Stamkos, set to hit free agency on July 1, has been a one-club man with Tampa Bay throughout his career. However, financial hurdles could make it tough for him to remain. At 34, Stamkos is still at the top of his game, having racked up 81 points, including 40 goals, over 79 games this season.
He also made a notable impact in the playoffs, scoring five goals and adding an assist, though Tampa Bay bowed out in five games against the Panthers.
If Stamkos and the Lightning can't hammer out a deal, he has appealing alternatives. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings, Nashville Predators, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs are all in the mix to secure his services.
While all these teams are rebuilding to various degrees, the Maple Leafs, Red Wings, and Predators could be serious Stanley Cup contenders next season. The Canadiens, on the other hand, are earlier in their rebuild, but could draw Stamkos's interest through his connection to former teammate and current Canadiens executive, Martin St-Louis.
For Stamkos, the allure of joining a more immediately competitive team like Toronto or Detroit might outweigh the draw of reuniting with St-Louis in Montreal. How this plays out will be one of the summer's most fascinating stories to watch.
