TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Lightning 2023-2024 season is over following a crushing 6-1 loss on Monday to the Florida Panthers.
Despites the ups and downs faced this season, all attention is now on what the Bolts can do to win a potential Stanley Cup next year, including if team captain Steven Stamkos will be staying with Tampa Bay.
Stamkos is set to become a free agent this summer, which would allow him to take his pads and skates to another team in the league. However, Stamkos has been playing in Tampa Bay his entire 16-season career, beginning in 2008. The Ontario native eluded to that kind of longevity playing into his ultimate decision.
"I have an amazing young family that has put roots down in this city and really enjoy living here and playing here. So, you know, from that perspective, the decision is more than just me now," Stamkos said at a press conference on Wednesday.
And, Lightning fans can rest assured that the team is already pursuing keeping their captain in Tampa Bay.
"Briefly met with Stammer when we landed after the game, after game 5," Lightning GM Julien BriseBois said Wednesday.
"It's obviously a priority to get it done," he added.
According to 10 Tampa Bay sports reporter David Schiele, Stamkos is still fueled by winning and believes the Stanley Cup window is still open for the Bolts. He was last a free agent in 2016 and signed his current extension just two days before he hit the open market.
The NHL's free agency period starts on July 1.
In a report from CBS Sports, there are five likely teams, besides the Bolts, that could be a good fit for the two-time Stanley Cup winner, including:
Florida Panthers
While it is not ideal amongst fans for the captain of Bolts Nation to switch to one of the team's greatest rivals, there is potential for Stamkos to make his mark in Sunrise.
The article reports that Panthers players Sam Reinhart, Vladimir Tarasenko and Nick Cousins are also coming up on free agency heading into the summer, leaving room for a veteran like Stamkos to come in.
If nothing else, it keeps him right here in the Sunshine State.
Toronto Maple Leafs
While Florida has been home for Stamkos for 16 years, signing a deal with the Maple Leafs would actually bring him closer to his roots as he was born in Markham, Ontario, Canada.
Nashville Predators
Predators General Manager Barry Trotz previously stated that he is looking for "serial winners" to add to the team.
There may be no one better to fill the shows than the man with 1,137 career points.
"The question for the Predators — and Stamkos — is a matter of timing," the article explains. "Does the team see itself competing for a Cup in the next couple of seasons? If so, maybe both sides find a deal more appealing."
Detroit Red Wings
The Michigan-based team has not seen Stanley Cup gold since 2008, and they won't be able to grab another one after missing the playoffs for the eighth year in a row.
If the Red Wings could lock in a deal with Stamkos, this could put them back in the championship conversation.
Utah's new upcoming team
With a brand new NHL team coming to Salt Lake City, there's no better way to make your mark than adding a veteran such as Stamkos.
Additionally, CBS reports that the team has the biggest salary cap at $51.2 million, leaving more than enough room to get the "Stammer" signed to a good deal.
What's next?
If the captain of Bolts Nation chooses to stay in the Tampa Bay area, it would only seem fitting as he is possibly the most decorated player in the team's history.
The Lightning have a salary cap of $12.6 million for the 2024-25 season, which CBS states would put the organization in a "salary cap crunch" to keep the two-time NHL second-team All-Star.