Steven Stamkos has 'absolutely not' decided he's leaving Lightning

Amid swirling speculation about his future, Steven Stamkos says his priority is to remain with the Tampa Bay Lightning long term.

"Like I've always said, I envision myself winning a championship here and want to do that," Stamkos told the Tampa Bay Times on Saturday. "Obviously we got close last year, and I'm the captain of this team and I want to be that leader."

Stamkos is in the final year of a five-year, $37.5 million contract. Both camps have remained tight-lipped as the buzz has grown louder that the Lightning captain's days are numbered in Tampa. Stamkos says the sides are "definitely still talking" and he is not resigned to leaving.

"Absolutely not," Stamkos said. "Not even close. That's why people say, 'I've got a feeling.' I think, speculate, there's so much information out there that's probably false. Like the ones about my parents moving to Tampa (which Stamkos said is not true). That just comes with the territory."

After tallying 43 goals and 72 points last season, Stamkos has 12 goals and 23 points in 33 games this season. The Lightning are 16-14-3 and 23rd in goals per game, partially because of his struggles.

Stamkos says a rumored falling-out with coach Jon Cooper that started in last year's playoffs when he began playing him more on the wing instead of center are not the reasons he hasn't signed.

"That's false too," Stamkos said.

Stamkos mania took center stage last week when he played in his hometown Toronto days after he "liked" a Twitter post that asked whether the Maple Leafs should pursue him. Stamkos since has said it was accidental.

He has not been asked to waive his no-trade clause. "When we cross that bridge, we'll go over it then," Stamkos said.

Stamkos, 25, has 288 goals and 521 points in 525 games. He could become the third player to receive an average annual value of more than $10 million.