But it was Sunday that Stamkos’ fate was sealed in Tampa Bay. The Lightning acquired the rights to unrestricted free agent forward Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft.
On Sunday night, Stamkos had a feeling he would have to make a decision the next morning. Sure enough, on Monday, the Lightning agreed to terms with Guentzel on a seven-year, $63 million contract (average annual salary of $9 million).
“To be honest, it wasn’t easy,” Stamkos admitted. “I was fortunate enough to spend my entire career with the same organization, 16 years in Tampa Bay, and I never thought I would experience a day like this, but it happened.
“Don’t get me wrong, I’m very excited to come to Nashville, but it was a big blow when I realized it wasn’t going to work out in Tampa.
“Everything happened very quickly during the week. You always have a plan, at least you think you have one, and then it all falls apart. Then you have to take a different direction. That’s life.”
Guentzel had 77 points (30 goals, 47 assists) in 67 games with the Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins last season. He is 29, five years younger than Stamkos.
“I know our fans are disappointed,” Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said. “I know Steven is disappointed and I’m disappointed too. Like everyone else, I wanted him to stay in Tampa and finish his career with the Lightning. But like all players, there are limits. We were limited in what we could offer him given the salary cap.”
“I know Steven is sincere when he says he wants to stay in Tampa. No one questions it. However, we quickly realized that he expected us to comply with his financial demands.
“Ultimately, I decided that if we accepted his terms to retain his services, we would not be in a better position to aspire to great honours in the coming years.”
