Lightning Get Concerning Steven Stamkos Update

   
Will Steven Stamkos and the Lightning be able to get a deal done?

After bringing back defenseman Ryan McDonagh from the Nashville Predators, the Tampa Bay Lightning have just over $5 million of cap space. As a result, there have been plenty of rumblings that the Lightning will try to free up cap space to re-sign captain Steven Stamkos. 

Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is disappointed about the lack of  discussions about a new contract - The San Diego Union-Tribune

Both Lightning GM Julien BriseBois and Stamkos have made it clear that they want to get a deal done. However, one NHL insider shared a concerning update regarding Stamkos. 

In a recent article for The Athletic, Pierre LeBrun discussed what he's heard about some of the NHL's top free agents. Regarding Stamkos, he noted that the star's agent, Don Meehan, texted him saying, "Nothing to report" regarding negotiations. 

LeBrun then ended his section on Stamkos by saying, "This one could go right to the wire. Stamkos has been the face of the franchise forever, so this isn’t just about dollars and cents. I would hate to see that guy wear another uniform, but I can’t tell if they will be able to bridge the gap."

Lightning fans will be paying close attention to this over the next month. At this time, it is hard not to feel nervous about Stamkos' future, especially after this report. 

However, there is still a good amount of time left for the Lightning and Stamkos to figure things out. If the Lightning move out a contract, it would make negotiating easier. 

Nevertheless, we must wait and see what happens with Stamkos from here. The Lightning have a month before free agency begins.