"I certainly hope to be back. We obviously have unfinished business here," Stamkos said a day after Tampa Bay’s 2-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final.

"This group has been unbelievable, the city has been unbelievable for me," he added. "I can’t believe it’s been eight years already. Time flies."


General manager Steve Yzerman said re-signing Stamkos is one of "many priorities" for a team that also has two key veterans — defenceman Victor Hedman and goalie Ben Bishop — with one year left on their contracts and several young players who figure to be in line for significant raises in coming seasons.

"I’ve said all along we hope to sign Stammer," the GM said, "and that hasn’t changed."