Star center Steven Stamkos agrees to deal with Lightning
— -- The Steven Stamkos sweepstakes didn't even reach the official start of NHL free agency.
The Tampa Bay Lightning captain confirmed Wednesday that he has agreed to an eight-year extension with the team.
An NHL source said the contract is worth $8.5 million annually and includes a full no-movement clause for all eight seasons.
TSN first reported the agreement 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."
Stamkos was the rare franchise player set to hit free agency after contract talks with the Lightning extended into this week's interview window, and the interest in the center was intense. The Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and Montreal Canadiens were all expected to be in on Stamkos when he hit free agency Friday, but his desire to win a Stanley Cup with the team that drafted him won out.
The Lightning advanced to the Stanley Cup finals in 2015. This spring, with Stamkos out recovering from a blood clot, they reached the Eastern Conference finals. Of all his suitors, Tampa Bay is likely the closest to being a legitimate Stanley Cup contender in the short term.
Stamkos was the focus for Steve Yzerman, but the Lightning general manager's work is just starting. The Lightning still need to sign restricted free agent Nikita Kucherov, who had a breakout postseason during Stamkos' absence.
There is also speculation that the Lightning may need to trade a goalie, with Bishop the most likely candidate.
On Friday, the Lightning also can sign franchise defenseman Victor Hedman to a contract extension.
It makes for a busy offseason for Yzerman, but the most challenging deal is done.
