BRUINS LATEST | NHL TEAM | BOSTON BRUINS

It's Official, Stamkos wants out of Tampa Bay, he'll be a UFA come July 1st.

PUBLICATION

Maverick Mitchell
June 28, 2024 (3:38 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Tampa Bay Lighting Captain Steven Stamkos

Photo credit: Yardbarker

Confirmed by his agent, Tampa Bay Lighting superstar and Captain Steven Stamkos will be a free agent come July 1st.

Initially reported by NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun today, the 2x Stanley Cup Champion will enter free agency if no big development come first.

From Stamkos' agent Don Meehan, who tells me regarding his client:
«He will be a free agent on July 1.»
So would appear Stamkos is going to market Monday unless something changes in Tampa's position. Will have more in a piece today in

As one of the best forwards in the last 15 seasons, Stamkos is looking to sign a deal in the ballpark of $5 Million AAV. With the lack of open cap space for the Lighting, there is no real chance of keeping him unless he takes a massive hometown deal.

Stamkos was reportedly "disappointed" that the Lightning didn't explore extending him last offseason. Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois reportedly wanted to see how the 2023-24 season played out before committing to his captain going forward.

What does this mean for the Bruins? The B's are in search of a bonified Centre for their first line. At 34, he had a remarkable season in 2023-20234 where he accumulated 81 point netting 40 goals and 41 assists.

The B's can afford him and there have been links to him coming to Boston in the past, is this the time it actually happens?

I understand cap limitations but offering Stamkos $3 million or so a year is insane.

There's also no incentive for Stamkos to take an 8 year deal on low AAV vs a short term deal for higher AAV, but at least he's trying to make something work so he can stay.

Previously on Bruins Latest

Big turn of events between the Bruins and Bertuzzi

Sweeney announces key Bruins forward will in fact test free agency

Bruins announce that Charlie McAvoy is expected to be out for a couple weeks.

POLL
28 JUIN \| 137 ANSWERS It's Official, Stamkos wants out of Tampa Bay, he'll be a UFA come July 1st. Do you think the Bruins will try and sign Steven Stamkos?
▢ Yes
▢ No

Latest 10 stories