Time is running out and Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will likely test out free agency on July 1st. On Friday morning GM Julien BriseBois said he had discussions with Stamkos’ agent on Thursday while in Las Vegas for the NHL Draft. He expressed his uncertainty on whether a deal can get done that would allow Stamkos to finish his career in Tampa.
On Saturday morning, he reconvened with Stamkos’ agent Don Meehan after making a trade. The two parties were not able to come to an agreement and Meehan confirmed to BriseBois that Stamkos would be testing out free agency.
“The plan is for Steven to test the free agent market. Our respective positions haven’t changed following today’s trades,” said BriseBois. “I understand that when you get this close to free agency it can be tempting to see what the market has to offer to you.”
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