Video above from previous coverage June 28, 2024
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay Lightning General Florida Florida manager Julien BriseBois said on Saturday that Steven Stamkos plans to test the free agent market on Monday.
BriseBois spoke to the media after the completion of the NHL Draft, in which the Lightning traded Mikhail Sergachev to the Utah Hockey Club and Tanner Jeannot to the Los Angeles Kings.
“The plan is for Steven to test the free agent market,” BriseBois said. “Our respective positions haven’t changed following today’s trades. I understand when you get this close to free agency, it can be tempting to see what the market has to offer to you, and that was a risk I was taking when I didn’t go to Steven a year early to try to lock him up and get a contract done.”
BriseBois said he did not present an increased offer to Stamkos after the Sergachev and Jeannot trades, which gave the team extra salary cap space.
BriseBois said he has to do what’s best for the Lightning organization, and Stamkos has to do what’s best for him and his family.
“To be fair, I think both parties have tried to get a deal done up to this point, we just haven’t been able to,” BriseBois said.
If Stamkos does become a free agent, that doesn’t close the door on a deal getting done to stay in Tampa.
“Steven’s earned the right to test free agency,” he said.
The NHL free agency period begins at Noon on Monday, and if the Lightning and Stamkos don’t have a new deal in place by then, he will be free to talk with other teams.
Stamkos was drafted by the Lightning in 2008 and has won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the team in 2020 and 2021. He’s also been with the team for two other Stanley Cup Finals appearances in 2015 and 2022.
Stamkos is the Lightning’s all-time leader in goals, points, and games played. He’s been a team captain since 2014.
