Stamkos signs five-year deal with Lightning

The Tampa Bay Lightning have re-signed star centre Steven Stamkos on a five-year deal.

After a long summer of negotiations, the restricted free agent agreed to terms with the Bolts for a deal worth a reported $37.5m (£23m).

Stamkos, 21, played in all 164 games during the previous two seasons, leading the NHL with 96 goals.

The Ontario native made his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut in 2011, playing in all 18 games before the Lightning fell to eventual champions Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals.

“Steven is extremely important to this franchise and is part of the foundation of our hockey team,” Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman said. “We are very pleased to have him signed and look forward to seeing him in a Lightning uniform for years to come.”