After a brief free agent flirtation and at least a year of conjecture from the general Toronto area, Steven Stamkos decided to stick with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
He raised some eyebrows in doing so for what many believed to be the Bolts' standing offer: an eight-year deal with a relatively reasonable $8.5 million cap hit ($68 million overall).
[KURZ: Report: Hertl, Sharks agree to two-year extension]
People – especially fans of jilted teams – may wonder why.
The official reason from Stamkos is that he's hoping to stick with the Lightning for the duration of his career.
"I am excited to move forward with the Lightning today for the next eight years," Stamkos said. "It's not often that a player gets the chance to spend his career in one organization and I am hopeful that this agreement sets me on that path with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Most importantly, I look forward to working with my teammates, coaches and our management in our pursuit of winning a Stanley Cup."
San Jose Sharks
Stamkos's deal with TB is expected to come in at eight years, with an AAV of $8.5M. - Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 29, 2016
READ MORE AT ProHockeyTalk.com
