Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has recently sparked considerable interest in Tampa Bay with his latest revelation. On an episode of "32 Thoughts", Friedman delved into the current status of Steven Stamkos with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos, the 33-year-old captain of the team, is approaching free agency next summer. With an array of rumors surrounding his impending future, the hockey community is abuzz with speculation.
According to his sources, there's a possibility that this might be the last season with the Lightning for Stamkos. This is significant news given Stamkos' deep-rooted history with the team. Drafted by the Lightning in 2008, he has since played 1003 games, amassing an impressive 1056 points. In 2014, he was honored with the captaincy and would the team to their next two Stanley Cups, cementing his legacy with the franchise.
What does the future hold for Stamkos and Tampa Bay? While he undoubtedly has left a mark on the franchise, his remaining time with the team might come down to the salary cap. If Stamkos genuinely wishes to continue his journey with the Lightning, he might have to take a pay cut. This good-will gesture could potentially convince General Manager Julien BriseBois to keep him on the roster. The next few months are poised to be pivotal for both Stamkos and the Lightning franchise.
