What Does the Off-Season Hold for Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Now that the season's over, the speculation about Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos has taken off. Here's the latest roundup of what people are saying.

For the second straight year, the Tampa Bay Lightning were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs. Maintaining a championship roster led to cost-cutting moves that depleted their roster over time, putting them on what could be a decline similar to that of the once-mighty Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks.

The most immediate question is, what happens to Steven Stamkos? The 34-year-old Lightning captain can become a UFA on July 1. 

The Hockey News' Ken Campbell observed the contract talks between the Stamkos camp and Lightning management will be an interesting process. 

Everyone recalls Stamkos expressing his disappointment at the start of training camp last September over the lack of extension talks with management. GM Julien BriseBois downplayed his remarks. Later in the season, he indicated Stamkos would not be moved at the trade deadline.

Following the Lightning's elimination by the Panthers, Stamkos was asked about his upcoming negotiations. He said he hadn't thought about it as he was focused on trying to help his team win games.

The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa and Diandra Loux reported BriseBois said contract talks have already started. He indicated he'd spoken with Stamkos and his agent after returning to Tampa Bay on Monday. 

DeRosa cited Lightning coach Jon Cooper saying he prefers Stamkos stay put. However, he admitted that the decision was between his captain and his club's GM.

ESPN.com's Kristen Shilton believes the Lightning improve their defense corps and overall roster depth. The Tampa Bay Times' John Romano shared that view. Nevertheless, they both acknowledged everything depends on what happens with Stamkos. 

Stamkos could finish his career with the only NHL club he's ever played for. Doing so, however, could mean accepting a lesser deal than his current eight-year, $64-million contract.

PuckPedia indicates the Lightning have a projected cap space of $11.69 million for next season with 17 active roster players under contract. Fitting a new deal for Stamkos within that limited space will be a tight squeeze, assuming he accepts a pay cut from his current average annual value of $8.5 million.

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