January 16, 2024 | 12:01Pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com
LIGHTNING WILL NOT TRADE STAMKOS, SAYS GM
Steven Stamkos, centre
Regardless of how the season plays out in Tampa Bay, the Lightning have no intention of trading captain Steven Stamkos, who is playing on an expiring contract.
The Lightning are in a battle for a playoff spot and currently sit in the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference with 49 points, one ahead of both the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Islanders. They are also one point behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for third in the Atlantic Division.
Stamkos, who turns 34 on Feb. 7, is in the final year of an eight-year, $68 million contract that includes a full no-movement clause. The Bolts indicated that contract discussions on an extension would wait until the off-season, something both sides are comfortable with, and GM Julien BriseBois reaffirmed that on Tuesday.
“Steven Stamkos is not getting traded so we can put that one to bed,” BriseBois told reporters. “That is not going to change between now and the deadline under any circumstances.
“Like I said all along, after the season, we are going to sit down and we are going to evaluate where we are as a team and where Steven is and we will see how we can make all of the parts work together.”
BriseBois on if he envisions Stamkos will be here after the season: "Yes. Like I said all along, after the season, we are going to sit down and we are going to evaluate where we are as a team and where Steven is and we will see how we can make all of the parts work together" https://t.co/eBBcQMRDxl
— Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) January 16, 2024
Speculation started to swirl over Stamkos’ future with the Lightning, however it is clear the Lightning are pouring cold water on any rumour floating around.
Nikita Kucherov, Andrei Vasilevskiy and Brayden Point each have an average annual value of $9.5 million per season as part of their contracts, which all include no-movement clauses, and Stamkos could end up earning the same on a short-term deal.
In 41 games with the Bolts so far this season, Stamkos has registered 18 goals and 23 assists for 41 points.