Lightning, Stamkos at a standstill on new deal

The clock is ticking until Lightning captain Steven Stamkos can test out free agency on July 1st. On Friday morning, GM Julien BriseBois said he had discussions with Stamkos’ agent as recently as Thursday in Las Vegas, the location of the NHL Draft. He expressed his uncertainty on whether or not a deal can get done that would allow Stamkos to finish his career as a Bolt.

“As we stand here right now, we haven't been able to reach an agreement yet. I don’t know if we’ll be able to reach an agreement, but we met with Steven’s agents again yesterday and both sides are still interested in getting a deal done.” BriseBois said.

Throughout the entirety of the season, the question remained whether or not Steven Stamkos would remain a Bolt after the season ended. In May, the Lightning made the unexpected, but welcomed decision to reunite with a familiar face, defenseman Ryan McDonagh. Stamkos and McDonagh won two Stanley Cups together and remain close on and off the ice. In doing that, they re-acquired a $6.75 million cap hit.

The Lightning currently have $5.335 million in cap space available with key pieces that will need to be filled. Moves can be made in the coming days, but BriseBois wouldn’t comment on whether or not he’d have to trade an existing piece to re-sign the captain.

“Honest answer is I don't know. And I don't want to comment further. I don't think it would add anything right now. Like I said, both sides are interested in getting a deal done. We met as recently as yesterday with his agents.”

He was not open to engaging in questions of what a Lightning team would look like without Stamkos.

“I think it's premature to start answering those types of questions. If we get to that point, we will address that at that time.”

In 2016 Stamkos signed two days before free agency opened, he ultimately remained a Bolt.