Canadiens officially met with Steven Stamkos: nearly $70M was on the table

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Elias Edmonson
June 7, 2024 (1:28 PM)

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The Tampa Bay Lightning forward, Steven Stamkos, had been approached by the Montreal Canadiens for a meeting before signing his $68 million deal.

If we recall correctly, this isn't the first time Stamkos's name has been linked to the Montreal Canadiens.

Before signing the $68 million contract he just completed, he had met with the Montreal Canadiens' management (when he was about to become a free agent), so it was serious!

Michel Therrien recounts the Canadiens' meeting with Steven Stamkos

«The Canadiens tried to lure Steven Stamkos to Montreal in 2016, a few days before the free agency market opened.»

«We took the plane, me, Marc Bergevin, and Geoff Molson,» said Therrien.

«There were many teams that wanted to meet him. Marc talked to him about the team's structure. We had a good team and were making the playoffs. We didn't lack much.

Geoff talked to him about the promotional advantages he could have by playing in Montreal. As for me, I told him how I intended to use him.»

- Michel Therrien

The then-head coach of the Canadiens recounts that they were obviously disappointed to see Stamkos accept less money to sign an 8-year, $68 million deal with Tampa Bay.

Now that Steven Stamkos is finishing this contract, will the Canadiens invite him for another meeting, but this time with Martin St-Louis, Vincent Lecavalier, Jeff Gorton, and Kent Hughes? Stay tuned.

Credit: TVA Sports
Le CH avait rencontré Stamkos chez lui en 2016