As his long-term standing with the Tampa Bay Lightning hangs in the balance, Steven Stamkos has made one thing clear: He's intent on winning the Stanley Cup as the club's captain.
Set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end, there's still no clear indication as to whether the two sides will come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension. In the immediate future, however, Stamkos has no desire to waive his no-trade clause in the event general manager Steve Yzerman attempts to deal him prior to the Feb. 29 deadline.
"My view hasn't changed, I want to win with Tampa," Stamkos told ESPN. "Obviously those questions will be asked. But I'm the captain of this team. I want to be with Tampa and win with this group. I've been with Tampa since Day 1, I've seen a lot of guys come and go. You saw what happened last year with this group. We want to get right back there.
"My view hasn't changed on the fact I want to be with Tampa and win with this group. I don't think that's going to change between now and 30 days from now."
From the team's perspective, Yzerman made it clear he's hoping for a mutual agreement.
"As I've said all along, it's our hope and intention to reach agreement on a new contract with Steven and will continue to work towards that," Yzerman told ESNP's Pierre LeBrun on Friday.
The Ligntning went 8-2-0 heading into the All-Star break, rising to second in the Atlantic Division.
