Steven Stamkos wants to stay with Lightning, and team wants its career scoring leader to stay

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Steven Stamkos wants to hoist the Stanley Cup again with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

The 34-year-old captain, who can become a free agent this summer, reiterated Wednesday that he’d like to remain with the only franchise he’s played for in a stellar 16-season career.

And, general manager Julien BriseBois said the club definitely wants him back, adding he’s already spoken with Stamkos and the player’s agent to begin discussions in the aftermath of Tampa Bay’s loss to the Florida Panthers in the first round of the NHL playoffs.

“From the trade deadline on, he elevated his level of play, which was incredible to see,” BriseBois said.

“For someone who you can say has already earned his Hall of Fame plaque and has accomplished so much for so long — for him to play arguably the best two months of hockey of his career at a time when our team needed it most was incredible.”