Steven Stamkos, Lightning will pick up contract talks 'when the time is right'

Nothing's firm when it comes to Steven Stamkos' future with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and that includes the timetable for future negotiations.

Stamkos told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times that he and the Lightning will continue to work toward an extension "when the time is right," and will not set a deadline to cease negotiations during the season.

The Lightning captain acknowledged the obstacles involved and the cap problems that loom for general manager Steve Yzerman, but also reinforced his desire to prolong his career in Tampa Bay.

"I've definitely loved every second I've been here and I want to be here and win with this team," he said. "To be able to go through what we went through last year and come up short, you have that bitter taste in our mouth. You want to get back there with the guys you went through the battle with.

"That's the goal."