When the dust settles, Milan Lucic should probably send Steven Stamkos a thank-you card.
With Stamkos sticking with the Tampa Bay Lightning instead of hitting the free-agent market Friday at noon ET, Lucic is the big-ticket unrestricted free-agent forward. And the power forward is about to become unimaginably wealthy.
Lucic has narrowed his choices to two teams, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. It seems a decision will be made Friday, when the market opens.
LeBrun reported earlier Thursday that demand for Lucic's services is "sky high," adding there's "no shortage of interest" and identifying the Montreal Canadiens as one of the teams looking at the 28-year-old.
Their rival suitors reportedly include the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Dallas Stars, among others.
LeBrun did send a somewhat cautionary tweet after noting Montreal's apparent interest in the former Boston Bruin:
Keep in mind, track record for Marc Bergevin is to look into almost everything...
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) June 30, 2016
Lucic is a four-time 20-goal scorer and reached 50 points or better four times in his career. He wrapped up a three-year, $18-million contract.
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