The biggest name in the free-agent market has taken himself out of the running. Steven Stamkos has decided to return to the Tampa Bay Lightning. Stamkos will be getting an eight-year, $8.5 million per deal. This deal includes a no-move clause, per Craig Custance. This comes after several weeks of rumors and speculation in the media. Now with this signing, the media frenzy surrounding Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning is now over.
GM Steve Yzerman Holds His Own
Steve Yzerman managed to play his hand perfectly. He got through the Jonathan Drouin saga, and Drouin came back to play. He ended up being a key player for Tampa in the playoffs, even at his young age. To follow that up, Yzerman left every possibility open in regards to Stamkos and now gets to gear up for another run at the Stanley Cup.
Yzerman will now turn his focus to the Lightning's other free agents. Nikita Kucherov, Alex Killorn, and Vladislav Namestnikov all need new deals. Tyler Johnson and Victor Hedman will need new deals next offseason. Johnson and Hedman could also be extended. Hopefully, for Lightning fans, Yzerman still has some magic left in his hat.
The Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Buffalo Sabres are believed to have been the three leading teams had Stamkos decided to leave. All three teams will definitely have to overpay, the free agents left now all cheering that Stamkos is off the market. Expect a bidding war in the free agent market. For Lightning fans, there's nothing but good things to cheer for going forward.