Stamkos Takes Shots at Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Steven Stamkos, longtime captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, has taken shots at Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews and the team.

When asked about his pending unrestricted free-agent status and contract situation, the Lightning veteran captain took time to praise his teammates and throw shade at the Maple Leafs salary structure.





Stamkos makes a great point about players and them taking less, but he forgets one crucial thing, state tax is a thing and it influences the number that players sign for in certain areas.



The Lightning, Panthers, Vegas and Predators have a massive advantage with state tax being lower. It's a major factor as to why these teams can easily attract so many high-profile players nowadays and be successful for a longer window.

While it seems unlikely as of right now that Stamkos will remain the captain and a player for the Tampa Bay Lightning, that remains to be seen. Drafted first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBoise has a tough decision to make before Jully 1st regarding the veteran captain.


Seeing the current captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning without a contract in place for 2024-25 going out of his way to defend his teammates anyway, is heartwarming. However, the high price tag Stamkos could be demanding can be the primary reason that he hasn't received a shiny new contract.