Carson Anderson
Now that the Tampa Bay Lightning have been eliminated from the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, all eyes are on captain Steven Stamkos’ future. After 16 seasons with the Bolts, Stamkos is set to become a free agent this summer and will draw plenty of interest from the other 31 teams.
Stamkos has been such an important part of the Lightning his entire career that it’s hard to imagine him playing for any other team. That’s the kind of effect that 1,137 career points and two Stanley Cup runs have. Stamkos is a Tampa sports legend, but his time in the city may be coming to an end.
Even if Stamkos can no longer bet on the top of his game, teams would still strive to land a 40-goal scorer and points-per-game player with 128 games of playoff experience.
With Stamkos’ future unclear, I decided to look at some possible options for the 34-year-old forward. They may not all be perfect and some are more likely than others, but all of these teams could act as landing spots for Stamkos when he is weighing his options in a few months.
Let’s take a look at six ideal destinations for Stamkos should he reach free agency on July 1.
Toronto maple leaves
Projected space for 2024-25: US$18.6 million
I’m not sure if he has photos of himself in Maple Leafs pajamas a la John Tavares, but this would be a homecoming of sorts for Stamkos, who grew up outside Toronto. If the Maple Leafs can’t pull off an epic first-round comeback against the Boston Bruins, big changes could be on the way this offseason. Assuming that’s the case, I know a guy with gas left in the tank and a winning pedigree. Stamkos would just add to an already dangerous power play and not have to carry the offensive load in Toronto. The problems arise when you look at the Leafs’ balance sheet. They are projected to have less than $19 million to spend on about half of their roster, and even if they gave up one of their biggest contracts through trade, the Maple Leafs would want to use that flexibility to add an aging veteran to the twilight of your career? career?
Nashville Predators
Projected space for 2024-25: US$19.4 million
The Predators have already been ruled out as a potential landing spot for Stamkos in free agency, and that makes some sense. Ryan McDonagh and Luke Schenn, two of Stamkos’ former Lightning teammates, reside in Nashville. Preds general manager Barry Trotz emphasized adding “serial winners” last offseason. Stamkos checks that box. It also became clear in the postseason that Nashville still needs help on the power play, and Stamkos could only help in that area. The issue for the Predators – and Stamkos – is a matter of time. Does the team see itself competing for a World Cup in the coming seasons? If so, perhaps both sides will find a more attractive deal. If Nashville is committed to a long-term vision, it would probably be best for both sides to find other options.
Florida Panthers
Projected space for 2024-25: US$19 million
If Stamkos is feeling petty, I have the right team for him. For starters, going to the Panthers would be a convenient way to get revenge. Stamkos wouldn’t need to leave sunny Florida, the team is already a Stanley Cup contender and is the Lightning’s biggest rival. When it comes to fit, Florida has some key pending free agents this summer. Sam Reinhart leads that group, but Vladimiar Tarasenko and Nick Cousins also need new deals. If one or more of those players doesn’t return, it could open up space for a veteran scorer like Stamkos. Once again, the pesky salary cap is a deterrent here. If the Panthers re-sign Reinhart, it would likely eliminate any scene of Stamkos heading to Sunrise, if it even existed in the first place. If Florida can’t keep its 57-goal scorer, Stamkos could be a suitable consolation prize.
Detroit Red Wings
Projected space for 2024-25: US$29.1 million
Steve Yzerman’s team narrowly missed the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and this upcoming offseason looks to be a pivotal time for the Red Wings’ rebuild. Bringing in Stamkos would help infuse a championship culture into a locker room that hasn’t seen the postseason since 2016. Stamkos could also add some offensive pop that’s been missing at the top of Detroit’s 2023-24 lineup, with the exception of a few key players. This potential marriage may depend on the length of the contract. The Red Wings, a young team trying to become a NHL power once again, do you want to commit long-term to a 34-year-old striker? I imagine not, but a short-term agreement could be interesting for both parties.
Utah TBD
Projected boundary space: US$51.2 million
This is a wild card. I’m not sure how interested Stamkos would be in moving to a newly relocated franchise in the latter years of his career, but stay with me. Utah owner Ryan Smith wanted a NHL team in Salt Lake City this season, and he could look to make a big impact in free agency early on. Signing Stamkos would be considered a cannonball hit for Utah. The former Coyotes have some intriguing young pieces and a nice collection of prospects. It’s not crazy to think they could fight for a playoff spot with some key additions over the summer. This is probably a long shot, but it would be intriguing to see a player of Stamkos’ caliber pick Utah and lead the franchise into a new era.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Projected space for 2024-25: US$12.6 million
Let’s be honest. As fun as it is to imagine these scenarios where Stamkos dons a different sweater at the end of his career, it would be appropriate for him to retire as a member of the Lightning. Stamkos is arguably the best player in franchise history and has a few Stanley Cup rings to back up that claim. As is typically the case, Tampa will have to face a salary crunch this off-season, especially if they want to keep Stamkos. This may mean that both sides will have to compromise a bit on the new contract, but just do it. Stamkos means a lot to the franchise and the community, and he deserves at least one more chance to compete for the Cup like Bolt.
