Lightning GM quashes trade rumours regarding Steven Stamkos

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and many were wondering if the team would move him ahead of the trade deadline.

If the Lightning were well out of the playoff race, then it may have been a possibility, but with Tampa Bay only one point back of Toronto for third place in the Atlantic and currently holding onto a Wild Card spot, it appears that Stamkos will remain with his club for the remainder of the season.

When meeting with reporters on Tuesday, Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois said Steven Stamkos will not be traded by the team before March 8th's deadline.

Stamkos, 33, is having another solid season with the Lightning and is currently a point-per-game player. In 41 games, the Markham native has 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists), along with 22 penalty minutes and is a minus-20.

It's going to be interesting to see what the Lightning do ahead of the trade deadline. Given their lack of significant assets in the draft pick department, there's a very good chance that BriseBois could stand pat with his current roster.