Bruins Trade Talk: Stamkos trade to the Bruins

Could Steven Stamkos, the disgruntled captain of the Tampa Lightning, end up playing for the Boston Bruins this year or the one after?

The Boston Bruins were one of the teams that knocked on Tampa Bay’s door in an attempt to lure Stamkos away when he was in the unrestricted free agency negotiation window in 2016.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings were reportedly the top candidates to sign Stamkos if he decided to leave, but multiple sources claimed that Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney seriously pursued Stamkos.

NHL odds are favorable that Sweeney would do so again based on what is being reported.
That same summer, Sweeney was prepared to “back up the Brinks truck” for Stamkos, in the immortal words of former Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas.

An NHL executive source recalled to Boston Hockey Now on Sunday that “Sweeney pushed hard for Stamkos that year and two years later for Tavares.”.
“I don’t understand how Sweeney wouldn’t at least try to get him if he became available on the trade market.
“.

The Boston Bruins have reportedly continued to be linked to centers on the NHL trade market despite losing their top two centers this past offseason.
Mark Scheifele, one of those centers, is no longer available after last week’s signing of a seven-year, $59.5 million ($8.5M AAV) deal.
Elias Lindholm, a center for the Calgary Flames, is still unsigned, but there has been talk that he, too, may forego free agency and remain with the Flames.
I would therefore advise anyone involved in NHL betting not to place a wager on Lindholm being traded at this time.

Earlier this month, Stamkos made it clear that he was dissatisfied with the fact that the team, to which he had devoted his heart and soul both on and off the ice, had not started contract extension negotiations for him.

“I’ll be honest; I’ve been disappointed by the silence on the subject. I stated at the end of last year that I wanted to complete something before training camp started.
No discussions have taken place, Stamkos told the media on September 20.
I’m available whenever.
That was probably something I didn’t anticipate.
It is, however, what it is.
“.

Even though the salary cap is anticipated to increase to $87.7 million next season, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois’ response to that was not what Stamkos was hoping for but rather just a hard dose of salary cap reality.

“I must ascertain how this year’s puzzle pieces fit together. I need to find someone who is willing to take on a bigger responsibility.
BriseBois responded when questioned about Stamkos’ remarks, “I need to see how the team performs.
“I need to wait until this season is over before I make those choices. I can work with Steven and his agent to develop a contract structure after the season once I have all of that information, so that it serves the interests of both parties.
“.

According to all indications, the 33-year-old Stanley Cup champion and future Hall of Famer is expected to become an unrestricted free agent in July for the second time in his illustrious career.
Whether Stamkos becomes available or if and when he becomes an unrestricted free agent, will the Bruins approach him on the NHL trade market?