Steven Stamkos: Renaud Lavoie talks about a three-year/$15 million contract

At the start of the season, the feeling was that Steven Stamkos really could leave the team in 2023-2024.

In December, I even talked about the possibility of the captain changing addresses this season.

My text on this subject:

Lo and behold, the trade deadline has passed: Stamkos will finish the season in Florida and try to win a third Stanley Cup.

And in his Friday column, Renaud Lavoie stated that the tide seems to have turned in this matter. The tipster spoke of a three-year/$15 million contract to stay in Tampa Bay.

This could be his last career contract, as the 34-year-old would have 37 years left on a three-year deal. Stamkos is worth a lot more than $5 million a year, but Florida is a paradise and the players who speak with Lavoie always say how much they love the city and the organization.

One thing’s for sure: if Stamkos asks for a contract commensurate with his talent, I’m not sure Julien BriseBois can give it to him. After all, despite the increase in the salary cap, Tampa doesn’t have much money, and Mikhail Sergachev’s contract will be back on the books next year.

In addition to Stamkos, who has 25 goals and 31 assists (before tonight’s games) in 63 games in 2023-2024, newcomers Anthony Duclair as well as Matt Dumba, Calvin De Haan, Haydn Fleury, Tyler Motte and Austin Watson will become unrestricted free agents.So it’s not a huge amount ofmoney that’s going out the door.

Let’s not forget Brent Seabrook’s (LTIR) contract, which is finally coming to an end.

Five million would be perfect for the captain and the team, in my opinion. After all, why ask for more money when you’ve made so much in your career and live 365 days a year in Florida?

In a gust

– In the first period of the Canadien-Flames game, Renaud Lavoie said he expected to hear from David Reinbacher on Monday. Small details still to be worked out.

– Hockey night in Canada Toronto.

– Good news for the Rocket.

– Caleb Williams should be drafted by the Bears.

Bears send Justin Fields to Steelers in return for 6th round pick in 2025https://t.co/hMHTT4QN5d pic.twitter.com/7pnwqN6qt2

– RDS (@RDSca) March 16, 2024

– The Coyotes are closing in on the Habs.

Tanks amigos https://t.co/7oNPV3u8yB

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) March 16, 2024