Steven Stamkos doubtful future with Lightning opportunity for Rangers

The lightning organization has had one season left to negotiate a new contract extension for the pending UFA which has not panned out.

According to the Athletic, it appears the level of uncertainty is growing which has been seconded by Stamkos' teammate Alex Killorn as he feels Stammer may not stay with the organization.

Which begs the question, are the Rangers interested in Steven Stamkos?

My answer is a resounding yes as Stammer has plenty of hockey left in his game and would amplify the Rangers lineup significantly even at his age of 34.

Adding a veteran like Stamkos gives the Rangers even more depth down the middle and with most general managers doing their business during the summer, it gives the Rangers more flexibility on finding ways to fit him into his new contract and the Rangers salary cap.

Another positive for the Rangers is that the salary cap will be going up over $4 million next year.

Stamkos is in his final year that holds an $8.5 million AAV.

This could give general manager Chris Drury more space to add a quality centre like Stamkos.

And the best part about all this discussion is that it would not cost them any prospects, players off the roster or future draft picks.

If the Lightning cannot get a contract completed, I would expect Drury to be one of the first general managers to be at Stammer's agent.