Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman made it clear his "No. 1 priority" this summer is signing captain Steven Stamkos to a long-term contract extension.
After the season ended last week, Yzerman said he hoped to work on Stamkos' deal "immediately."
But it looks like there won't be any news for a little while. First of all, Stamkos, 25, who is entering the final season of his current deal, can't sign an extension until at least July 1, a week from Wednesday.
But Stamkos' representatives don't plan to begin negotiations until after they first meet with Stamkos when he returns to Toronto for the summer.