Earlier today, it was revealed that Steven Stamkos intends to depart from the Lightning on July 1st, concluding a 16-season tenure, including 10 as captain, in Tampa Bay.
A new report unveiled that the Lightning's general manager, Julien BriseBois, offered an eight-year deal close to $3M AAV to Stamkos, and that the captain was looking for something near $4-5M AAV:
Although an eight-year contract worth $3 million would allow Stamkos to potentially retire in the NHL at 42 years old with the team that drafted him in 2008, his choice to explore free agency could lead to lucrative opportunities.
At 34 years old, Stamkos remains a valuable asset for any team. Last season, he recorded 81 points in 79 games and added six points in five playoff games.