Martin St. Louis isn’t denying reports that he requested a trade from the Tampa Bay Lightning last month.
Newsday’s Arthur Staple tweeted Wednesday that three different “NHL people” confirmed to him that Martin St. Louis requested a trade in January. There is speculation that St. Louis is upset with Lightning GM Steve Yzerman for leaving him off Team Canada’s initial Olympic roster. St. Louis was later added to the team as an injury replacement for teammate Steven Stamkos.
On Wednesday, St. Louis addressed the rumours with reporters.
“I’ve had conversations with Steve about my future with the team and I’ll leave it at that,” St. Louis said.
Earlier this week, the New York Post reported there had been preliminary discussions regarding a potential deal that would have sent St. Louis to the New York Rangers in exchange for Ryan Callahan.
On Tuesday, Stamkos told the Tampa Tribune he doesn’t believe the trade rumours are true.
St. Louis, the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner, has 25 goals, 56 points, six penalty minutes and a plus-15 rating in 58 games this season. The 38-year-old has been with the Lightning since 2000 and has a full no-movement clause in his contract.
The Lightning currently sit in third place in the Eastern Conference and return to action Thursday against the Nashville Predators.
