Stamkos Re-Signing with Lightning
Tampa Bay, FL -- Tampa Bay Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos has put an end to all the free agency sweepstakes rumors by reportedly agreeing to an eight year -$68 million dollar contract to remain with the Bolts.
The 26-year-old opted not to test the free agency market and is returning to the only team he has ever played for. By resigning with Tampa, he was allowed an eight year deal rather than a seven-year deal which would have been the max offer from another team. At $8.5 million per year, Stamkos becomes the Bolts' highest paid player.
The Ontario, Canada native has scored 312 goals since beginning his career in 2008-09, second only to Alex Ovechkin (362) over that span. The two-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophy winner, given to the season's top goal scorer, would have been one of the most sought after free agents in recent memory, with hometown Toronto as well as Detroit and Buffalo bidding for his services.
Vin Voyer | CW44/CBS Tampa Bay
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