Tampa Bay Lightning: Top 5 Contracts That Need To Be Signed

1. Steven Stamkos

Steven Stamkos is a top notch player and one of the best goal scorers in the league. Not to mention he is the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Steven Stamkos is the face of the Franchise and has had four seasons scoring over 70 points.

In 77 games last year, Steven Stamkos scored 64 points and finished with a plus-three plus-minus rating. He had 216 shots, for a 16.7 shooting percentage. Stamkos also finished with a 49.9 face-off win percentage.

If there is anything concerning about his stats, it’s his plus-minus rating. Stamkos has taken his foot off the brake to focus a little more on defense, which has shown offensively. Although his efforts, he didn’t seem to affect his defensive stats. Stamkos had a plus three plus-minus and had 45 giveaways last year.

For the Lightning, Stamkos’s value is much higher when he focuses on his offensive game. Although Stamkos had his worst defensive year in 2011-2012, it was his best offensive year and the year that solidified him as a top scorer in the league. For Stamkos’s contract to be worth it, he will have to prove he can play both defense and offense together efficiently, or be willing to go all out on offense.

Stamkos was already offered an eight-year deal worth 65 million dollars but is yet to accept it. Steven Stamkos may be holding out for more money, but it seems petty and out of character for him. They are so close to attaining their dreams; he can’t just throw that all away because of money.

The Lightning can’t afford Stamkos at a higher rate without giving up something good. It’s obvious he wants to win a cup here, but he must want something more. Stamkos may want to be closer to relatives and friends, a much better reason for leaving than money.

If the Lightning want to be top competitors for many years to come, they have to stick to the deal that is already on the table. Stamkos is a good player, but at a higher price, the Lightning could lose several good players. Hopefully, Stamkos will sign.

Next: 2. Nikita Kucherov