Toronto Maple Leafs gaining momentum with Steven Stamkos

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