Report: Steven Stamkos is staying in Tampa Bay

By @MichaelCaples –

According to Bob McKenzie of TSN, the Red Wings may not even have a chance to sign Steven Stamkos.

The hockey insider is reporting that Stamkos will be staying in Tampa Bay.

Steven Stamkos is staying in TB. #TSN

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 29, 2016

Cancel the Stamkos Sweepstakes, he has decided to return to the Tampa Bay Lightning. #TSN

— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 29, 2016

The Red Wings were reportedly one of the top teams courting Stamkos after teams were allowed to contact potential free agents after the first night of the NHL Draft.

Detroit had cleared out Pavel Datsyuk’s contract with a quick trade at the draft with the Coyotes, and it seemed to position them well to take a run at landing the Lightning’s superstar, who seemed destined for free agency.

The news came in a flurry of NHL activity around 4 p.m. Wednesday; New Jersey acquired Taylor Hall from Edmonton in exchange for Adam Larsson, and per multiple reports, Shea Weber is heading to Montreal in exchange for Candiens blueliner P.K. Subban.