The Vancouver Canucks have elite veterans in Henrik and Daniel Sedin. They have extremely talented youngsters in Bo Horvat, Jared McCann and Jake Virtanen. They have equally talented prospects in Brock Boeser and Thatcher Demko. One thing they do not have: An elite player in his prime.
Steven Stamkos could be that guy.
Stamkos, the Tampa Bay Lightning’s captain and best player, is still not signed to a contract extension to go beyond 2016. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the Lightning made an offer some time ago — they would be stupid if they hadn’t.