All-Star Centre Steven Stamkos still negotiating with Tampa Bay Lightning –NHL offseason Update
Steven Stamkos might be the most valuable player still up for grabs, but it does not seem like the 21-year-old superstar is willing to leave Tampa Bay Lightning yet, since according to sources, the team management and his agent are still in the negotiation
process for a new contract.
Tampa Bay Lightning's general manager, Steve Yzerman, is of the view that many teams probably do have their eyes on him, but keeping him is his top priority at the moment.
"We're not saying a whole lot about it", Yzerman said about the slow negotiation process with young superstar Steven Stamkos. "We're going to continue to talk quietly and work toward getting a deal done. I understand everybody's concern, but all I will say
is I'm optimistic".
Selected first overall in the 2008 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft by Tampa Bay, Stamkos has continued to be one of the top players for his original draft team.
Last season he ranked fifth overall for points with 91 points, 45 goals and 46 assists, scored and second for most goals in all 82 games played.
Stamkos led his team to the Eastern Conference Finals during the previous playoffs and scored 13 points, 6 goals and 7 assists, in 18 games.
It will be Stamkos’s fourth season if he agrees on a deal with Tampa Bay, and has played nearly all regular season games with the team since joining during the 2008-2009 season.
"we can match anything and we are in a position to do whatever we feel is right for the team”, Yzerman said, when asked if he was worried about other offers Stamkos might receive.
The Markham, Ontario, Canada native has a bright future ahead of him, and without a doubt, has emerged as one of the best players in NHL's history.
Talented as he is, Stamkos can easily take any team to the depths of the playoffs.
Without a doubt, the young centre is most likely being offered numerous deals by teams all around the league that could use his abilities, but it is up to him whether or not he approves.
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