Lightning GM confirms Steven Stamkos will test free agency
It appears as though the Steven Stamkos era with the Tampa Bay Lightning has come to an end.
General manager Julien BriseBois confirmed on a conference call that the two parties had not made any progress following Saturday’s trades and the Lightning captain will test free agency on July 1.
BriseBois reportedly said that the club and Stamkos are not taking the possibility of a reunion off the table, but they will not re-sign him prior to the opening of free agency.
Stamkos has spent his entire career with the Lightning after he was selected first-overall in the 2008 NHL Draft. Since then, he has won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021 and had three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances.
He signed an eight-year, $68 million contract in 2016.
A seven-time 40-plus goal scorer, Stamkos likely departs the Lightning leading all players in goals (555), points (1,137) and games played (1,082).
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