from Tom Jones of the Tampa Bay Times,

For the past several months, all Lightning fans have heard is that the potential impending free agency of Lightning star Steven Stamkos is not an issue.

The Lightning has said so. Stamkos has said so. No big deal, they say. Nothing to see here. Move along. All a media creation.

Hogwash.

It is a story. A big story. And it will continue to be a big story until Stamkos is either re-signed, traded or leaves for free agency.

After all, only the future of the Lightning organization depends on it.

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