The Daily: Lightning Not Closing Door on Stamkos; Lalonde Big Week

When the Tampa Bay Lightning announced they were reacquiring defenseman Ryan McDonagh, Lightning social media came alive with concern that the deal meant they wouldn’t have the money to re-sign popular Steve Stamkos.

Lightning GM Patrice BriseBois said that is not true.”We’re still able, in my mind, to get something done that makes sense for the organization with Steven, even after acquiring Ryan McDonagh,” Brisebois said, according to Tampa-based reporter Chris Krenn. “We still have some cap space to get done what I think we need to get done this off-season.”

McDonagh’s salary is $6.75 million. With him aboard, CapFriendly.com says the Lightning has only $5 million of projected cap space left with five players left to sign.  The Lightning are going to have to pay Stamkos more than $6 million per season to keep him.

What it probably means is that BriseBois will be looking to trade players, probably Tanner Jeannot ($2.65 million) and Conor Sheary ($2 million) to create the space.

McDonagh on what Steven Stamkos means to him and to this team: "He is the definition of a Bolt. He has done everything in his career to be as successful as he could and bring as much success to that organization and that franchise. He is such a competitor, such a gamer, a great…

— Gabby Shirley (@Gabby_Shirley_) May 21, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Serving as an assistant for Team USA isn’t the best thing Derek Lalonde has going this week. Bob Duff writes about Lalonde launching a scholarship program in New York. He also found out his son was drafted by a USHL team.

The Swedish media has been critical of Red Wings youngster Lucas Raymond for his offensive production at the World Championships.

Paywall story: GM Steve Yzerman said he was interested in re-signing all of his UFAs, but he didn’t know whether his salary cap or roster needs would allow him to do that. Daniel Sprong is one of the UFAs on the bubble for the Red Wings to re-sign. We offer an overview of whether the Red Wings will keep him. If you want to subscribe to our pay stories, click here.To receive a $10 discount on a yearly subscription, use the promo code kevin10.

Red Wings Offseason

The Detroit management group presumably will be in Grand Rapids tonight to see Game 3 of the AHL playoff series between the Griffins and Milwaukee Admirals. The Admirals are the Nashville Predators’ farm team. The Admirals beat Grand Rapids 5-2 Monday to tie the series 1-1. Jaroslav Askarov, Milwaukee’s goalie of the future, was in net for Milwaukee. The Griffins played without top defenseman Simon Edvinsson. He is day-to-day with an undisclosed problem. His status for Game 3 is unknown.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Brad Marchand wants to stay in Boston and expects talks on an extension to begin “at some point.” Boston Bruins. 

Buffalo: Former Sabres player Jay McKee in the mix for an AHL coaching job with the Ottawa Senators or Sabres. Buffalo Sabres.

Colorado: The Avs own the 24th pick in the upcoming NHL draft. Will they keep it or trade it? Evan Rawal writes about it. Colorado Avalanche

Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey writes that the Flyers were definitely the winner in the Sean Walker trade to the Colorado Avalanche. He says the Flyers “fleeced” the Avs. Philadelphia Flyers.