Steven Stamkos is in the final year of his contract. While he has a no-movement clause, there's speculation about whether the Boston Bruins could try to acquire him.
Questions about Steven Stamkos' future with the Tampa Bay Lightning cropped up last month after the 33-year-old winger expressed disappointment over the lack of contract extension talks over the off-season. That has a couple of pundits wondering if he might land with the Boston Bruins in the near future.
Stamkos is in the final season of his eight-year contract and is slated to become a UFA next July. He carries an annual cap hit of $8.5 million as well as a full no-movement clause, according to PuckPedia.
Nevertheless, the New York Post's Larry Brooks wondered if Stamkos might be targeted by the Bruins as a playoff rental now that Winnipeg's Mark Scheifele is off the market. They started this season with Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle centering their top two lines.
Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy pointed out that Bruins GM Don Sweeney was believed to have made a serious push for Stamkos during his UFA negotiation window in 2016.
An NHL executive source told Boston Hockey Now they believe Sweeney would at least look into acquiring the Lightning star if he became available in the trade market. Failing that, Murphy wondered if the Bruins GM would pursue Stamkos if he hits the open market next summer.
It's far too early to speculate over Stamkos' availability as a trade or free agent candidate. If he becomes available, he might not be able to help the Bruins as a center as he's spent the past several seasons on the left wing.
In an Oct. 11 interview with The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, Lightning GM Julien BriseBois downplayed Stamkos' remarks, adding they're both focused on winning the Stanley Cup this season. He indicated his intention to discuss a suitable new contract with his captain following this campaign when he's evaluated the club's performance.