Key Takeaways:
– The Tampa Bay Lightning’s acquisition of Ryan McDonagh could make it hard to extend Steven Stamkos’ contract.
– General Manager Julien BriseBois is confident about the team’s ability to retain Stamkos despite the cap constraints brought on by the addition of McDonagh.
– The Lightning now have about $5 million in projected cap space for the next season.
– Steven Stamkos, after 16 seasons with the Lightning, may enter free agency in July.
– Despite uncertainties, Stamkos is positive about re-signing and remaining with the Lightning.
Impact of McDonagh’s Entry on Stamkos’ Contract
In an unexpected move, the Tampa Bay Lightning added former defenseman Ryan McDonagh to their roster on May 21, making it the first significant transaction of the NHL offseason. However, McDonagh’s $6.75 million cap hit has led to concerns regarding the extension of Steven Stamkos’ contract.
The acquisition of McDonagh from the Nashville Predators, who did not retain any of the player’s salary, leaves the Lightning with only about $5 million in projected cap space for the upcoming season, based on data from CapFriendly. This transaction may cause difficulty in re-signing the team’s captain, Steven Stamkos, who is not yet signed.
Team’s Confidence in Retaining Stamkos
Despite the cap constraints, Lightning’s General Manager, Julien BriseBois, firmly believes that the team can retain Stamkos. Speaking to the issue, BriseBois said on May 21, “We’re still able, in my mind, to get something done that makes sense for the organization with Steven even after acquiring Ryan McDonagh.”
He acknowledged that the team has two open forward spots on the roster, with one likely reserved for Stamkos if he signs an extension. Optimistic of the ongoing negotiations, BriseBois stated, “It would be unfair to characterize. I don’t think anything’s changed. Steven was upfront saying he wanted to stay. That’s his strong preference. I’ve mentioned that’s our strong preference as well. Now, we’re still working on how do we make this happen for it to make sense for both sides.”
Stamkos’ Possible Free Agency
If an extension is not agreed upon, Stamkos will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The 34-year-old captain is due to complete an eight-year, $68 million deal expiring at the end of June.
Stamkos has had a long and successful tenure with Tampa Bay Lightning, leading them to four Stanley Cup Finals, with victories in 2020 and 2021. Selected first overall in the 2008 NHL Draft, Stamkos has played 1,082 regular-season games amassing substantial points in both the regular-season and postseason.
Despite uncertainties about his future with the Lightning, Stamkos expressed positivity about staying with the team. He said, “At the end of the day, winning is still what fuels me. Being a big part of that culture fuels me.”
The fate of Stamkos’ contract is still in limbo, with negotiations ongoing. The team’s decision will be keenly watched as it not only affects the future of Steven Stamkos but also the team’s composition in the upcoming season.