Steven Stamkos is staying put in Tampa Bay.
The two-time Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner as the NHL's top goal scorer re-signed with the Lightning for eight years Wednesday, foregoing an opportunity to test free agency.
The team announced the deal, which The Associated Press learned is worth $68 million, an average of $8.5 million per season.
The agreement was reached two days before Stamkos would have a chance to test free agency, where the four-time All-Star star with 312 goals was expected to command far more lucrative offers from bidders expected to include his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, the Buffalo Sabres and Detroit Red Wings.
Instead, he chose to stay with the team that made him the No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft.
