Steven Stamkos: Poised to become free agent

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Stamkos is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said Friday that he's not sure the two sides will reach an agreement on a new deal, per Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com.

There's loads of speculation that the Bolts offered a $24 million deal, but over eight years to lower the AAV to $3 million. Stamkos, who is 34, scored 40 goals and had 81 points in 2023-24. He's Tampa Bay's all-time franchise leader in games played (1,082), goals (555), points (1,137), even-strength goals (336), even-strength points (707), power-play goals (214), power-play points (422), overtime goals (13), game-winning goals (85) and shots (3,332). Stamkos is best deployed on the wing but can still play down the middle. He should have plenty of suitors if he tests the open market, especially from teams seeking leadership and Cup experience. The Lightning freed some cap space by trading Mikhail Sergachev to Utah on Saturday, so the door may not be closed on a potential contract extension with Stamkos.