2024-01-17 01:38:06
Steven Stamkos, who might become an unrestricted free agent next summer, will not be traded before the March 8 trade deadline.
Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois, who pushed back contract negotiations with the team captain until the end of the season, ended any speculation regarding a potential trade on Tuesday.
“Steven Stamkos is not going to be traded, so we can stop talking regarding it right now,” BriseBois told reporters. “There will be no changes between now and the deadline, regardless of the circumstances. »
Stamkos made headlines before the season by expressing disappointment with the lack of discussions with the team regarding a new contract.
TSN insider Pierre LeBrun reported in December that the Lightning had not changed their minds regarding Stamkos, with talks still stalled.
“Julien BriseBois was very clear before the season. He said it. They will not talk regarding a contract with their captain before the end of the season,” LeBrun said. “They have been clear regarding this with Steven Stamkos, and there is no reason to believe that will change. »
“I always said that following this season, we were going to sit down and evaluate where we are as a team and where Steven is,” said BriseBois. We’ll see how we can put the pieces together. »
Stamkos has 18 goals and 41 points in 41 games this season as he enters the final year of an eight-year, $68 million contract.
During his career, he scored 533 goals and amassed 1097 points in 1044 games. He is the best player in Lightning history in goals scored, points amassed and games played.
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