Trouble in Paradise as Steven Stamkos admits he's disappointed in the Tampa Bay Lightning management

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Josh tupper
September 20, 2023 (9:46)

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Last season the Tampa Bay Lightning found themselves ousted from the playoffs in the very first round. After 3 consecutive Stanley Cup Finals appearances, being eliminated in the first round was a tough pill to swallow.

On July 1st, Steven Stamkos, the Lightning captain and the longest serving members of the team became available to sign an extension with the team. Stamkos made it known he wanted to remain in Tampa but much to everyone's surprise, no deal has been signed. At the start of training camp this morning Stamkos dropped some rather surprising information about his contract situation.

Stamkos comments via Erik Erlendsson

To be honest I've been disappointed in the lack of talk in that regard. So it was something that I expressed at the end of last year that I wanted to get something done before training camp.

I'm ready whenever so I guess that was something that that I didn't see see coming but it is what it is.

Like I stated at the end of last year, too. I would love to extend and play here and finish up my career here but that's out of my hands. I can't write a contract for myself.

It's clear that things in Tampa aren't going is smoothly as they once were. Stamkos making the negotiations public is a dangerous game for both himself and the franchise. It's very possible this creates some bad blood between the two parties.

Let's not forget Stamkos previously tested free agency before deciding ultimately to return to Tampa Bay.