Tampa Tribune continues Stamkos to the Rangers trade speculation

Anthony Scultore Updated: Jan 29, 2022

As the Lightning continue to make no progress in getting their captain, Steven Stamkos signed to an extension, speculation on a deadline move persists. The latest comes straight out of Tampa Bay. Tribune writer Erik Erlendsson believes if GM, Steve Yzerman were to move him there are possibly 6 teams he may agree to waive his FULL NO-MOVE clause to go to.

Of course, the Rangers are one of them.

[su_quote cite=”Erik Erlendsson” url=”https://www.tbo.com/sports/lightning/if-lightning-try-to-deal-stamkos-which-teams-are-likely-suitors-20160131/”]If the Rangers hope to advance to a third consecutive Eastern Conference final, they must get past the Washington Capitals. To do that, they are likely going to need more scoring. New York has a glut of mid-level forwards, while the team’s biggest name, Rick Nash, appears to be on the decline. Adding a top-flight player would make the roster that much deeper and could be the difference in trying to get past a loaded Washington team primed to reach the conference final for the first time in the Alex Ovechkin era. Estimated available cap space: $4.9 million*[/su_quote]

The other teams are as follows:

St. Louis, Minnesota, Montreal, Toronto, Detroit and Vancouver.

Listen, reality is that Yzerman doesn’t move him and continues to work on a deal before Stamkos becomes a UFA. Erlendsson speculates on what Yzerman would like in return instead of losing his captain for nothing come July.

But if the Lightning did indeed consider trading Stamkos — rather than lose him as a free agent this summer and get nothing in return — what might Yzerman want? A right-handed defenseman? NHL players? Prospects? Draft picks?

And what teams might want in on the action? The criteria is limiting — with salary cap space being a big consideration.

Keith Yandle anyone?

Listen, here’s the deal. The chances of trading for Stamkos (especially) by the Rangers are slim and none. While it may be fun to speculate, it likely won’t happen.

Then again…never say never right?