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Stamkos isn’t planning on playing in Europe for now

Steven Stamkos

Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steven Stamkos (91) celebrates after scoring his 60th goal of the season during third-period NHL hockey game action against the Winnipeg Jets in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Saturday, April 7, 2012. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, John Woods)

AP

Steven Stamkos has toyed with the possibility of playing in Europe during the lockout, but that might not happen after all based on a Tampa Bay Times report.

Stamkos’ agent, Mark Guy said “many teams” were interested in his client’s services, including HC Lugano in Switzerland. However, he’s decided against playing overseas.

It’s not clear if Stamkos plans to re-evaluate his position if the lockout drags on.

Stamkos and Alex Ovechkin are the only two players to reach the 60-goal milestone in the seven seasons between lockouts. Each player did it once and for Stamkos, it happened in 2011-12. Stamkos has scored at least 45 goals in each of his last three seasons, but of course that streak will be threatened if we end up with a shortened campaign.