Lightning GM Opens Up on Steven Stamkos' future in Tampa Bay

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Tom Banks
January 16, 2024 (6:37 PM)

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Steven Stamkos has been the face of the Tampa Bay Lightning for the better part of the past 15 years, but now, his future may be coming to an end with the only team he's known.

Rumours swirl about Stamkos' departure from Tampa Bay

This past summer, there were plenty of reports that said not only could he leave at the end of his contract, which comes up at the end of 2023-24, but that the Lightning could possibly trade their franchise icon.

However, General Manager Julien Brisebois has quickly put an end to those talks as the Lightning once again look to chase Stanley Cup glory in 2024;

"Steven Stamkos is not getting traded so we can put that one to bed. That is not going to change between now and the deadline under any circumstances."

Can Stamkos win his third Cup in Tampa Bay?

This doesn't tell us anything about his future and potential departure as a free agent, but it makes it clear that no matter what the circumstances, this team is chasing glory again in 2023-24, and won't trade their long-time captain to do so.

In 1,044 games with the Lightning, Stamkos has tallied 533 goals and 1,097 points and will go down as the greatest player in franchise history when it's all said and done, and it appears that his General Manager shares just too much respect for him to trade him this season.

As Read on Hockey Feed - Lightning GM makes a statement on Stamkos' future with the team