen under contract, a miracle will be needed to field a complete and competitive roster while also coming to terms with the team's captain.