May 21, 2024 | 3:35pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

STAMKOS, LIGHTNING START TALKING CONTRACT

Steven Stamkos, forward

The Tampa Bay Lightning have gotten the ball rolling with captain Steven Stamkos and have begun contract discussions with his camp.

Speaking with the media on Tuesday after acquiring defenceman Ryan McDonagh back from the Nashville Predators, Lightning GM Julien BriseBois acknowledged that talks have gotten underway with Stamkos.

The Lightning currently have $5.035 million in available salary cap space for the 2024-25 season and will need to move out some additional money in order to sign Stamkos and fill over needs on the roster. According to BriseBois, however, the team remains confident they can get things done.

“We still have some cap space,” BriseBois said, as quoted by NHL.com. “Steven Stamkos is not signed yet right? That’s ongoing. We’re still able in my mind to get something done that makes sense for the organization with Steven even after acquiring Ryan McDonagh. And depending on what happens with other players we’ll address other needs. But we still have some cap space to get done what I think we need to get done this offseason.

“I don’t think anything changed. Steven was up front saying he wanted to stay. That’s his strong preference. I’ve mentioned that’s our strong preference as well. And now we’re still working on how we make this happen for it to make sense for both sides.”

Stamkos, who can become an unrestricted free agent July 1, will see his eight-year, $68 million contract expire at the end of next month and can hit the open market if he remains unsigned.

As TFP’s David Pagnotta reported on Monday, the Lightning have prioritized getting Stamkos locked up and will later shift their focus to star defenceman Victor Hedman, who has one more year remaining on his contract.

It is unclear what type of contract Stamkos wants with Tampa Bay, but he has made it abundantly clear his preference is to remain with the Lightning.

In 79 games with the Bolts this season, Stamkos registered 40 goals and 41 assists for 81 points.