In January, Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois insisted Stamkos would not be dealt before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 8 when addressing the forward’s contract situation.
“We’re going to sit down and we’re going to evaluate where we are as a team and where Steven is,” BriseBois said. “We will see how we can make all of the parts work together.
“At the end of the season, we’ll take stock of where we are as a franchise, and we’ll address future contracts for all of our players whose contracts are going to be up in due time.”
Stamkos, 34, led the Lightning against the Panthers with five goals in the five games. That came after he scored 40 goals and was third on the team with 81 points in 79 regular-season games.
In Tampa Bay’s history, Stamkos ranks first in goals (555), points (1,137), power-play goals (214), power-play points (422) and games played (1,082). He is also second in assists (582), behind Martin St. Louis (588).
When asked if he thinks Stamkos’ future will be a big topic of conversation in the coming days, Lightning coach Jon Cooper said it shouldn’t be.
“I don’t know if there will be much conversation. I hope not anyway,” Cooper said. “He belongs here. We know it, he knows it.
“We’ve grown up together. He’s a heck of a player, but he’s also, you know, I mean, he controls his own destiny, but I don’t know what’s going to happen. But he feels like a Bolt for life, but only he and Julien can answer that one.”
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