Stamkos to hit open market after flash low bid - NHL Trade Rumors

The Steven Stamkos drama playing out in Tampa Bay took a strange turn, as we learned this afternoon that the Lightning made a lowball offer to its longtime captain that forced his agent, Don Meehan, to declare that Stamkos would indeed become a free agent on Monday.

David Pagnotta revealed in a stunning report on NHL Network Radio Friday afternoon that the Bolts are not only giving their franchise icon a relatively small AAV, but also little tenure:

There are some reports about Stamkos, and it’s consistent with the numbers we’ve heard: less than $4 million annual value on a short-term contract… That was a little surprising.

Pagnotta’s co-hosts, Ryan Paton and Dennis Bernstein, were stunned: “I would be insulted if I were him.” I am insulted For “I won’t go back,” were the stunned responses.

It’s likely the writing was on the wall all along, as Stamkos has been eligible for an extension since last summer, with his 8-year, $8.5 million AAV contract having expired at the end of this season.

Many have suggested that a lower AAV might be acceptable for the 34-year-old if it were a long-term deal. But this short-term offer, with a pay cut of more than 50 to 60 percent, for a player who still scored 40 goals last season – 40 goals! – and led the team to two Stanley Cups while scoring 555 goals in 16 years, and another 50 goals in 128 playoff games, is hard to fathom.

And that’s why his agent said he would be on the open market on July 1.

From Stamkos’ agent, Don Meehan, who tells me about his client:
“He will be a free agent on July 1st.”
So it looks like Stamkos is on the market Monday unless something changes in Tampa’s position. I will say more in an article today @TheAthletic https://t.co/J7jeTeRFOF

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 28, 2024