The Tampa Bay Lightning have a reputation for locking up their core players well in advance of their unrestricted free agency (UFA) eligibility. Key names like Anthony Cirelli, Brandon Hagel, Nikita Kucherov, Erik Cernak, Brayden Point, Victor Hedman, Mikhail Sergachev, and Andrei Vasilevskiy have all inked extensions a year before they could even consider exploring free agency, leaving no room for doubt about their commitment to the team.

However, one name stands out as an exception to this trend: Steven Stamkos. As Stamkos approaches UFA status at the end of the current season, he has expressed his disappointment at the lack of contract discussions as the team kicked off training camp. His desire was to have a deal in place before camp got underway.

This isn't the first time Stamkos has found himself in such a situation. In 2016, he was just days away from hitting the open market before reaching an agreement with the Lightning on an eight-year extension. But this time around, there are several factors at play. Stamkos will be turning 34 during the season, which inevitably factors into negotiations. Furthermore, with the salary cap set to rise, determining Stamkos's value becomes an intriguing puzzle, particularly after his impressive performance last season, where he notched 34 goals and 84 points.

Elliotte Friedman, speaking on 32 Thoughts: The Podcast, revealed that there is a belief among some players close to Stamkos that the Lightning might not be devastated if he were to explore other options.

As the season begins, Tampa Bay once again finds itself in a cap crunch, with Stamkos as their most prominent player on an expiring contract. However, the Lightning's front office must also keep an eye on future deals, including one for Victor Hedman by 2025.

Friedman suggests that Stamkos's goal is to play 20 NHL seasons, which would mean five more seasons, including 2023-24. The question remains whether all these seasons will be spent in Tampa. The Lightning may offer Stamkos assurances of being a lifelong part of their franchise, with his number retired and honors bestowed, but they are unlikely to agree to a contract they consider unreasonably costly.

Ottawa Senators' Cap Conundrum with RFA Shane Pinto:

In Ottawa, the Senators are grappling with their own contract situation, particularly concerning restricted free agent (RFA) Shane Pinto. Pinto, a third-line center with a knack for scoring, remains unsigned as the team's training camp commences.

Adding complexity to the issue is Ottawa's precarious cap situation. Pinto's previous contract carried an average annual value (AAV) of $1.325 million, and it's expected that his next deal will command a higher price, especially since he won't accept his qualifying offer.

According to Friedman, despite reports of Pinto being close to a deal, the Senators currently have just one million in cap space, making it impossible for Pinto to agree to a million-dollar contract. Ottawa must make some cap-related moves before they can secure Pinto's signature, but they are resolute in their determination to retain him.

Pinto's presence, alongside Tim Stutzle and Josh Norris, forms a potent trio of centers for Ottawa. With Norris recovering from an injury and beginning camp in a non-contact jersey, Pinto may be called upon to fill a second-line role, showcasing his versatility.

The Senators have made it abundantly clear that they are not eager to trade Pinto unless exceptional circumstances compel them to do so. To alleviate their cap constraints, Mathieu Joseph's name has surfaced as a potential trade candidate, given his $2.95 million contract for three more seasons. Any deal involving Joseph may require Ottawa to sweeten the pot with additional assets, and it appears that the Philadelphia Flyers have expressed interest in this scenario.

The above is about The《Contract Talks Heat Up: Stamkos and Pinto's Futures in the NHL Spotlight》, and finally, I would like to recommend you a pair of shoes 2019 air jordan 1 releases.