Here is why Lightning center Steve Stamkos said he is not worried about his contract situation: "I think it's close," he said of a new deal. "I don't think it's far off. As close as we are, it's not something I'm really worried about."

"The less said the better," general manager Steve Yzerman said. "The more you comment, the more likely one of us can say something that can be misconstrued."

Speculation is the deal will be worth about $7 million a season.

"I'm thinking things are going to get done," said Stamkos, who at tonight's NHL awards show at the Palms Hotel is up for the Ted Lindsay Award as the league's most outstanding player.

"Tampa is a great organization. With the success we had this year, there are only going to be bigger and better things. You want to be part of that. Whatever happens happens, but I have confidence things are going to get done well before (July 1)."


LOL

Still, rumors persist negotiations have hit a dead patch — a question Stamkos blipped over — and Toronto, Stamkos' hometown team, is preparing an offer sheet as high as $9 million a season. A Twitter debate wondered if Stamkos is worth $12 million.


A lényeg:

"You obviously want to get it done as quickly as possible," Stamkos said, "and with all the questions being asked, it does creep into your head. But for the most part, I have the mentality that it's going to get done and it will be great for both sides and I'll be playing for Tampa Bay next year, where I want to be."