NHL Free Agents 2011: 5 Reasons Steven Stamkos Should Be Extended an Offer Sheet

With the focus turning to free agents this week, one surprising restricted agent still hasn't been signed. Steven Stamkos, one of the most talented and hyped young players in the league, still sits on the restricted free agent list. What a surprise after the season he had with the Tampa Bay Lightning.

This could be a golden opportunity for another team to pick him, but why should they?

Come with me as I explore five reasons Steven Stamkos should be extended an offer sheet during this offseason.

No. 5: He's Young

Steven Stamkos is only 21, giving him tons of playing years left.

A team could sign him for a multi-year contract and not worry about him retiring or going past his peak. The only thing a team really has to worry about is injury when signing a guy his age but that's always a risk.

No. 4: He Makes Lines Better

While the Lightning have him on a pretty power-packed line, they can't be given all the credit for his success.

Stamkos is a hard player, leaving everything on the ice and can really push others on his line to keep up with him, making the other players on the ice with him (and even on the bench) work harder. Having a guy with Steven Stamkos' work ethic could do a world of good for a team that needs a little more motivation.

No. 3: He's Injury Free

Other than his first season when he played 79 games, he's held even at 82 the last two seasons (plus 18 in this year's playoffs). He has only been in the league three years, but he's pretty durable and is a guy that you can expect on the ice even if he's hurt.

Add in the fact that he doesn't spend a ton of time in the box (151 PIM during the regular season in his career, with 74 of those last season), and you have a player that a team can definitely get its money's worth from.

No. 2: He Scores in the Playoffs

Steven Stamkos made his first NHL playoffs appearance this year and while he left the playoffs with a minus-5, he did score 13 points and made it to the Conference Finals.

Stamkos also scored one game-winner during the 18 games the Lightning played in the playoffs. Sure his playoff stats could be a little better, but for a first appearance it is pretty good.

No. 1: His Regular Season Stats

In three seasons in the NHL, Stamkos has had a 51-goal season (winning him the Maurice Richard Trophy [an award he shared with Sidney Crosby]) last year and a 45-goal season this year, placing him second overall for scoring in the league.

He also scored his 100th career goal last December before he turned 21 years old, making him only the sixth player in NHL history to do so.

And going back to the young player slide, Stamkos has a lot of time to improve his stats even more, especially as he matures.