Steven Stamkos shares brutal news regarding his future
Steven Stamkos has become synonymous with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, but now, it appears his future is up in the air.
After elimination from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, all eyes in Tampa Bay shift to Steven Stamkos, who many believe may have played his last game as a member of the Lightning. Back in 2008, Stamkos was drafted No. 1 overall by Tampa Bay, and has spent the past 16 years leading this team, playing in 1,082 games and leading them to two Stanley Cups.
Now, his future is up in the air, and after the Panthers took them down in five games, he's addressed that very topic in a recent interview;
"Obviously, certain things have changed now," he explained when discussing a potential new deal. "I have an amazing young family that has put roots down in this city and I really enjoy living here and playing here. From that perspective, the decision is more than just me now."
"There's different factors than there were last time (I was at the end of my contract), but nothing's really changed in terms of my mindset and where I wanted to be and play and that was here. That certainly hasn't changed."
It's no secret that Stamkos was upset with the lack of extension talks from Tampa Bay, but with long term deals for Victor Hedman, Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevsky, they may simply not be able to afford it. Free agency is coming up in July, and with Stamkos potentially on the move, he'll draw plenty of interest following a 40 goal, 81 point season, and while a reunion isn't out of the realm of possibility, it's not likely at this point.
Source: Hockey Feed
Steven Stamkos gets honest about his future
POLL |
Has Steven Stamkos played his last game for the Lightning? |
Yes | 299 | 55.2 % |
No | 243 | 44.8 % |
List of polls |
|
2 hours ago | By Tom Banks Lightning star Andrei Vasilevsky taunts the Maple Leafs before getting embarrassingly pulled from the game |
|
4 hours ago | By Tom Banks 23 teams reportedly in attendance to scout the Toronto Maple Leafs |
|
4 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Jake Walman completely blindsided and devastated to be traded by the Red Wings |
|
6 hours ago | By Ezek Glue Beloved veteran steps back from the NHL indefinitely after receiving difficult family news |
|
7 hours ago | By Tom Banks Utah Hockey Club linked to Maple Leafs blue liner after two big injuries to key defensemen |
|
8 hours ago | By Tom Banks Montreal Canadiens rookie facing backlash after no-showing a paid signing event |
|
9 hours ago | By Tom Banks San Jose Sharks GM shares unfortunate injury update on young star Macklin Celebrini |
|
12 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente 15-year-old hockey player hospitalized after horrific hit |
Previously on HouseOfHockey