NHL

AP Sources: Steven Stamkos elects to re-sign with Lightning

Associated Press
Published | Updated

FILE - In this April 2, 2012, file photo, Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos, center, celebrates with teammate Martin St. Louis as referee Kelly Sutherland signals Stamkos' goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, in Tampa, Fla. Steven Stamkos isn't the only "big fish" available when NHL free agency opens Friday at noon. The top-tier talent is deeper than in many recent years with Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson, Brian Campbell and others available. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this April 2, 2012, file photo, Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos, center, celebrates with teammate Martin St. Louis as referee Kelly Sutherland signals Stamkos' goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, in Tampa, Fla. Steven Stamkos isn't the only "big fish" available when NHL free agency opens Friday at noon. The top-tier talent is deeper than in many recent years with Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson, Brian Campbell and others available. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson, File) (The Associated Press)

FILE - In this April 2, 2012, file photo, Tampa Bay Lightning's Steven Stamkos, center, celebrates with teammate Martin St. Louis as referee Kelly Sutherland signals Stamkos' goal during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, in Tampa, Fla. Steven Stamkos isn't the only "big fish" available when NHL free agency opens Friday at noon. The top-tier talent is deeper than in many recent years with Milan Lucic, Loui Eriksson, Brian Campbell and others available. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson, File) (The Associated Press)

Two people familiar with the decision have confirmed to The Associated Press that Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is staying put in Tampa Bay.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity on Wednesday because the Lightning have not announced the decision. Details of the contract weren't immediately available.

The agreement was reached two days before the 26-year-old Stamkos had the opportunity to test free agency, where he was expected to command lucrative offers from numerous bidders, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings.

Instead, the two-time NHL scoring champ chose to stay with the franchise that selected him with the No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft.

Canada's TSN.com first reported Stamkos' decision.