It's not out of the realm of possibilities that Nashville is the offseason destination of Stamkos.
It's not out of the realm of possibilities that Nashville is the offseason destination of Stamkos.
Steven Stamkos is going to be a UFA after this season and while there is a strong case for him to re-sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning, there is the possibility that he doesn't and tests free agency for what should be his last contract in the NHL before retiring.
Stamkos and the Lightning have been through this contract dance one time before, but it was a lot different back before he signed his current eight-year deal. He was in his prime and the Lightning had yet to win a Stanley Cup, never mind two and go to three consecutive Stanley Cup Finals. This time around, Stamkos is 34 years old and the team has other needs, like finding players who can help keep the puck out of their net. He is a point-producer and a leader, not a defenseman or a two-way forward.
General manager Julien BriseBois is not going to "open the vault" as ESPN's Greg Wyshynski puts it on Sportsnet 590 The Fan, but they are going to offer Stamkos a good contract where he can stick around and finish his career in Tampa Bay. Whatever that offer comes in at, give or take a little bit of wiggle room, Stamkos has a decision to make.
When asked where he could go, Wyshynski was very high on the Nashville Predators as a potential destination. The team has more than enough cap space, and although Stamkos can play center, he can also play the wing. Where was the position that the Predators went out and addressed with two players at the trade deadline this season? Left wing. Stamkos has found himself on the left wing for a while now, whether that be on the top line or the second line.
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His scoring hasn't fallen off a huge amount either, so there is a possibility, if Stamkos does sign in Nashville, that he can add to the offense and help the production beyond the top line. This young Predators team has taken a big step this season looking like a playoff team, having a nice group of core players, and having a great coach in Andrew Brunette. Stamkos could fit in well as a mentor and a leader if this potential scenario plays out. I won't be shocked if events play out this way, but at the same time I'm not expecting it.
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