After reacquiring defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators, the Tampa Bay Lightning are left with slightly more than $5 million in salary cap space. Consequently, there have been widespread speculations that the Lightning will seek to create additional cap room to re-sign their captain, Steven Stamkos.
Both Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois and Stamkos have expressed their desire to reach a new contract agreement. However, a notable NHL insider has shared a troubling update regarding Stamkos.
In a recent piece for The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun discussed insights into some of the NHL’s premier free agents. Regarding Stamkos, he mentioned that the star’s agent, Don Meehan, conveyed to him via text, “Nothing to report” regarding ongoing negotiations.
LeBrun concluded his remarks on Stamkos by suggesting that negotiations might extend until the last minute. Stamkos has long been synonymous with the Lightning franchise, which adds sentimental value to the negotiations. While it’s not just about financial terms, there’s uncertainty about whether they can bridge the gap and reach an agreement.
