While true, I think the idea is shedding cap space in some way and people are split on Cirelli, Cernak, and Sergachev as those candidates. Of course, the newest victim may be Stamkos after all is said and done.
And logically speaking, you would move pieces who 1) cost more or 2) have replacements available. Cernak costs the least and has the lowest replacement value. Who takes Cernak's job if he's gone? Perbix and Raddysh going to log those d-zone starts and SH/TOI?
Cirelli is a 3C who costs 6.25M - 2nd highest caphit of the 3, the biggest luxury and his NTC doesn't kick in until the following season.
Sergachev costs the most and very clearly not a #1 defenseman despite costing like one, team had their best stretch of the year with him out of the lineup because Hedman plays the exact same role but better. If we don't re-sign Hedman the argument is better for Sergachev but as long as they're both on the team then Sergachev's value takes a hit.
Stamkos isn't a victim, he's in that position because he isn't able to prove he's undeniably worth it to keep around. You can't say he isn't catered too and spoonfed on this team and continually disappoints, yeah I get he was hot down the stretch and playing well now that doesn't erase the countless sample size we have of him being ineffective for long stretches. People only want him here at a big discount because they know he's not worth his fair/market value.