5 Potential Landing Spots for Steve Stamkos in NHL Free Agency
Grant White
Host · Writer
Toronto Maple Leafs
Naturally, the Toronto Maple Leafs will do what they can to tempt Steven Stamkos into finishing his career close to home. An Ontario native, Stamkos could follow a similar path as John Tavares from a few years ago.
Of course, we're referring to Tavares taking a home-town discount to sign with the Maple Leafs when he hit the free agency in 2018. With just one year remaining on that pact and the Leafs dangling Mitch Marner in the trade market, Toronto could have enough cap room to make a Stamkos deal a reality.
For years, Maple Leafs fans have dreamed of having many local talents skate at the Scotiabank Arena. Sadly, this might still not be good enough to help them end the longest championship drought in the NHL.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Let's get the most obvious answer out of the way. Re-signing their captain and making Steven Stamkos a Tampa Bay Lightning for life will be a priority for both parties this offseason. But the Bolts are in a sub-optimal cap position, and with limited future building blocks, they wouldn't be wrong for prioritizing other players this offseason.
Heading into his age 34 season, Stamkos hasn't played for less than $7.5 million since his initial entry-level deal. With a little over $5 million in cap space available and five roster spots left to fill, Tampa Bay is in a precarious position. They may be able to shake free from a few contracts via trades this offseason, but unless they move on from another cornerstone, it might not afford them the flexibility they need to re-up with Stamkos.
Stamkos and the Lightning will look at any potential solution to keep him in Tampa. But Stamkos might be forced to look elsewhere unless they can offload a few contracts.
Boston Bruins
Thankfully, Steven Stamkos can turn to a familiar foe and perennial Stanley Cup contender if things don't work out with the Bolts. After moving on from Linus Ullmark, the B's are flush with cap space. Consequently, they could offer Stamkos a contract they know he's deserving of to extend their competitive window.
There aren't too many holes on the Bruins roster. Boston has no glaring needs besides re-signing Jeremy Swayman and Jake DeBrusk. With nearly $22 million in cap space, they can get a little reckless with what they offer Stamkos to lure him to Beantown.
In the twilight of his career, winning remains a top priority for Stamkos. The Bruins are among the few teams who can pay him what he wants while keeping his Stanley Cup dreams alive.
Los Angeles Kings
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the Los Angeles Kings have just six forwards under contract. Four of the six forwards they must re-sign are restricted free agents. As such, they could be tempted to let a few of their players sign offer sheets elsewhere, accepting draft picks as compensation and having more space to go out and sign Steven Stamkos.
Like the Bruins, the Kings have a long history of winning. LA has made the playoffs in three straight seasons but is a decade removed from their last Stanley Cup victory. Adding Stamkos to their top six could help them exorcize their playoff demons and get out of the first round for the first time since hoisting the Cup back in 2014.
There's a win-win scenario for the Kings, in which they sign Stamkos without losing any of their top contributors from last season. Of course, that's assuming Stamkos doesn't elect to sign elsewhere.
Dallas Stars
There's another Western Conference team with a proven track record that could push in for Steven Stamkos. With the expected retirement of Joe Pavelski and Matt Duchene potentially finding a more lucrative contract elsewhere, the Dallas Stars could be an ideal landing spot for Stammer.
However, it might not be easy for the Stars to pull off. Dallas has almost $36 million tied up between Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, Jason Robertson, and Roope Hintz, representing nearly half their cap space between four players. But if they can find a few discount defensemen to replenish their defensive corps, they can dedicate more than $16 million in cap space to Stamkos.
Adding Stamkos would give the Stars the best top-six forward corps in the league. More importantly, it could help them get over the Western Conference Final hump that has held them up in each of the past two campaigns.
Toronto Maple Leafs
Naturally, the Toronto Maple Leafs will do what they can to tempt Steven Stamkos into finishing his career close to home. An Ontario native, Stamkos could follow a similar path as John Tavares from a few years ago.
Of course, we're referring to Tavares taking a home-town discount to sign with the Maple Leafs when he hit the free agency in 2018. With just one year remaining on that pact and the Leafs dangling Mitch Marner in the trade market, Toronto could have enough cap room to make a Stamkos deal a reality.
For years, Maple Leafs fans have dreamed of having many local talents skate at the Scotiabank Arena. Sadly, this might still not be good enough to help them end the longest championship drought in the NHL.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Let's get the most obvious answer out of the way. Re-signing their captain and making Steven Stamkos a Tampa Bay Lightning for life will be a priority for both parties this offseason. But the Bolts are in a sub-optimal cap position, and with limited future building blocks, they wouldn't be wrong for prioritizing other players this offseason.
Heading into his age 34 season, Stamkos hasn't played for less than $7.5 million since his initial entry-level deal. With a little over $5 million in cap space available and five roster spots left to fill, Tampa Bay is in a precarious position. They may be able to shake free from a few contracts via trades this offseason, but unless they move on from another cornerstone, it might not afford them the flexibility they need to re-up with Stamkos.
Stamkos and the Lightning will look at any potential solution to keep him in Tampa. But Stamkos might be forced to look elsewhere unless they can offload a few contracts.
