TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos stated he’s upset in regards to the lack of discussions with the crew a couple of new contract.
Stamkos’ present $68 million, eight-year offers ends after the upcoming season, and he stated there haven’t been any conversations about an extension.
“To be honest, I’m disappointed in the lack of talk in that regard,” Stamkos stated Wednesday as Lightning gamers reported for the beginning of coaching camp. “It was something that I expressed at the end of last year that I wanted to get something done before training camp started.”
Tampa Bay, which gained the Stanley Cup again to again in 2020 and ’21 and misplaced within the remaining in ’22, has handled wage cap points for a couple of years. The Lightning misplaced within the first spherical final season to Toronto.
General supervisor Julien BriseBois stated it could be nice if Stamkos might spend his complete profession with the crew however indicated there gained’t be any talks till after the season.
“Steven and I share a common goal of bringing the Cup back to Tampa – that’s our objective,” BriseBois stated. “In order for us to do that in future years, we’re going to need to spend our cap dollars as wisely as possible. In order for me to do that, I feel like I need to gather more information.”
The Lightning this previous offseason signed ahead Brandon Hagel to an eight-year, $52 million contract extension that kicks in for the 2024-25 season. Much of the crew’s core, from goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy and defensemen Mikhail Sergachev and Erik Cernak to forwards Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, have been signed long run – and Victor Hedman may very well be in line for a brand new deal subsequent summer time.
BriseBois stated with reference to Stamkos he must see how the season performs out.
“I need to see how the pieces of the puzzle fit this year,” BriseBois. “After the season, once I’ve gathered that information, I can work with Steven and his agent on a contract structure that would be in the best interest of both sides.”
Stamkos, who turns 34 in February, reiterated his need to complete his profession with Tampa Bay, which took him first total within the 2008 draft.
“I guess that was something that I didn’t see coming,” Stamkos stated. “It is what it is. I would love to extend and play here and finish out my career here, but that’s out of my hands. I can’t write a contract for myself.”
Stamkos reached the milestones of 1,000 video games performed (1,003) and 500 targets (515) final season, when he had 34 targets and 85 factors in 81 video games.
“I think it would be great for the organization if Steven could spend his entire career with the Lightning.” BriseBois stated, “That’s in everyone’s best interest. Everyone knows what Steven means to our organization and his contributions to our team’s success goes beyond his performance on the ice.”
Content Source: www.washingtontimes.com