Steven Stamkos re-signs with the Tampa Bay Lightning

Joe Smith of the St. Petersburgh Times: The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed Steven Stamkos to a 5 year deal worth $37.5 million. The deal carries a $7.5 million cap hit.

Stamkos will make $8 million in the first 4 years, and $5.5 million in the last.

“When you’re dealing with a player that’s this important to the franchise and has had as much success that he’s had at such a young age, these things take time to work through,” Guy said. “There are a lot of variables to work out, it was a good process for both sides. Steven is extremely excited and happy and grateful for Tampa, for Mr. Yzerman and Mr. Vinik, for the whole group. And he’s excited to have it done…

“Steven’s direction the entire time was to get a deal done with Tampa, and that’s what Steve and that’s what we were just working toward.”

Stamkos has scored 96 goals over the past 2 seasons, leading the NHL over that time.

“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 Mr. Vinik and 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.”