Is today a make or break day in the contract negotiations between the Lightning and star center Steven Stamkos?

It is difficult to say because neither general manager Steve Yzerman nor Stamkos' agents, Don Meehan and Mark Guy, are revealing specifics about the talks that are supposed to resume.

"I don't have anything to tell you," Guy wrote Tuesday in a text message, "other than Don and I will be continuing our discussions with Steve (today)."

"I'm optimistic we'll come to an agreement," Yzerman said. "Both sides have expressed an interest in getting something done. I'm open to listening to other ideas, and I look forward to the chance to speak to them about where we're at at this stage."

If Stamkos, 21, who has a league-best 96 goals the past two seasons, is not signed by noon Friday, he becomes a restricted free agent open to offer sheets from other teams. Speculation is the Flyers and Maple Leafs are contemplating. The Lightning can match any offer.

The stumbling block between Tampa Bay and Stamkos appears to be money. "I think we're both flexible on the term," Yzerman said. Nick Kypreos of Canada's Rogers Sportsnet TV network reported that Tampa Bay's offer works out to an average salary of $6.5 million. Yzerman said that is "not accurate."

But back to today.

"I don't know. It could be," Yzerman said when asked if it could be critical.

"This is an important (contract) for both parties. I think a lot of people are watching to see what happens with this. It has an effect on a lot around the league. We all have to be patient. We'll have more discussions. We'll get there eventually."