from Kevin Allen of USA TODAY,

Lightning coach Jon Cooper told USA TODAY Sports he is considering playing Stamkos at left wing in some regular-season games in 2015-16.

“There have been a lot of times when Stammer played center and it worked for us and there have been other times when Stammer played wing and it worked for us,” Cooper said.

Cooper said it is possible Stamkos will start the season at wing and finish the season at center. In other words, what happens during the season will dictate how Stamkos is used.

“We had success with him on the wing in the playoffs, but by no means I’m I saying that is his position,” Cooper said.

Cooper has talked to Stamkos about it. “He has been a natural center, so it was an adjustment for him,” Cooper said. “But he’s not one of those guys who walks in and says, ‘OK, I will try this for two games. Stammer gets it. If it is best for the team, he will do it.”

Stamkos said he does feel that he is a natural center and is more comfortable there.

“But I take it as a compliment that they think I can play another position that I’m not familiar with and be confident in my abilities.” Stamkos said. “You have to be willing sometimes to make sacrifices for the betterment of the team.”

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