The Lightning's latest contract offer for Steven Stamkos is less money than most would have expected.
The Lightning's latest contract offer for Steven Stamkos is less money than most would have expected.
With free agency being just two days away, Steven Stamkos still does not have his next contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning. It appears likely that No. 91 won't have a new deal by the start of free agency, either. Pierre LeBrun reported that Stamkos' agent, Don Meehan, told him that the future Hall of Famer will be a free agent on July 1.
Things can always change, but as it stands right now, Stamkos is expected to become available on the market on Monday. There will be plenty of bidders, but the Lightning have still not given up on keeping their captain around.
LeBrun has also provided a big update regarding the Lightning's latest contract offer for Stamkos. The NHL insider speculated that the Lightning have offered Stamkos an eight-year contract with a low $3 million AAV. LeBrun also noted that this deal won't work for Stamkos and that he likely wants between $4 million to $5 million per season with that term.
While the Lightning's offer for Stamkos would give the superstar great term, that price is just too low for a player of his caliber. Thus, it is unsurprising that he remains unsigned at this juncture.
Lightning GM Julien BriseBois tried this strategy last summer with Alex Killorn, offering the veteran winger an eight-year, $20 million deal ($2.5 million AAV). Killorn, of course, didn't accept the deal and secured a four-year, $25 million contract ($6.25 million AAV) with the Anaheim Ducks in free agency.
It will now be very intriguing to see what happens with Stamkos. He has made it abundantly clear that he wants to remain in Tampa Bay, but the Bolts will need to improve their offer if they hope to keep the face of their franchise around.
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