Call it the statement we’ve yet to see–and maybe never will–from Steven Stamkos, the face of the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise and its key to making another Stanley Cup run. “I definitely want to stay. This town, this franchise, these players, these fans. Here is where I want to be–today and tomorrow–not Toronto or some other highest-bidder. We’re gonna’ get this contract done–with Steve Yzerman–and no distractions or excuses as we make our playoff run. I’m all in, and you have my word.”
But those, of course, are not his words.