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Steven Stamkos Writes Emotional Letter About Departure from Lightning
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    Steven Stamkos Writes Emotional Letter About Departure from Lightning

    “I never thought I’d have to do one of these.”

    — Steven Stamkos, The Players’ Tribune

    The former Tampa Bay Lightning captain and newest member of the Nashville Predators took to The Players’ Tribune to reflect on his Florida tenure, which came to end earlier this month in free agency.

    “These past few weeks have been bittersweet,” Stamkos wrote. “I never thought this day would come. I did everything I felt I could do to make it work, but sometimes things just happen. It didn’t work. And I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t heartbreaking. But my family and I, we’re human, you know? Tampa is home. It’s where our three kids were born … it’s where our memories are. It’s always going to mean so much to us.”

    The expectations were high for the Markham, Ontario, native after being drafted first overall in 2008, but Stamkos praised the organization support in the transition from Sarnia in the OHL to the pros.

    “When I got down to Tampa … I was nervous. The very first time I walked into the rink … I couldn’t believe it: There were hundreds of employees lined up all the way down the hall, clapping for me as I walked by,” Stamkos wrote. “I’ll always remember how that made me feel, how welcome I felt. That’s really stuck with me. I felt connected to the organization right away. And that connection never left me.”

    And Stamkos felt the need to repay the favour.

    It would take some time, but 12 years later the Stamkos-led squad hoisted the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years, in 2020 and 2021 — and it was worth the wait.

    “When I raised the Cup over my head…,” Stamkos wrote. “I felt this relief. Like I can’t even explain. All the stress, the tension, the anxiety I had been carrying for so long, it just went away.”

    Stamkos joined Vincent Lecavalier by suiting up for more than 1,000 games with Tampa when he hit the milestone at the end of 2023. Stamkos played 1,082 games, tallied 555 goals and 1,137 points — franchise records — and he sits only six behind Marty St. Louis’ career assists record, with 582.

    “I wish this last season had ended differently, but I’ll remember those good times for as long as I live,” Stamkos wrote. “It has been the honor of my life to represent this team, and to be your captain.”

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    Stamkos says break up with Lightning ‘puzzling and strange’

    After spending over a decade with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Steven Stamkos has announced his departure from the team in an emotional letter to fans. The star forward, who has been with the Lightning since being drafted first overall in 2008, expressed his gratitude for the support and love he has received from the organization and its fans throughout his career.

    In his letter, Stamkos reflected on his time with the Lightning, highlighting the many memorable moments and accomplishments he has experienced with the team. He thanked his teammates, coaches, and staff for their unwavering support and dedication, and expressed his love for the city of Tampa Bay and its passionate fan base.

    Stamkos also addressed the difficult decision to leave the Lightning, acknowledging that it was not an easy choice to make. He explained that he felt it was time for a new chapter in his career and that he was excited for the opportunity to continue playing at a high level with a new team.

    Throughout his letter, Stamkos remained humble and grateful for the opportunities he has had with the Lightning, expressing his deep appreciation for the organization and its fans. He made it clear that his departure was not a reflection of any negative feelings towards the team, but rather a decision made with careful consideration and respect for both himself and the Lightning.

    As Stamkos prepares to embark on a new journey with a different team, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and dedication that will not be forgotten by Lightning fans. His emotional letter serves as a reminder of the impact he has had on the organization and its supporters, and his departure marks the end of an era for Tampa Bay hockey.

    In closing, Stamkos expressed his hope that Lightning fans will continue to support him in his future endeavors, and thanked them for their unwavering loyalty and passion. His departure may be bittersweet, but it is clear that his time with the Lightning will always hold a special place in his heart.