What is Steven Stamkos’ future with the Tampa Bay Lightning?

Tampa Bay Lightning forward Steven Stamkos had a career night on Thursday, scoring four goals in the Lightning’s 7-4 win over the Edmonton Oilers, snapping the Oilers’ eight-game winning streak.

The monster performance from the the 33-year-old sniper showed the league that he can still perform at an elite level, which only adds more intrigue to his potential free agency this upcoming summer. The Lightning have made it known that they don’t want to negotiate through the season, something that’s caused Stamkos to voice his displeasure.

On Friday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Colby Cohen discuss Stamkos’ four-goal night and what the future holds for the Lightning captain.

Frank Seravalli: Steven Stamkos is north of a point per game at this point in his career, but the Tampa Bay Lightning have made it clear that they’re not going to be negotiating a contract extension with Stamkos at any point this season. He’s voiced his displeasure, as the longtime captain of this team, a guy who helped deliver two Stanley Cup championships to Tampa.

What do you make of the fact that Stamkos is playing this well and is such a big part of a team that’s not negotiating with their captain?

Colby Cohen: Having just been in Chicago and seeing what happened with Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, unfortunately this is what has to happen. I don’t think Tampa Bay has five or seven more years in them, I think they’re closer to a rebuild than another Stanley Cup championship.

Frank Seravalli: But Stamkos is still an elite player, still north of a point per game, but what’s a fair fit? Is it a three-year deal at $6 million per?

Colby Cohen: I think three years is fair. I don’t think giving him a long-term is the right decision, because they have to think about the future of the franchise. Learn from the Pittsburgh Penguins’ mistakes: when you have an aging core that you lock in, it’s hard to continue winning.

So unless Stamkos is willing to be there through a rebuild and non-playoff teams, I think the Lightning have to look at their future and decide if they want him to be a part of it, or if they should look at what kind of return they could get for him.

You can watch the rest of the segment and the full episode here…