Lightning GM Confirms Steven Stamkos Will Test Free Agency Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman has confirmed that star forward Steven Stamkos will test free agency when his contract expires on July 1. In a statement released on Thursday, Yzerman said, “We have had ongoing discussions with Steven and his representatives regarding a contract extension, but we have not been able to come to an agreement. We respect Steven’s decision to test the free agent market, and we wish him the best in the future.” Stamkos, 29, is one of the most sought-after forwards in the NHL. He has scored 446 goals and 511 assists in 859 career regular season games. He has also represented Canada at the Olympics and World Championships. The Lightning acquired Stamkos from the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2014. He has helped lead the team to two Eastern Conference Finals appearances and a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2015. Stamkos’ departure would be a significant loss for the Lightning. He is their captain and leading scorer. However, the team has a number of other talented forwards, including Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point, and Anthony Cirelli. The Lightning will have to make a decision on whether to trade Stamkos before the trade deadline in order to get something in return for him. If they do not trade him, they risk losing him for nothing in free agency. Stamkos is expected to be a hot commodity on the free agent market. He is a proven scorer and a leader. He could sign a lucrative contract with a number of teams. It remains to be seen where Stamkos will end up. However, one thing is for sure: he will be a key player for whichever team he signs with.NHL Free Agency Update: Stamkos Confirms Testing MarketNHL Free Agency Update: Stamkos Confirms Testing Market Tampa Bay Lightning general manager has announced that captain Steven Stamkos will enter free agency when his contract expires on July 13. This move has sent shockwaves through the NHL, and several teams are expected to pursue the star forward. Stamkos, 32, is one of the league’s most accomplished players, having won the Maurice Richard Trophy as the top goal scorer twice and being named a Hart Trophy finalist. Here are some notable news updates on the Stamkos situation: * NHL.com reports that Moritz Seider, another highly sought-after restricted free agent, could receive a hefty offer from the Detroit Red Wings. * The Toronto Sun speculates that the Lightning may consider buying out Stamkos and another big-name player to create cap space. * TSN indicates that Stamkos remains on track to become a free agent, with no indication of a potential contract extension with Tampa Bay. * The Province explores the possibility of the Vancouver Canucks expressing interest in Stamkos. As the NHL Draft approaches on July 7 and free agency opens on July 13, the Stamkos saga is sure to dominate headlines and drive significant roster moves across the league. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois confirmed that Steven Stamkos will test free agency this summer. Stamkos, who has been with the Lightning since being drafted first overall in 2008, is one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. “Steven has been a great player for us for a long time,” BriseBois said. “We’re going to miss him, but we understand that he wants to explore his options.” Stamkos is a two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner and has led the Lightning to the playoffs in each of his 12 seasons with the team. He is also one of the most popular players in the NHL, and his departure will be a major loss for the Lightning. “I’m not going to rule out anything,” Stamkos said. “I’m going to take my time, talk to my family, and make the best decision for myself.” The Lightning have been preparing for Stamkos’ potential departure for months. They have already signed free agent forward Ondrej Palat to a five-year, $25 million contract, and they are expected to pursue other free agents in the coming weeks. “We’re going to be fine,” BriseBois said. “We have a lot of good players on our team, and we’re going to be competitive next season.” Stamkos is expected to be one of the most sought-after free agents on the market this summer. He is a proven scorer and leader, and he could help any team compete for a championship.