What’s in store for Stamkos? Lightning GM says re-signing ‘a top priority’
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Tampa Bay Lightning Captain Steven Stamkos’ impending free agency is top of mind for the team’s fans, as well as team executives and coaching staff.
General Manager Julien BrieseBois and Head Coach Jon Cooper are speaking to media Wednesday alongside several players, two days after the Bolts were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Finals in a five-game series with the Florida Panthers.
“We need to be better and sometimes that’s not fun to hear,” Stamkos said. “Sometimes, you have to look in mirror and say, ‘We need to play better’.”
Stamkos, 35, joined the Lightning in 2008, but June 30 could be his last day with the team he led to four Stanley Cups in the last decade. He’s set to become a free agent on July 1. He said the decision to stay or go is a tough one, having a young family with roots in Tampa Bay.
“I really enjoy living here and playing here, so from that perspective, the decision is about more than just me,” Stamkos said.
There’s no official word on whether Stamkos will remain with the Lightning for his 17th NHL season, but BrieseBois has been in contact with his agent. The Lightning General Manager said he hopes the team’s most prolific player will choose to return for the next season after playing what BrieseBois described as “the best two months of hockey he’s played in his life.”
“It’s obviously a top priority to get this done,” BrieseBois said.
Head Coach Jon Cooper didn’t have much to say about Stamkos’ looming free agency deadline, but said the situation is “looked at more on the outside than what we feel on the inside.” He deferred to BrieseBois’ comments.
Looking to the future, regardless if Stamkos stays with the team, coaching staff will continue to strive for appearances at the Stanley Cup Finals, hopefully bringing the cup back to Tampa Bay.
“It’s an ongoing process of trying to fine-tune your team, make it better, make it more competitive,” BrieseBois said. “If I had to focus on one thing, it would be that we need to a better job keeping the puck out of our net, and this year it was mostly an issue five-on-five.”
Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, who allowed four goals (two empty netters) in Monday’s 6-1 loss to the Panthers, said he’s working to improve his performance at training camp, “laying the foundations” for next season. He missed 20 games at the beginning of the season after having surgery.
“My goal for next season … is to be the best version of myself I can be for the betterment of the team,” Vasilevskiy told reporters.
When asked what he learned about himself this season, the goalie said he discovered some shortcomings to improve on.
“Every season is a lesson, good season or bad season, so you always have to take something positive out of it. The season was such a rollercoaster,” Vasilevskiy said.
Head Coach Jon Cooper addressed a comment made at a news conference after the team’s season-ending loss. While expressing his frustration with the goals allowed against the Lightning, Cooper said, “We might as well put skirts on (the goalies) then if that’s how it’s gonna be.”
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Cooper said he would take the comment back, if he could.
“Quite frankly, it was wrong,” Cooper said. “I sincerely apologize to all I offended. It’s pained me more than the series loss itself.”
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