The Tampa Bay Lightning's captain Steven Stamkos apparently got one step closer to potentially join the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Since the Lightning was eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the first round by the Florida Panthers, everyone has been wondering the same thing: what will happen to Steven Stamkos?
The 34 year old free agent needs a new contract and it could be complicated to make it happen in Tampa Bay.
General manager Julien BriseBois made many acquisitions recently that could come in the way of signing Stamkos.
Just yesterday, they traded for defenseman Ryan McDonagh, alongside his $6,750,000 AAV contract, with the Nashville Predators.
With him, the Bolts have 19 of 23 active roster spaces filled, as well as a projected cap space of $4.14M. Will this be enough to sign Stamkos?
"I don't want to rush to assumptions but assuming there's no salary retention on McDonaghs $6.75M cap hit, how are the Lightning going to re-sign Stamkos and still fill out the roster!?"
With Stamkos closer than ever to leave the Lightning, and with the Maple Leafs looking to bolster their line up for the next season, Brad Treliving could very well decide to make a push for him.
Do you think Steven Stamkos will play for the Toronto Maple Leafs next season?