Lightning slap Stamkos in the face again today with announcement of Hedman signing

Yesterday, the Tampa Bay Lightning absolutely shocked the hockey world by walking away from captain and 16 year Lightning veteran Steven Stamkos.

The Lightning reportedly offered Stamkos just $3 million a season on a four year deal before he left as a free agent and was snapped up by the Nashville Predators for a tidy $8 million a season on a four year deal. Interestingly enough, earlier today the Lighning announced an identical contract extension for Stamkos' long time teammate Victor Hedman.

That's right, the Lightning have inked Hedman to an identical four year, $32 million deal.

Great deal for Hedman and the Lightning but... 

Can you imagine what Stamkos is thinking right now?

Not only did he receive a lowball offer from the team that he has given his entire career to, but the very next day he sees the team pay his longtime teammate exactly what he was seeking himself. Really lets you know your place in the grand scheme of things.

Needless to say, Lightning fans have mixed reactions to today's news. Obviously, fans are happy to have Hedman locked up for the rest of his career, but he should be playing alongside Stamkos to finish up two stellar careers in Tampa.