Bolts won't commit to re-signing Stamkos until determining franchise's future direction

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Cooper Godin
October 16, 2023 (9:57)

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When Tampa Bay Lightning players met with the media on the opening days of training camp last month, captain Steven Stamkos expressed his disappointment in the lack of contract talks with the team.

Stamkos is in the final year of his contract and was eligible to sign an extension with the Lightning back on July 1st, but as of mid-October, nothing has materialized and it's caused a bit of worry amongst the fan base in Tampa Bay.

During Thursday's edition of Insider Trading on TSN, Pierre LeBrun reported that the Lightning won't talk an extension with Stamkos during the season as they want to wait and see where the franchise is at as a contender before they consider re-signing him.

"No and he knows that and so does his camp led by Donny Meehan. I mean, I spoke with Julien BriseBois, the GM of the Lightning yesterday for a piece I wrote in The Athletic. And on Stamkos, BriseBois said he wasn't blindsided by those comments from his captain last month because that's exactly the sentiment that Stamkos shared with BriseBois when they met in the summer, but in those same meetings as BriseBois says, he also was very transparent with Stamkos, that they were not going to negotiate on an extension ahead of this season. And the fact BriseBois telling me that they're going to wait until after the season to address that. But BriseBois also added it would be great for Stamkos to end his career in Tampa. But right now it's about waiting to see where the Lightning are as a contender here after the season before addressing that." LeBrun said.

Stamkos, 33, has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay after being selected first overall by the Lightning during the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Regardless if Stamkos leaves Tampa Bay after this season or remains there for the rest of his career, he'll go down as one of the best players in Lightning history.

In 1,004 games with the Lightning, Stamkos has 1,057 points (515 goals, 542 assists) and has won two Stanley Cups with the organization, along with a pair of Rocket Richard Trophies.

Do you think the Lightning will re-sign Stamkos or will he walk to free agency in July 2024? Let us know what you think in the poll below.

Source: Pierre LeBrun - Insider Trading (TSN)