"This is Stamkos’ replacement fellas": NHL fans react to Lightning re-signing forward Gabriel Fortier amid Steven Stamkos contract speculation

Steven Stamkos remains a focus for Tampa Bay Lightning fans today after forward Gabriel Fortier signed a one-year contract. The news shared by vice president and general manager Julien BriseBois marks Fortier's sixth season with the Lightning organization.

Last season with the Syracuse Crunch, Fortier recorded 13 goals and 26 points in 62 games. He also contributed four assists and five points in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

NHL fans began reacting to the news on X.

"This is Stamkos’ replacement fellas," one fan tweeted.

"Y’all I have heart problems. You can’t be using the word 're-signed' rn unless 'Stamkos' is coming right after it," another fan wrote.

"Next do the guy whose name rhymes with Sbeven Slamkos," one fan said.

Here are some more reactions from NHL fans on X.

"I was holding my breath, and I thought it was gonna be Steven Stamkos false hope," one X user wrote.

"Happy for Gabriel, but give us the signing we want. No . . . the signing we NEED," another fan commented.

"Steven Stamkos should change is name to Gabriel Fortier so he can be signed," one fan tweeted.

Fortier made his NHL debut in 2021 and has played 11 games with the Bolts. He scored his first NHL goal against the Vegas Golden Knights. Fortier was drafted in the second round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Since the 2018-19 season, he has scored 44 goals and 100 points in 235 games for the Crunch.

Steven Stamkos' contract situation

The Tampa Bay Lightning have some tough choices to make before July 1. They have a little over $5 million left in salary cap space and need to re-sign Steven Stamkos.

One option they're considering is buying out Conor Sheary. This would reduce his $2 million cap hit to $583,333 for the 2024-25 season. It would help the Lightning manage their finances better this summer. The buyout would cost $1,083,333 in 2025-26 before dropping back to $583,333 for the last two years.

Sheary didn't perform as expected in his first year with Tampa Bay. He struggled, scoring only four goals and 11 assists in 57 games. His performance declined compared to his better seasons with the Washington Capitals. He ended up lower in the Lightning's lineup and didn't play in playoff games.

Now, the Lightning could try to trade Sheary. His contract has a modified no-trade provision, allowing him to specify the 16 teams to whom he is willing to be dealt. His $2 million budget charge may be manageable for certain teams, but his deal extends until 2025-26, making selling him difficult.