Free agency is just a month away, and teams are already preparing for its opening. Several impactful players will hit the market in July, while many teams also need to re-sign key restricted free agents. Today, we focus on the Tampa Bay Lightning’s free-agent
Key Unrestricted Free Agents
F Steven Stamkos: As an unrestricted free agent for the second time in his career, the Lightning will likely try to retain their captain this offseason. Stamkos was publicly unhappy earlier this year about not having an extension before the 2023-24 NHL season began, but that tension seems to have subsided.
At 34, Stamkos will still command a multi-year contract, potentially with a lower annual average value (AAV) due to the team’s cap constraints. With 1,082 regular season games and two Stanley Cup rings, Stamkos is coming off his seventh 40-goal season. If he decides to leave Tampa Bay, many teams will be interested.
F Anthony Duclair Acquired from the San Jose Sharks at the trade deadline, Duclair quickly proved to be a valuable addition. He scored seven goals and 10 points in his last 10 games with the Sharks before the trade and added eight goals and 15 points in 17 games with Tampa Bay. While Duclair has significant value as an offensive contributor, he may need to take a slight pay cut from his recent $3M salary to stay with the Lightning.
D Matt Dumba: Also acquired at the trade deadline, Dumba came from the Arizona Coyotes but struggled to find his game in Tampa Bay. In 18 games with the Lightning, he managed only two assists and averaged 18:39 of ice time per game. Dumba will likely find a guaranteed contract on the open market with a team needing defensive depth, but it will probably be less than his $3.9M AAV after a challenging 2023-24 season.
Other UFAs: F Tyler Motte, F Austin Watson, D Calvin de Haan, D Haydn Fleury, G Jonas Johansson.
Projected Cap Space
Tampa Bay has faced cap challenges for several years, and the situation remains tricky. The team is tight on cap space heading into the offseason, especially after acquiring defenseman Ryan McDonagh and his $6.75M AAV from the Nashville Predators without sending any money the other way. This leaves the Lightning with just over $5M in cap space unless another move is made.
With the team’s desire to keep Stamkos, trade rumors have emerged involving Tanner Jeannot and his $2.665M salary for the 2024-25 NHL season, but nothing is confirmed. Stamkos could potentially take a below-market contract to help keep the team competitive, though this seems unlikely. If the Lightning manage to free up some cap space, they have options to move players without significantly disrupting the lineup.
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