With each passing minute, Steven Stamkos gets that much closer to unrestricted free agency.
Tampa Bay Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman was asked about negotiations with his star player Friday night at the NHL Draft in Buffalo, N.Y., and said that he'd consider a sign-and-trade scenario if he can't get Stamkos' signature on a new deal, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
To be clear, Yzerman says he hasn't focused on a sign-and-trade for Stamkos. Would obviously prefer an asset to losing him for nothing.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) June 25, 2016
Yzerman added that "all avenues remain open" with respect to Stamkos' situation, even as the free-agent dialogue window opens Saturday, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.
Stamkos, 26, is the marquee free agent set to hit the market. He's spent his entire career with Tampa Bay, and has 312 goals and 562 career points in 569 games.
Asked if he's given final offer for Stamkos, Yzerman said: "I haven't given you anything up until now, I'm going to keep it that way."
— Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) June 25, 2016
