NHL Free Agent Rumors: 5 Teams That Could Make a Run at Steven Stamkos

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos proved he is a superstar player in the NHL this past season, tallying 91 points and 45 goals.  But he is not the only high-profile player with the restricted free agent tag on him.

This year's restricted free agent class is talented, to say the least.

Names like Stamkos, Zach Parise, Shea Weber, Drew Doughty and Devin Setoguchi should dominate the offer sheets come July 1, which is the first day of the NHL free agency period.

The two most intriguing players of that group are Stamkos and Doughty, who are looking for their first big contract of their playing careers.

The Los Angeles Kings have already thrown the house at Doughty, and Stamkos is sure to receive something along those very expensive lines.

NBC Sports' James O'Brien recently wrote an article on how other teams could really make the Lightning's life miserable in the near future.

O'Brien wrote that Stamkos' new contract could reach the heights of $12 million per year for somewhere between 10-12 years.  If the Lightning choose not to match it, they would receive four first-round picks in return.  That would hardly be a decent enough exchange for a franchise player, but business is business.

Although Lightning GM Steve Yzerman and Stamkos both feel that a multi-year deal will be easily reached, several teams can spoil that party.

Nashville Predators

The only thing stopping this from seriously happening is the fact that the Predators have to re-sign their own restricted free agent in Shea Weber.

Think about it, though.

The Predators are already one of the best defensive teams in the NHL, and adding one of the best forwards in the NHL could change the whole Western Conference.

Nashville's good run in the 2011 NHL Playoffs could fuel something in their front office, as they will have plenty of money to search for a decent free agent this summer.

The Predators may be the Lightning's main rival for Stamkos.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in this discussion for two reasons:  They have a lot of money and they need a franchise-type center.

Stamkos may be just the guy for Toronto to throw everything at.

However, the idea of the Leafs "rebuilding" with young talent may hurt a little when they are forced to give up four first-round picks in exchange for Stamkos, if it comes to that.

Still, Stamkos may be worth it, as the Leafs are stuck on the lower end of the Eastern Conference and need something to spark their loyal fan base.

Detroit Red Wings

The retirement of Brian Rafalski and the announcement of a one-year deal for Nicklas Lidstrom could free up a lot of room for the Red Wings.  That is also not to mention that Detroit has only four defensemen signed for next season.

While the first thought may be to go out and get a slew of free agent defensemen, the Wings could also make a run at the biggest thing in hockey in 2010.

Stamkos to Detroit may be a wild thought, but the positional openings on this team combined with money to spend could make the Red Wings real players for the 21-year-old.

Montreal Candiens

With only nine players signed for next season, the Canadiens must be considered major players to at least run the price up on Stamkos and the Lightning.

No, Stamkos will probably not end up in Montreal, but the notion makes sense.  The Canadiens have wads of cash to throw around, but they might want to focus on filling up their roster first.

Making a run at Stamkos could come later, though.

New York Rangers

Stamkos in New York City?

Possible.

The Rangers are to the NHL what the Yankees are to the MLB.  Both teams are always in the mix for high-profile players, and most of the time those players get paid through the roof.

So why not the Rangers?

They have a long list of free agents, and if most are not re-signed, it could open up a ton of room for a superstar free agent.

Is Stamkos ready for the Big Apple?

Not sure, but it would cause a scene in New York if this deal went down.