BriseBois unsure if Bolts will reach agreement with Stamkos

Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois continues to work on re-signing captain Steven Stamkos, but a new deal isn't imminent despite free agency opening Monday.

"As we stand here right now, we haven't been able to reach an agreement yet," BriseBois said Friday, according to Bally Sports' Gabby Shirley.

"I don't know if we will be able to reach an agreement, but we met with Steven's agent again yesterday, and both sides are still interested in getting a deal done, but we have not been able to agree to terms that are satisfactory for both sides. I think, at this time, it's probably best if I leave my comments to that for the time being."

Stamkos' agent, Don Meehan, told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun on Friday that his client will be a free agent come July 1.

Stamkos' eight-year, $68-million contract signed in 2016 reached its conclusion at the end of this past campaign. The Lightning have about $5.3 million in cap space this offseason, per Cap Friendly, which likely isn't enough to retain Stamkos even on a team-friendly discount as he gets set for unrestricted free agency.

Tampa Bay currently has 10 forwards and six defensemen signed for next season. While Stamkos inking a deal is uncertain, BriseBois said he's hopeful of announcing an extension for Victor Hedman, a UFA in 2025, in the coming days.

The Lightning drafted Stamkos with the first overall pick in 2008. He's a two-time Stanley Cup winner and the franchise's all-time leader in games played (1,082), goals (555), and points (1,137).

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