Lightning faced with numerous Stamkos trade possibilities

Chris Johnston joins Jeff Marek to talk about Steven Stamkos, if Andrew Ladd will stay in Winnipeg, and if the Bruins will be trading Loui Eriksson.

With the NHL’s trade deadline just over two weeks away, Steven Stamkos is dominating hockey discussion.

The Tampa Bay Lightning superstar and his agent Don Meehan recently served up some cryptic answers to some of the questions currently weighing on the minds of media and fans alike.

Sportsnet analyst Elliotte Friedman joined Dean Blundell and Co. on Sportsnet 590 The Fan Friday to talk about the many potential scenarios involving Stamkos.

Blundell, citing the same anonymous source who informed him that Mike Babcock would sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs if certain conditions were met, said the Leafs may be prepared to make a play for Stamkos’s negotiating rights this summer with the intention to pay $11-$12 million per year over an eight-year term.

LISTEN: Elliotte Friedman talks potential Stamkos scenarios

Highlights from Friedman’s conversation with Blundell:

  • The possibility of the Maple Leafs or another suitor trading for Stamkos’s negotiating rights prior to July 1 in order to offer an eighth year of term
  • A potential NBA-like sign-and-trade situation
  • The Vancouver Canucks as a potential sleeper bidder for Stamkos’s rights
  • A 2015 NHL Draft day rumoured trade offer that had Stamkos going to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the 2nd overall pick, which the Sabres used on Jack Eichel

    • Stamkos has 21 goals and 40 points in 53 games this season. The Lightning are currently fourth in the Atlantic Division with a 29-20-4 record.

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