Quelling speculation that Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos may be on the trade block between now and the February 29th deadline, Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman released the following statement today:
“As February 29th approaches, I am stating today that Steven Stamkos will not be traded before the NHL’s trade deadline. I have said repeatedly that it is our hope to reach an agreement with Steven on a new contract at some point, and with 27 games remaining in the season, our entire organization, Steven included, wants to focus on making the playoffs. I will keep the negotiating process strictly between the involved parties and have no further comment on the state of those negotiations.”
Stamkos, the former first-overall draft selection and former 60-goal scorer, is a pending unrestricted free agent, and has reportedly refused Yzerman’s attempts to re-sign the 26-year old to a lengthy contract extension. Failure to come to terms with Tampa has led to rampant speculation that Stamkos is likely to avail himself of open offers by a number of franchises, upon the completion of his current contract, which dissolves July 1.
Stamkos has been linked to speculation and innuendo regarding a number of clubs, including the Buffalo Sabres, the Montreal Canadiens, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the New York Rangers. The prevailing theory is that Yzerman might have entertained a sign-and-trade scenario, which would afford both player and club the option of an eight-year extension, as opposed to the standard seven-year agreement.
Yzerman’s announcement today dispels the notion, and indicates a mutual desire to qualify for post-season play, and compete for a Stanley Cup championship.
