Stamkos himself being one of the tougher to play against players in the league is said to be unhappy in Tampa and looking to play elsewhere. At age 33, we can assume he’d want to play for a contender.

Most recently Boston is rumored to want him. Stamkos would be an awesome pick-up to help keep the Bruins remain atop the Atlantic.

However. Nabbing Stamkos in a trade is going to cost them big. In the Detroit vs Tampa game Stamkos was plainly still one of Tampa’s best players and he’s two seasons removed from a 100 point total. Last year he made ahem “only” 80.

His contract is ending. Management says that his proposal will jeopardize T.B.L.’s ability to remain at the top of the Division because they have to pay the younger players who represent the future. Tampa’s other 33 yr old is all-world Defenseman Victor Hedman who has more tread left and more valued by management.

As a career one-team star player Stamkos might say he’s being disrespected and he might have a good point. As a one-team career guy himself the previous GM might have seen Stamko’s point. Tampa’s then GM was Steve Yzerman.

Might Stamkos find a place with Yzerman’s Detroit Red Wings if he’s shunned by the Lightning? Yzerman can make it happen if he wants to. A trade might work.

Is Tampa motivated ? Tampa Bay just lost TWO Atlantic division games in a row. The Lightening were part of the Atlantic’s old guard but have nearly transitioned with youth. They still have needs that the Wings could help them with.

Its not too early. The Atlantic is so near to parity that one move could make the difference between playoffs or not and all the smart GMs know they need to upgrade continually to get to and stay on top. Yzerman has proved willing to do trades within the division so that wont stop him. Its a thought.