Barring any sudden changes, Steven Stamkos will become a free agent on July 1. His agent, Don Meehan, confirmed this to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun. While this does not automatically mean the door is closed with the Lightning, Stamkos is set to receive offers from other clubs on Monday.
Stamkos will receive a lot of interest, as he is still a star at this juncture of his career. The 34-year-old had an excellent 2023-24 season, recording 40 goals and 81 points in 79 games. He followed that up with a solid but short postseason, posting five goals and one helper in five contests against the Florida Panthers.
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston , one specific club that could make a push to land Stamkos on July 1 is the Detroit Red Wings.
Here is what Johnston said on the Red Wings’ potential interest in Stamkos: “One I would keep an eye on is the Detroit Red Wings, who have freed up money with the Jake Walman trade they made this week. The belief is they are one of the ones lining up to take a run at (Stamkos) if he hits the open market.”