Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman said he doesn’t listen to trade rumors. In fact, he said, “I don’t feel I should be in a position to comment on somebody who simply has an idea.”

But Yzerman’s protracted negotiations with Steven Stamkos has spawned, at various times, speculation, even among mainstream media, the All-Star center’s rights could be dealt.

The Maple Leafs and Flyers have been the most mentioned, though both Toronto GM Brian Burke (in the Cape Breton Post) and Flyers GM Paul Holmgren (in the Courier-Post of Southern New Jersey) recently said they have no plans to make a pitch, and Yzerman said Sunday he has not been approached and there have been no discussions.

“I talk to general managers on a daily basis and get asked a lot, ‘How are you making out?’ But that’s about all,” Yzerman said.

Has anyone come up with a proposal? “Absolutely not. I’m not interested in discussing a possible trade. I’m committed to re-signing Steven.”

Has anyone said they would be interested if negotiations broke down? “They don’t have to say that," he said, laughing. "Every team is interested in Steven Stamkos.”

Bottom line? “I’m confident,” Yzerman said, “we will reach an agreement.”