As the NHL trade deadline approaches, Steven Stamkos controls his own destiny.
The captain of the Lightning is the subject of trade speculation as the Feb. 29 deadline draws near and the contract talks between him and the Lightning continue to play out.
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As it happens, Stamkos holds the key to his own fate. Even if the Lightning decide to move him, he would have to waive the no-trade clause in his contract.
Both sides have been mum about the negotiations, and the 26-year-old center has been equally low-key about his willingness to waive the clause.
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"I think the answer is we'll cross that bridge at the time," Stamkos said via Yahoo Sports. "I don't think it's that time right [now]. So, I continue to come to the rink every day as the leader that I am and the teammate that everyone in this room knows that I am, and give my best effort. I've said that since Day 1 of training camp and that hasn't changed."
Stamkos has repeatedly said he hopes to stay in Tampa Bay and achieve the ultimate goal for a Lightning club that made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final last season.
It's a tough spot for the Lightning to be in because Stamkos is obviously one of the premiere centers in the league, but he is also in the final season of a five-year, $37.5 million contract. If the team holds onto him, it could risk losing him in the offseason for nothing.
Tampa Bay has offered an eight-year, $8.5 million pact, according to Yahoo Sports, but the center is looking to command $12 million per year.
Stamkos' agent, Don Meehan, spoke with Sportsnet 590 in Toronto -- a rumored landing destination for his client -- and said they've been having "productive" meetings with the Lightning, though a deal hasn't been struck.
As for a possible trade, the two-time "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner wouldn't add to the speculation by revealing what he would do with his no-movement clause.
"We've kept everything to ourselves and I know it (stinks) for you guys (media), I totally understand," he said. "But I think you can appreciate the way we've conducted doing business and whatever happens in the next couple weeks, there's obviously going to be some answers."
Stamkos has 21 goals and 40 points for the Lightning (29-20-4, 62 points), which currently holds the top wild card spot in the Eastern Conference.
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