NHL Rumor Mill – April 15, 2024
NHL Rumor Mill – April 15, 2024
Where could Steven Stamkos go if he and the Lightning part ways this summer? Could the Canadiens attempt to trade Mike Matheson in the offseason? Check out the latest in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
POSSIBLE DESTINATIONS FOR STEVEN STAMKOS AS A FREE AGENT
THE ATHLETIC: Chris Johnston and Joe Smith recently examined what comes next for Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning following this season.
In the final season of his eight-year contract, Stamkos has spent his 16-season NHL career in Tampa Bay. The 34-year-old Lightning captain’s production has declined but he remains a point-per-game player.
Stamkos raised eyebrows last September when he expressed disappointment over a lack of contract extension talks last summer. General manager Julien BriseBois insisted he wants to re-sign his captain and have him finish his career with the Lightning.

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos (NHL Images).
Johnston and Smith believe Stamkos will draw plenty of suitors if he heads to free agency. The Florida Panthers (the Lightning’s in-state rivals) have been known to swing big. Stamkos could fit in well with the Nashville Predators alongside former Lightning teammates Ryan McDonagh and Luke Schenn.
Anaheim Ducks winger Alex Killorn said his team has plenty of cap space and he’ll start recruiting his former teammate if the Lightning don’t re-sign him.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: I expect Stamkos and the Lightning will work something out that keeps him in Tampa Bay for the remainder of his NHL career. Nevertheless, we can’t discount the possibility that he hits the open market on July 1.
I don’t see Stamkos signing with the Panthers nor do I expect they’ll pursue him. They’re focused on re-signing Sam Reinhart, eating up a big chunk of their projected cap space of $20 million.
The Predators would have more cap flexibility as they don’t have any big-name players to re-sign this summer. Goaltender Juuse Saros has been the subject of trade rumors and moving him would free up more space. Still, adding a star in his mid-thirties might not be what the Predators have in mind at this stage. I could see it if they were poised to be a Stanley Cup contender.
As for the Ducks, they could easily afford Stamkos but he might not be keen to join a rebuilding club at this point in his career.
Since we’re just spitballing here, how about Stamkos signing with the Salt Lake City Coyotes? Or whatever name they’ll be called. They’ve got lots of cap room, he would be their most well-known player and an excellent leader for a team brimming with young talent looking to take the next step.
LATEST CANADIENS SPECULATION
MONTREAL GAZETTE: Stu Cowan was asked what the return would be for the Canadiens to part with Mike Matheson. He replied he’d be shocked if GM Kent Hughes moved the 30-year-old defenseman, who has two seasons remaining on his contract at a reasonable cap hit of $4.875 million.
Matheson plays a leadership role with the rebuilding Canadiens. With 51 assists, he’s only the sixth defenseman in franchise history to net 50 assists in a season. Cowan believes they need his veteran presence on their blueline.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Agreed. I understand why some Canadiens fans believe their rebuilding club should peddle Matheson while his trade value is high. However, Cowan is correct in his assessment of Matheson’s invaluable leadership and experience that he brings to the young Canadiens defense corps.
Cowan was also asked about “a certain TSN insider” speculating Columbus Blue Jackets presence John Davidson might reach out to Jeff Gorton to see if he’d be interested in becoming president/GM of the Blue Jackets. Gorton is the Canadiens executive VP of hockey operations.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Gorton is under contract with the Canadiens until 2026. He’d need the blessing of team owner Geoff Molson to speak with the Blue Jackets. I don’t see Molson doing that. For that matter, I doubt that Gorton is interested in leaving the Canadiens.