Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois said that he’s “very hopeful” the team can re-sign captain Steven Stamkos , as the Lightning star approaches unrestricted free agency this offseason.
“Obviously Steven Stamkos needs a contract, and we want him part of that group,” BriseBois said, two days after the Lightning were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in five games.
The general manager indicated he has started “very preliminary” talks with Stamkos and his agent, calling it a priority to get the deal done.
Stamkos’ future with the Lightning has earned leaguewide attention ever since he expressed frustration about his contract status in September. This was the final year of his eight-year, $68 million contract. Stamkos, 34, said he had been “disappointed in the lack of talk” about an extension, having expressed a desire to get something done before the regular season started.
BriseBois said before the season that it wasn’t just a matter of bringing Stamkos back but making sure the Lightning remain “a legitimate Stanley Cup contender year in and year out for the remainder of his tenure” if they did.