Steven Stamkos’s agent has given an update to the contract talks between his client and the Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning and star center Steven Stamkos were expected to reach an agreement regarding an extension last offseason. There has been a change in plans, as Stamkos will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and Stamkos has still not signed an extension with the Lightning. The two sides have been have discussions as of late, according to his agent Don Meehan.
"“All of our discussions have been productive, they’ve been professional,” said Meehan, via Sportsnet. “I really don’t think it would be fair for me to convey what [Stamkos has been] telling me. I can tell you this: He’s a very thoughtful, very resourceful individual. He’s diligent. He’s doing what I believe every player should do in these circumstances when you’re engaged in the process of committing to a long-term contract, which would be the better part of his career.”"
Steven Stamkos will have a very difficult decision to make. Working in the favor of the Lightning is that Tampa Bay is the only team that is allowed to offer him an eighth year in contract talks. If term is what Stamkos wants, nobody can give him the term that the Lightning can.
There have been rumors that Steven Stamkos will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Those rumors have existed since roughly the first moment that Stamkos stepped on an NHL ice rink. With the Maple Leafs trading defenseman (and captain) Dion Phaneuf to the Ottawa Senators, those rumors are going to be flying all over the place. The Lightning and the Leafs are the two favorites to sign him. Stamkos will have to make a decision. Does he want to continue to be a hero in Tampa Bay or does he want to be the king of his hometown with the Maple Leafs?