In a move that is sure to frustrate fans of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Tampa Lightning have reportedly come to terms with Steven Stamkos on a new contract.
Just ahead of the opening of the free agent market on Friday, the Lightning have struck a deal on an eight-year agreement with Stamkos.
Many Leaf fans were hoping the Markham Ont., native would be headed home to Toronto.
The agreement comes as something of a surprise after Stamkos and the Lightning were unable to negotiate a contract extension during the season. The uncertainty led to Stamkos potentially becoming the highest-profile player to hit the free agent market in several years.
His status even loomed over the NHL draft in Buffalo last weekend, where several team executives expressed their interest in making a bid to sign Stamkos. Sabres general manager Tim Murray was among them, and referred to Stamkos as “the big fish.”
Stamkos, who was drafted first overall by the Lighting in 2008, has recorded 312 goals and 250 assists in 569 career games with the club.
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The 26-year-old’s 2015-16 season came to an early end when a blood clot was discovered in the Lightning captain’s right arm. He missed almost all of Tampa’s 17-game playoff run other than one game.
Teammate Ryan Callahan was excited to hear the news.
With files from Associated Press