Devils Should Consider Steven Stamkos in Free Agency

One of the priorities for the New Jersey Devils this summer is to add players who bring a wealth of experience and winning pedigree. They would be hard-pressed to find someone better who encapsulates those qualities than Steven Stamkos. Quite simply, the Devils should consider adding the veteran forward in free agency.

According to Pierre LeBrun via X (formerly Twitter), the Tampa Bay Lightning captain is going to become a free agent on July 1st. The report came after Lightning GM Julien Brisebois explained the two sides aren’t close on terms.

“As we stand here right now, we haven’t been able to reach an agreement yet,” Brisebois explained to the Lightning media. “I don’t know if we will be able to reach an agreement but we met with Steven’s agent again yesterday and both sides are still interested in getting a deal done but we have not been able to agree to terms that are satisfactory for both sides. I think, at this time, it’s probably best if I leave my comments to that for the time being.”

At the end of the Devils’ season, I jokingly asked Devils forward Ondrej Palat if he’s going to try and convince Stamkos to come play with him in New Jersey.

Palat chuckled and said, “I’m going to try my best.”

I don’t think Palat, nor anyone else, actually believed Stamkos would reach this point, but now that he’s supposedly going to the open market, Stamkos is simply someone GM Tom Fitzgerald must consider.

Why?

Well, it’s pretty much the same in terms of experience as Palat. Stamkos led the Lightning to consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, followed by a third Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2022.

You can’t beat that kind of experience and pedigree.

There is a narrative around Stamkos regarding injuries, but that shouldn’t be a concern. After missing a considerable amount of time between 2019 and 2021, Stamkos has played in three consecutive seasons, skating in 79 games or more each year.

Not only did he play in three full seasons since recovering from injury, but Stamkos scored 40-plus goals twice and registered a 34-goal season in between the 40-goal campaigns.

Despite his age, he isn’t showing signs of slowing down.

Stamkos reportedly turned down a long-term deal with the Lightning worth $3 million annually. If the two sides are, in fact, not just playing a game of chicken to see who will budge first and he actually does make it to free agency, it sounds like the future Hall-of-Fame forward is willing to work on a shorter-term contract.

That bodes well for the Devils.

The Devils’ core is so young and locked up long-term, that committing to a veteran like Stamkos at age 34 doesn’t make too much sense. However, since he turned down an long-term offer at age-34 from the one team he’s played with his entire career, it sounds like he’s open to a short-term contract which certainly makes a lot of sense for the Devils.

The Devils are working with just over $15 million in cap space this summer. They’re reportedly heavy on Brett Pesce and have Dawson Mercer to extend as well. However, there is certainly going to be some room to add Stamkos if and when both of the aforementioned deals get done.

AFP Analytics projects Stamkos to secure a three-year deal with an AAV worth $6,156,700.

If the Devils have interest in Stamkos, they won’t be alone. The Nashville Predators are one team who are reportedly looking for star power, and Stamkos is on their radar.

Regardless, Stamkos makes sense for the Devils. They’re in the market for a top-six forward and after losing Tyler Toffoli, they’re going to want someone who can fill the net. Stamkos’ footspeed is still quite good, and given the fact that he’s a regular left-winger now, he would slot in nicely on a line with Jack Hughes.

Stamkos still drives play, creates chances, and scores at an elite rate.

It’s not everyday that a player like Stamkos reaches free agency. He doesn’t necessarily have ties to New Jersey, but the Palat factor could certainly come into play when Stamkos chooses his next destination, plus the Devils are a desirable location with the young talent and belief that they will return to the playoffs next season.

Stamkos is the kind of player who can put the Devils over the hump and turn them not only into a playoff contender, but championship contender, especially with the kind of leadership he brings.

If the Lightning captain makes it to July 1st, Fitzgerald should certainly make a pitch. And if Stamkos wants to give it another go at winning before the end of his career, the Devils make a lot of sense for him, too.

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