Steven Stamkos: don’t rule out a change of address by season’s end

I’m sure you’ve heard, but for those of you who haven’t, Steven Stamkos is out of contract at the end of the season.

And negotiations between the captain and the team aren’t necessarily going well…

They’re going so badly that, if Tampa Bay is out of the playoff picture next March, Stamkos could be traded.

I need to see how the pieces of the puzzle fit together this year. – Julien BriseBois, in late September

The Florida captain is in the final year of an eight-year contract, paying him $8.5 million per season. It’s rare for an impact player to leave and not arrive in Tampa, yet the possibility is definitely on the table. The season is still young, but the Lightning are currently fourth in the draft, one point behind the Islanders and the last playoff spot.

So nothing’s decided yet.

One thing’s for sure: BriseBois should be asking for the moon for Stamkos’ services. And he should keep his salary… Because no big club would be able to accommodate $8.5 million on its payroll.

In fact, according to CapFriendly, only the Blackhawks have space available under the salary cap as of today. And don’t expect Kyle Davidson to be in the derby.

In gusto

– He wants a two-headed monster, too.

– That’s what we thought.

– Juraj Slafkovsky and Justin Barron have greatly improved.

READ about who the robots think the CH has improved? Data that sheds new light… https://t.co/OQlyu97Li5

– TVA Sports (@TVASports) December 5, 2023

– Jets owner makes a nice gesture to Connor Bedard. [H&L]

– Pinch me, somebody.