The Tampa Bay Lightning (27-13-4) have turned themselves into one of the most formidable franchises in the NHL this season. They're tough, offensively unstoppable and talented from top to bottom.
The uptick in overall team play this season can be attributed in large part to the contributions of All-World player and team captain, Steven Stamkos.
The Lightning surely recognize Stamkos' greatness as much as, if not more so, than anyone in the NHL and, as such, are looking to lock him up for the long term.
Elliotte Friedman appeared on Calgary's Sportsnet 960 on Tuesday afternoon and, per NicholsOnHockey.com, said that Lightning GM Steve Yzerman told him that the organization would like to sign Stamkos to a contract extension by July.
"I had a chance to speak to Steve Yzerman last week. I had a better chance of getting an answer about Steven Stamkos out of him as I did of going on a date with Jennifer Aniston or something. He was just not going there," Friedman said.
"But I do believe that they are going to try Steven Stamkos and get it done on July 1 this year. They don't want another summer of crazy Toronto rumors. And I think they're going to work toward trying to get it done."
Stamkos, the former first overall pick in the 2008 draft, is still only 24 years old.
He's got 23 goals and 18 assists in 44 games this season.
Despite suffering a serious leg injury in the 2013-14 season that lingered through the end of the year and into this season, he's one of the most dominant players at the professional level.
