Also from Tomorrow’s Globe:
Would Stamkos ever bolt Tampa?
Way, way too early to think the Lightning won’t pony up the dough, but it’s worth noting that Steven Stamkos, 1,003 games and two Cup titles into his Tampa Bay career, is about to enter the final season of his eight-year, $68 million deal. If he decides to test the market, he’ll be 34 when hitting UFA on July 1, 2024.
The Bolts way is always to be tucked up against the cap, and that’s where they are now, albeit with the need again to, ahem, get creative by assigning a body or two to long-term injured reserve.
The Bruins would be among at least a dozen interested bidders if Stamkos opts out of the Bay. Like Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, he’s a right-shot center, one who popped for a career-high 106 points only two seasons ago. Lots of clicks on the odometer, but still a worthy, elite contributor for another 3-4 years.
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