Lightning ink Stamkos to five-year deal

DP · Jul 19, 2011

NHL.com

The Tampa Bay Lightning and restricted free-agent forward Steven Stamkos have come to terms on a new five-year contract.

Terms of the deal were not revealed, but various reports list the value at $37.5 million, for an annual average value of $7.5 million.

"I am excited we were able to reach an agreement today," Stamkos said in a statement. "This was obviously very important to me and I appreciate (team owner Jeff) Vinik and (GM) Steve Yzerman for all their work in the transformation of the franchise as we move forward. There is no place I'd rather be than as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning."

Stamkos, 21, was second in the League last season with 45 goals, and his 91 points were fifth. He added 6 goals and 13 points -- including a trio of 3-point games -- in 18 postseason games to help the Lightning make the playoffs for the first time since 2007 and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2004.

He also was second in the League with 17 power-play goals, and his 8 game-winning goals set a single-season franchise record. The Lightning were 26-6-3 last season when he scored a goal and were 8-0-0 when he scored more than one. Stamkos was honored by the League at the conclusion of the season with a spot on the 2011 NHL Second All-Star Team.

Stamkos became the sixth player to reach 100 goals before his 21st birthday when he scored against Carolina on Dec. 20, 2010.

In 2009-10, Stamkos tied for the League lead with 51 goals and won a share of the Rocket Richard Trophy. At age 20, he was third-youngest player in League history to score 50 goals in a season.

Stamkos' 96 goals the last two seasons are the most of any player in the League.

The first pick of the 2008 Entry Draft, Stamkos played all 82 games last season for the second straight season, and has missed just three games in his career -- all during his rookie season.

"Steven is extremely important to this franchise and is part of the foundation of our hockey team," Yzerman said. "We are very pleased to have him signed and look forward to seeing him in a Lightning uniform for years to come."

Contact Adam Kimelman at akimelman@nhl.com. Follow him on Twitter: @NHLAdamK
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Lightning ink Stamkos to five-year deal

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Lightning ink Stamkos to five-year deal

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