Steven Stamkos rejects disappointing offer!

It sounds like Steven Stamkos will test free agency on Monday. While Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois seems open to re-engage in negotiations with his captain, Stamkos’s agent made it sound like the door was closed.

“He will be a free agent on July 1,” Stamkos’ agent Don Meehan told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun.

It could be because of the offer he was presented by the Lightning, as the Spittin Chiclets podcast reveals that Stamkos turned down an eight-year contract offer at a $3 million AAV.

The Lightning were probably hoping for Stammer to accept a discount seeing that the team is set on offering an extension for Victor Hedman once he can sign one on Monday. The star blue liner is entering the final season of his eight-year, $63 million deal with a cap hit of $7.875 million.

At age 34, Stamkos remains a highly effective player, having just completed his seventh-career 40 goal season. And while he would probably love to retire as a member of the Bolts, he was visibly hurt by the way he was treated by his own team this season.

The Nashville Predators are believed to have high interest for the captain, while many fans would love to see him come home to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

What could a rival team offer on the free market to convince Stamkos to leave Tampa?