Steven Stamkos, longtime captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, has taken shots at Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews and the team. When asked about his pending unrestricted free-agent status and contract situation, the Lightning veteran captain took time to praise his teammates and throw shade at the Maple Leafs salary structure. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Gabby_Shirley_/status/1785692569990525059'> </a></blockquote></div> <q>Part of everyone's process in the core group of guys we have had here in terms of what guys have signed for over the years to stay here.</q> Stamkos makes a great point about players and them taking less, but he forgets one crucial thing, state tax is a thing and it influences the number that players sign for in certain areas. <q>You look at Matthews, what did he sign for? $13.5 million or something? Heddy is making under $8 million which is grossly underpaid if you look at what he has done. Kuch is making $9.5. Vasy too. Pointer is scoring 40-50 goals every year. All are grossly underpaid in terms of what guys are getting now.</q> The Lightning, Panthers, Vegas and Predators have a massive advantage with state tax being lower. It's a major factor as to why these teams can easily attract so many high-profile players nowadays and be successful for a longer window. While it seems unlikely as of right now that Stamkos will remain the captain and a player for the Tampa Bay Lightning, that remains to be seen. Drafted first overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBoise has a tough decision to make before Jully 1st regarding the veteran captain. <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/BLXCKMASS1/status/1785672336966095034'> </a></blockquote></div> Seeing the current captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning without a contract in place for 2024-25 going out of his way to defend his teammates anyway, is heartwarming. However, the high price tag Stamkos could be demanding can be the primary reason that he hasn't received a shiny new contract.