Stamkos, a pending unrestricted free agent, hadn't heard a word from the team about a contract extension despite his years of dedication and accomplishments.
As it turns out, BriseBois and the Lightning are adopting a cautious, wait-and-see approach, much to Stamkos's frustration. He believes he deserves more.
If, and it's a significant "if," Stamkos parts ways with Tampa Bay, the Boston Bruins are a team to keep an eye on:
The Bruins are in dire need of center depth, and the prospect of a 34-year-old Stamkos joining Boston next season could make waves in the league. He'd be a seamless fit for the B's, providing the number one center they've been yearning for. With a projected $28 million in cap space for the upcoming summer, Boston has the financial room to accommodate Stamkos.