- Darren Dreger of TSN: Looking like Steven Stamkos, Anze Kopitar and Eric Staal could start the season without signing contract extensions.
Kopitar seems to be the closest of the three as negotiations have been ongoing and the plan is continue working on it in the days ahead. The longer Stamkos goes without an extension, the more uncomfortable it could get for him in media scrums when asked about his status. Staal’s camp and Hurricanes GM Ron Francis have had discussions, but specific numbers haven’t been exchanged. The plan is to sit down in about a month or so and where they are at.
Sources say Stephen Weiss has declined a number of PTOs and remains a UFA after being bought out by the Red Wings.
- Dennis Bernstein: It is way too early for Kings fans to start worrying about Kopitar not having signed an extension yet.
- Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Lightning: There was talk that the Lightning had potential Steven Stamkos trades in place with the Sabres and Flames, but Stamkos wouldn’t waive his no-movement clause.
“You heard that?” Stamkos asked. “I’ve heard those same rumors.”
Stamkos said the rumors were not true and added that he’s never been asked to waive his no-movement clause.
“You can’t control what people say,” Stamkos said. “Sometimes it’s tough when you hear it, things are so completely fabricated and not even close to the truth. But I think at the end of the day, you realize that obviously a lot of people don’t know the situation because they’re not part of it. They’ve got to make a story to get ratings for their show, or get reads on their blogs. You can’t control it. So I’ve learned over time not to worry about it.”
Stamkos doesn’t have to take a hometown discount to remain in Tampa, but realizes the implications the Lightning face in the years to come with regards to other future free agents.
“That’s why it’s a … negotiation,” Stamkos said. “Because there are certain things that need to get worked out before a deal can be in place.”
