Yzerman says he’d consider sign-and-trade for Stamkos

Hockey Central at Noon debate on Steven Stamkos’ landing spot, wondering if there’s any chance the numbers could be for $12 million over 7 years.

Steve Yzerman said earlier in the week he’s doing all he can to sign pending unrestricted free agent Steven Stamkos, but the Tampa Bay Lightning general manager is weighing all his options.

Following the first round of the 2016 NHL Draft Friday, Yzerman met with reporters in Buffalo and said he is willing to consider a sign-and-trade for Stamkos if the two sides can’t reach an agreement on a new deal.

Starting Saturday, the 26-year-old superstar is allowed to negotiate with all 30 NHL teams and he can sign anywhere he wishes on July 1 when he officially hits the open market.

A sign-and-trade would be one way for a team other than the Lightning to get Stamkos on an eight-year contract — a team could also just trade for his rights before July 1 and try to negotiate an extension. A seven-year deal would be the maximum Stamkos could get if he signed with a new team on the open market, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Yzerman added all options are still on the table with Stamkos but that he would obviously prefer to gain an asset rather than losing the 2008 first-overall pick for nothing.

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