Stamkos, Steven

Jon Jordan is reporting on his blog that Steve Stamkos has signed an entry level contract for the rookie max of $850k per year along with up to $2.4 million in potential bonuses. The club has called a 5:00 PM (ET) press conference tomorrow to announce the signing from the Prospects Camp at Bear Mountain Resort in Victoria, B.C.

Erik Erlendsson of the Tribune reports that Stamkos will make the base rookie max salary of $875k per year and upwards of $2.85M in bonuses.

At today's season ticket holders event, the Times got a shot of Stamkos sporting his new jersey and number. As expected, he's going with #91, which he wore for Sarnia in junior. Get yours soon, because they'll be going fast.

Three Lightning draft picks - tied for the second most of any NHL team after the New York Islanders - are listed on Hockey Canada's invitation list for Canada's World Junior Championship Team Development Camp July 25-29 in Ottawa. The 2009 WJCs will be begin December 28 in Ottawa.

Representing the Lightning will be WJC gold medal holder and 2008 first round pick Steven Stamkos, 2007 second rounder Dana Tyrell, and 2008 fifth rounder and reigning Memorial Cup MVP, goaltender Dustin Tokarski.

If Stamkos makes the Lightning as expected, it is highly unlikely he'll participate in the tournament - which he should be a lock to make. Tyrell represented Canada in the Summit Series last summer, but did not end up on Canada's WJC club last winter. He should be considered a favorite to make the team because of his combination of work ethic, skill, and the fact he can play a variety of positions and roles. Finally, Tokarski is one of four goalies (three from the WHL) in camp. He joins Nashville first rounder (2008) Chet Pickard, St. Louis second rounder (2008) Jake Allen, and San Jose seventh rounder (2007) Tyson Sexsmith.

The New York Islanders have the most representatives in the 45-player camp with 5.

Canada's Full Camp Roster