Lightning's Stamkos: 'This is the only jersey I ever want to wear'

Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos is entering the final year of his contract next season, but he's hoping to stay with the only NHL franchise he's known.

"In my eyes, this is the only jersey I ever want to wear in my career," Stamkos said Tuesday, according to NHL.com's Chris Krenn.

Stamkos will carry an $8.5-million cap hit in 2023-2024 after inking an eight-year, $68-million contract with the Lightning in 2016.

The 33-year-old had another excellent campaign for Tampa Bay, notching 34 goals and 50 assists for 84 points in 81 games. He added two goals and four points in his team's first-round playoff loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Stamkos is already one of the greatest players in Lightning history. He has 515 goals and 1,056 points in 1,003 career games. The eight-time All-Star is a two-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner and helped Tampa Bay win consecutive Stanley Cups in 2020 and 2021.