Tampa Bay Lightning fans can breathe a sigh of relief as general manager Julien BriseBois has quashed rumors surrounding the potential trade of Steven Stamkos. In a recent statement, BriseBois made it clear that the Lightning captain will not be leaving the team before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 8. Stamkos, who is in the final year of his eight-year, $68 million contract, has been a key player for the Lightning, boasting an impressive record as the all-time leader in games played, goals, and points for the franchise.
Addressing Stamkos" contract situation, BriseBois mentioned that discussions about the forward"s future with the team will take place after the season concludes. The Lightning will also be evaluating defenseman Victor Hedman"s contract, who has one year remaining on his eight-year, $63 million deal.
"Steven Stamkos is not getting traded, so we can put that one to bed" – Lightning GM Julien BriseBois
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The team currently has several high-profile players with significant contracts, including Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli, Erik Cernak, and Andrei Vasilevskiy. BriseBois emphasized that a thorough evaluation of the team"s position will be conducted at the end of the season, considering the contracts of players whose deals are set to expire.
Despite being in the fifth spot in the Atlantic Division, the Lightning are holding onto the second wild card spot for the Eastern Conference Stanley Cup Playoffs. BriseBois expressed confidence in the team"s abilities, despite facing challenges such as injuries to key players like Mikhail Sergachev and Tanner Jeannot.
BriseBois acknowledged the ongoing nature of assessing opportunities and threats in the hockey world, emphasizing that the trade deadline is a continuous process for general managers. The Lightning"s roster has seen significant testing of its depth this season, with several rookie skaters getting opportunities.
Looking ahead to the second half of the season, BriseBois expects an exciting and challenging journey for the team. Every game will be crucial, and the general manager is optimistic about the group"s ability to rise to the occasion and prove themselves in the playoff race.
