According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Steven Stamkos is staying in Tampa Bay. The deal is expected to come in at eight years, with an AAV of $8.5M.
Cancel the Stamkos Sweepstakes, he has decided to return to the Tampa Bay Lightning. #TSN
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 29, 2016
Stamkos’s deal with TB is expected to come in at eight years, with an AAV of $8.5M.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 29, 2016
Stamkos (8 yrs @ $8.5M) comparables:
Malkin 8 @ 9.5M
Crosby 12 @ 8.7M
Perry 8 @ 8.625M
Giroux 8 @ 8.275M
Getzlaf 8 @ 8.25M
Voracek 8 @ 8.25M— General Fanager (@generalfanager) June 29, 2016
The 26-year-old scored 36 goals and 64 points in 77 games during the regular season last season, while also playing on the wing at times.
(Photo/Christine Gunn)
Since making his debut with the Lightning in 2008 – the same year he was selected first overall – Stamkos owns 312 goals and 562 points in the NHL.
His cap hit sat at $7.5 million last season, the final year of his five-year, $37.5 million contract with the Lightning. The new contract will be officially signed today and will include a no movement clause.
I’ll say this, Steven Stamkos is a man of his word, said it was never about money, he wants to win. Took less to stay
— Erik Erlendsson (@Erik_Erlendsson) June 29, 2016
There were believed to be as many as 15 suitors for Stamkos’ services.
Next on the list for GM Steve Yzerman is finding a way to make room to re-sign the restricted free agents, including Nikita Kucherov and Alex Killorn. It won’t be easy as the Bolts are approaching the cap limit slowly but surely. Tampa Bay has an estimated $9.3M of cap space with 6 RFAs to sign.
Excited to be back for 8 more years @TBLightning ! Here we go …..
— Steven Stamkos (@RealStamkos91) June 29, 2016
Could not be more happy to have El Capitan back!!! I think we know who is picking up first tab of the year. #Arbys https://t.co/hp3Oh0iiUQ
— Ryan Callahan (@TheRealCally24) June 29, 2016
Excellent news!
— Brian Boyle (@BriBrows22) June 29, 2016
Congrats to @RealStamkos91 for his new deal! Happy to see him stay with the bolts. #onetimer #alwaysopen
— Martin St Louis (@mstlouis_26) June 29, 2016
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