Major trade announced will have significant effect on Steven Stamkos

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Elias Edmonson
May 21, 2024 (6:29 PM)

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A significant trade was announced by the Tampa Bay Lightning and General Manager Julien BriseBois today, an intriguing trade for Kent Hughes.

Firstly, more and more NHL journalists are suggesting that the Montreal Canadiens are aiming for a big move this summer, an even bigger move than Kirby Dach.

Secondly, Steven Stamkos's name is constantly linked to Martin St-Louis, Kent Hughes, and Montreal, and thirdly, the Lightning has just completed an extremely intriguing trade.

As we reported earlier, they have acquired defenseman Ryan McDonagh, another fairly hefty contract:

This trade is certainly a major development for the future of Steven Stamkos there.

There was no salary retention in this trade, so Julien BriseBois adds nearly 7 million dollars per year to his salary cap, which was already extremely tight.

«No salary retained in the trade.

McDonagh, who will be 35 next month, has two years left on his contract at a salary of 6.75 million dollars.» - Pierre Lebrun

Major trade announced involving Ryan McDonagh: is this officially the end for Steven Stamkos with the Tampa Bay Lightning?

If Julien BriseBois already didn't have much room under the salary cap to offer a new contract to Stamkos (before the trade for McDonagh), well, now it's even worse! How will he manage to sign his number 91?

They are indeed extremely tight.

«As things currently stand, the Bolts have a cap of 5.035 million dollars for the 2024-25 season. I have to think they still have a lot of work to do as July 1st approaches.» - David Pagnotta

One thing is certain, the trade announced today definitely adds a significant layer of uncertainty regarding Steven Stamkos's future in Tampa Bay, and it possibly just officially opened the door for Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens.

«I look at the Lightning's salary situation and wonder if the acquisition of Ryan McDonagh is related to unsuccessful contract extension talks with the Stamkos camp.

With the addition of the defenseman, the team now has a payroll of $82,665,000 for 2024-25. So, a projected space of about $5,035,000. And that's with 18 players under contract (10 forwards, 6 defensemen, 2 goalies).

I doubt they'll be able to extend Stamkos and sign a few other players in that context... unless they consider other significant personnel moves!» - Marc-Olivier Beaudoin

A huge story to follow!