NHL rumors: Lightning's Steven Stamkos linked to pair of Original Six teams

Steven Stamkos has been the heart and soul of the Tampa Bay Lightning for over a decade, but as the longtime captain approaches the end of his contract, there could be difficult decisions ahead. Although Stamkos made it clear he wants to retire in Tampa Bay, and the front office has confirmed they'll try to re-sign the star forward, there is a scenario where the veteran tests free agency for the first time in his career. “If Stamkos becomes a UFA, I think he'll want to go to a big-market team on the cusp of a bright future,” the insider explained in the latest edition of his weekly mailbag.