Devils should consider Steven Stamkos in free agency

One of the priorities for the New Jersey Devils this summer is adding players who bring a wealth of experience and a winning pedigree. They would be hard pressed to find someone better who encapsulates these qualities than Steven Stamkos. Quite simply, the Devils should consider adding the veteran forward in free agency.

According to Pierre LeBrun via X (formerly Twitter), the Tampa Bay Lightning captain will become a free agent on July 1. The report came after Lightning general manager Julien Brisebois explained that the two sides were not close.

“At this time, we have not yet been able to reach an agreement,” Brisebois explained to Lightning media. “I don’t know if we can come to an agreement, but we met with Steven’s agent again yesterday and both parties are still interested in doing a deal, but we haven’t been able to come to an agreement on terms satisfactory to both parties. I think at this point it’s probably best to leave it at that for now.

At the end of the Devils’ season, I jokingly asked Devils forward Ondrej Palat if he was going to try to convince Stamkos to come play with him in New Jersey.

Palat laughed and said, “I’ll do my best.”

I don’t think Palat, or anyone else, really believed Stamkos would reach this point, but now that he’s set to hit the open market, Stamkos is simply someone for general manager Tom Fitzgerald to consider.

For what?

Well, it’s pretty much the same experience as Palat. Stamkos led the Lightning to back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, followed by a third Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2022.

You can’t beat that kind of experience and pedigree.

There is a history surrounding Stamkos regarding injuries, but that shouldn’t be a concern. After missing significant time between 2019 and 2021, Stamkos has played three straight seasons, appearing in 79 or more games each year.

Not only has he played three full seasons since recovering from his injury, but Stamkos has scored 40-plus goals twice and recorded a 34-goal season between the 40-goal campaigns.

Despite his age, he shows no signs of slowing down.

Stamkos reportedly turned down a long-term deal with the Lightning worth $3 million per year. If the two teams aren’t just playing a game of pool play to see who moves first and he actually makes it to free agency, it appears the future Hall of Fame forward is willing to work on a shorter-term contract.

This bodes well for the Devils.

The Devils’ core is so young and committed for the long term that signing a veteran like Stamkos at 34 doesn’t really make sense. However, since he turned down a long-term offer at age 34 from the only team he played his entire career with, it appears he is open to a short-term deal, which certainly makes a lot of sense for the Devils.

The Devils are working with just over $15 million in cap space this summer. They would be heavy on Brett Pesce and would also have Dawson Mercer to extend. However, there will certainly be room to add Stamkos if and when the two aforementioned deals are completed.

AFP Analytics projects Stamkos to get a three-year contract with an AAV worth $6,156,700.

If the Devils are interested in Stamkos, they won’t be alone. The Nashville Predators are a team reportedly looking for star power, and Stamkos is on their radar.

Regardless, Stamkos is a solid choice for the Devils. They are looking for a top-tier forward and after losing Tyler Toffoli, they are going to want someone who can fill the net. Stamkos’ foot speed is still pretty good, and given that he is now a regular left winger, he would fit nicely into a line with Jack Hughes.

Stamkos continues to lead the game, create chances and score at an elite rate.

It’s not every day that a player like Stamkos hits free agency. He doesn’t necessarily have ties to New Jersey, but the Palat factor could certainly come into play when Stamkos chooses his next destination, and the Devils are a sought-after spot with the young talent and belief they’ll return to the playoffs next season.

Stamkos is the kind of player who can get the Devils over the hump and make them not only a playoff contender, but a championship contender, especially with the kind of leadership he brings.

If the Lightning captain makes it to July 1, Fitzgerald should certainly make an offer. And if Stamkos wants to try again before his career is over, the Devils are also a good fit for him.