Lightning owner Jeff Vinik feels strongly the Lightning will sign Steven Stamkos to a long-term deal, reports Tampa Bay Times. "Absolutely," Vinik said. "I'm sure that this process will work itself out in a good manner."

EDGE Analysis

Vinik doesn't seem to be an active participant in the negotiations, though -- he leaves all hockey business to general manager Steve Yzerman. "One of the reasons we've been successful with our hockey program is I let Steve Yzerman run it," continued Vinik. "So I think as long as I'm owner here, Steve Yzerman will be making those decisions [players and contracts]." The decision on Stammer is a difficult one given all the contracts the team needs to write over the next couple years. Stamkos could warrant $10-11 million a year over eight years and inking that means the team is set to go in a specific direction, perhaps without some of the other young guys on the roster.