Destination Stamkos: 16 potential fits for the NHL’s top free agent

Steven Stamkos is hitting the free agent market.

The first time we considered this possibility was back in 2016, before Stamkos signed an eight-year deal worth $68 million with the Tampa Bay Lightning two days before July 1. But this time is different. Both Stamkos’ agent Don Meehan and Lightning GM Julien BriseBois have indicated that the star forward is “going to July 1” this summer.

How we got here: Before the season, Stamkos publicly addressed his frustration over a lack of substantive contract extension talks with the Lightning. BriseBois said he wanted to wait until after the season to see what the Tampa Bay roster needed, and then would offer Stamkos something within the financial confines of addressing those needs.

The contract he offered Stamkos wasn’t sufficient to re-sign him. Nor did it increase as the Lightning cleared out cap space and free agency neared. The general manager told Meehan that “it’s the best interest of our organization to explore all options in the coming days, whether it be via trades or by getting into free agency.”

On Sunday, Tampa Bay acquired the negotiating rights to Jake Guentzel from the Carolina Hurricanes (and subsequently agreed to a contract); Guentzel might become Stamkos’ replacement in the lineup.

Where could Stamkos end up as a free agent? Here’s a look at 16 possibilities, with the knowledge that other candidates are out there.