Steven Stamkos is hitting the free agent market.

The primary time we thought of this chance was again in 2016, earlier than Stamkos signed an eight-year deal price $68 million with the Tampa Bay Lightning two days earlier than July 1. However this time is completely different. Each Stamkos’ agent Don Meehan and Lightning GM Julien BriseBois have indicated that the star ahead is “going to July 1” this summer time.

How we bought right here: Earlier than the season, Stamkos publicly addressed his frustration over an absence of substantive contract extension talks with the Lightning. BriseBois mentioned he wished to attend till after the season to see what the Tampa Bay roster wanted, after which would supply Stamkos one thing inside the monetary confines of addressing these wants.

The contract he supplied Stamkos wasn’t ample to re-sign him. Nor did it enhance because the Lightning cleared out cap house and free company neared. The final supervisor instructed Meehan that “it is one of the best curiosity of our group to discover all choices within the coming days, whether or not or not it’s by way of trades or by stepping into free company.”

On Sunday, Tampa Bay acquired the negotiating rights to Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes (and subsequently agreed to a contract); Guentzel would possibly change into Stamkos’ alternative within the lineup.

The place might Stamkos find yourself as a free agent? This is a have a look at 17 potentialities, with the data that different candidates are on the market.