Original Six team nearly landed Steven Stamkos before one decision changed everything

A new report is shedding light on why Steven Stamkos never ended up in a Red Wings jersey.

Detroit Free Press reporter Carlos Monarrez says the team had a real shot at signing him back in 2024, and it wasn't ownership hesitation over dollars that killed it.

It was term. Steve Yzerman had three years on the table at matching money to Nashville, then learned the Predators bumped their offer to four years.

He called owner Chris Ilitch to ask for the extra season and was told to wait.

By the time an answer came, Stamkos was already gone.

The numbers sting in hindsight.

Stamkos signed a four year, $32 million dollar deal with Nashville and has been exactly what the Red Wings needed down the middle.

He put up 66 points in his first season with the Predators, then followed that with 42 goals this past year, a total that would have paced every forward on Detroit's roster.

This wasn't the only deal reportedly derailed by ownership hesitation.

Monarrez also reported that Anthony Mantha nearly returned to Detroit this summer before that agreement fell apart the same way, with Ilitch deliberating until the opportunity slipped away.

For a franchise that has missed the playoffs by single digit point totals in back to back seasons, a difference maker like Stamkos could have changed everything.

Instead, Detroit is left wondering what could have been while Nashville reaps the benefits.

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