Steven Stamkos mum on no-move clause plan as trade deadline approaches

“I think the answer is we’ll cross that bridge at the time,” Stamkos said. “I don’t think it’s that time right [now]. So, I continue to come to the rink every day as the leader that I am and the teammate that everyone in this room knows that I am, and give my best effort. I’ve said that since Day 1 of training camp and that hasn’t changed.”

"We've kept everything to ourselves and I know it (stinks) for you guys (media), I totally understand. But I think you can appreciate the way we've conducted doing business and whatever happens in the next couple weeks, there's obviously going to be some answers."

To come out and say he would not accept a trade if one was presented would be to go against everything Stamkos and agent Don Meehan have done and said so far. Yzerman has kept that pact of silence and has not negotiated through the media. Moreover, it is a hypothetical situation. There is no reason for Stamkos to paint himself into a corner.

“They’re productive. All of our discussions have been productive, they’ve been professional,” he said. “Tampa understands and appreciates the fact that Steven has every right and ability to take as much time as necessary to make a decision in relation to his future. That’s really what we’re engaged in at this point in time.”