Steven Stamkos agrees to deal with Lightning, source says

— -- The biggest question of the NHL offseason has an answer. 

Steven Stamkos will not test free agency, as a source confirmed to ESPN's Craig Custance that the star 26-year-old has agreed to a deal to remain with the Tampa Bay Lightning, two days before he was set to hit the open market. 

The source said Stamkos has agreed to an eight-year contract worth $8.5 million per season.

TSN first reported the deal Wednesday. 

Stamkos, an eight-year veteran, has scored 312 goals since beginning his career in 2008-09, second only to Alex Ovechkin (362) over that span.

During the course of his 569-game career, he has averaged 0.55 goals per game. 

"He can really do it all. His speed is second to none. He has one of the most accurate shots in the league," Lightning goalie Ben Bishop said. "He's tough, he's strong, he can play a physical game and he's a heck of a leader. He's been our captain the last year and a half, and he's done a great job. The scary thing is he's still a young kid."