Like all unrestricted free agent stars, it will come down to dollars and cents and what Stamkos feels he's worth. There has been talk across the league that Lightning general manager Julien Brisebois May use that loyalty that Stamkos holds towards lightning and the Tampa Bay area and try to leverage a deal much lower than he's worth.
Stamkos had spent his entire career with the Lightning and have given that fan base plenty to cheer about and has given back to the community repeatedly.
Stamkos is coming off his final year of his deal which held at $8.5 million AAV and as many expect he will need to take a small discount to re sign however, it will remain on how much money he would be willing to lose to remain with the Lightning.
Stamkos has been a performer both in the regular season and in the playoffs as through 128 career playoff games, he has scored fifty goals with 51 assists for 101 points. He has been to numerous Stanley Cup finals and he is won the cup twice.
It's safe to say, if Stamkos stated he's going to unrestricted free agency to test the waters, most teams in the NHL will try to lock him into a deal as he is 34 years old and probably on his last contract.
POLL | ||
MAI 5 | 53 ANSWERS Spittin Chiclets feel Steven Stamkos will remain with the Lightning Will Steven Stamkos remain with the Lightning after this summer? | ||
Yes | 29 | 54.7 % |
No | 24 | 45.3 % |
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