Toronto Maple Leafs gaining momentum with Steven Stamkos

There has been more talk lately about Steven Stamkos perhaps joining the Toronto Maple Leafs after recent events involving other NHL teams.

The Nashville Predators and Tampa Bay Lightning made their first significant offseason trade yesterday. The Lightning sent draft selections back to the Nashville Predators in exchange for veteran defender Ryan McDonagh.

Many individuals believe that Steven Stamkos time, with the Tampa Bay Lightning has come to an end due to this trade. Currently the Lightning have $5 million in their salary cap. Unless Steven Stamkos agrees to a cut, in his contract the situation may not be favorable.

Steven Stamkos will thus probably be a free agent. The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, do not currently have the salary cap room to sign him. The other team from yesterday's transaction enters the picture at this point. Sources claim that the Nashville Predators executed the move in order to free up funds for a significant summer acquisition.

There have been reports circulating about the Toronto Maple Leafs aiming to separate from Mitch Marner this summer. If a deal could be struck with Nashville that all parties, including Mitch Marner agree upon it would free up an amount of salary cap space, for the team. Subsequently the Toronto Maple Leafs might find themselves participating in the Steven Stamkos sweepstakes again.

Everything depends on Mitch Marner being able to be traded by the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Tampa Bay Lightning not raising their salary cap. It's going to be an exciting offseason for everyone involved. To keep up with all the most recent offseason news, return here.

Source: Hockey Patrol - Steven Stamkos one step closer to potentially joining the Leafs

MUST READ

18 hours ago  |  By Daniel Lucente One-for-One Trade Proposal Sends Maple Leafs Forward to Western Conference Team, per ESPN Analyst

Dec 24  |  By Julien Trekker ESPN Analyst Proposes a One-For-One Trade Sending Brock Boeser to the East

Dec 24  |  By Julien Trekker NHL Reporter Reveals Several Other Rangers Players Emerging as Trade Candidates

Dec 23  |  By Daniel Lucente Montreal Canadiens Forward Set to Become Hot Trade Deadline Target

Dec 23  |  By Tom Banks Colorado Avalanche Linked to Three Forwards, According to Reporter

Dec 23  |  By Tom Banks Trade Speculations Growing as New York Rangers Forward Chris Kreider Healthy Scratched

Dec 23  |  By Julien Trekker Reporter Reveals Canucks GM is Preparing for a Major Trade Following Team Issues

Dec 22  |  By Julien Trekker Former Maple Leafs Defenseman and All-Star Eyes NHL Comeback, per Elliotte Friedman

MORE STORIES